48 Hours in Denver: a guide from the locals
You might think that a weekend escape to Denver isn’t practical - there’s too much to see and too little time! And while you’re not wrong, you also would miss out on the fun, the food, and the adventure, if you missed out on the thrill of a last-minute trip.
Airlines like Southwest and Frontier are frequently running last-minute sales to Denver, so buy a ticket, hop on that plane, and let’s get to exploring the mile high city!
First up: When you arrive at the airport, take the A-Line train to Union Station. You’ll be greeted with views of the mountains on a relaxing train ride into the city. At Union Station, you can grab breakfast at Snooze (a Colorado original, now found nationwide) or a coffee at PigTrain, then hop on the Free Mall Ride to Civic Center Station.
From there, backpack in tow, walk just a few blocks south to the hostel.
Once you’re checked in, and soaking up the sunshine streaming through our historic windows, it’s time to swap into walking shoes and to get exploring!
For a free adventure - visit the State Capitol for a tour of this iconic structure (tour link details here!). The best part of the tour is the last 10-minutes, where you’re escorted to the gold-topped dome for unmatched views of the city. Trust us: this is the place to be!
Then, head over to Denver Art Museum for an exploration of the exhibits and unique features. Whether modern art or classical painting are your vibe, the DAM has it all and you won’t be disappointed.
Once your tummy is rumbling, pop into Leven Deli just behind the museum for a sandwich or salad. It’s a little bit of a splurge, but the environment and portions are worth it. Save the leftovers in the hostel fridge, then head back out.
For your first night in town you want to explore South Broadway. Whether you’re stopping in on local breweries (like TRVE, or Banded Oak Brewing), the adorable Ti Cafe, or you’re doing some vintage book and clothing shopping, South Broadway is your place. It’s a 10-minute walk from the hostel, and stretches for nearly two miles down the road. There’s so much to see!
Day two will be best started with a breakfast and coffee at Jelly Cafe, our favorite breakfast/brunch spot in Capitol Hill! Before heading downtown for the day, pop into Wax Trax Records if music is your flavor and you love good vibes.
Our favorite way to explore downtown is on a scooter, so hop on one of those bad boys and cruise down 13th Ave to the Cherry Creek Trail. This trail will take you past really cool views, like the Ball Arena and Elitches and into Lower Downtown (or LODO) where tons of historic shops meet towering skyscrapers. Spend the day walking around our city, popping into shops, following your whimsy, sipping a bevvie here and there, and really soaking up the day before you catch a flight again.
What’s your next 48-hour trip going to look like?