good food:
City O' City - A vegetarian restaurant serving up killer dishes, like kimchi pancakes or "chicken" and waffles. Open super late!
Jelly Cafe - The best breakfast in Denver, no contest. Try a cinnamon roll pancake or breakfast burrito during your visit!
5280 Burger Bar - A dang good burger in downtown with delicious fries and house made ice cream for dessert!
Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey - Love street tacos and a margaritas? You'll love this fun spot in the Capitol Hill neighborhood a few blocks from the hostel!
Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar- Treat yo'self to a date night with authentic Cuban food, AMAZING mojitos, flan, and a super fun atmosphere. Only four blocks from the hostel!
Stoney's Bar & Grill - Right behind the hostel, and a quintessential sports bar. Catch a game, chow down on super big appetizers, and have a great time at this community spot.
Denver Pizza Co. - Take out only, this pizza joint three blocks from the hostel is easily the best in town. Pick up a pizza and chill at the hostel!
Melitas Greek Cafe - A delicious spot for breakfast or lunch serving authentic Greek food and delicious American Breakfast.
amazing museums
Denver Art Museum: One block away from the hostel, this world-renowned museum is home to fantastic architecture and a really amazing collection of artwork.
Clyfford Still Museum: A Denver hidden gem, this contemporary art museum is located right behind the Denver Art Museum, only takes an hour to get through, and will leave you thinking: "Whoa. This is amazing."
Denver Museum of Nature & Science - A personal favorite of ours, the museum sits in the iconic City Park, and boasts a massive rock collection, a cools space exhibit, and a pretty fun exploration through prehistoric times when dinosaurs ruled the land.
Denver Botanic Gardens - Do not miss this gorgeous property with an insane greenhouse.
free stuff
Union Station - home to a few great restaurants and businesses, Denver's Union Station was fully renovated in from 2012-2014. Make a visit to the Terminal Bar and request to play a free game of shuffle board in the iconic train terminal, and maybe get a drink or two.
First Saturday - Many of the cultural institutions in Denver have a "free first Saturday" to promote visiting their sites!
State Capitol Tour - On weekdays you can explore the gold dome-topped building with a free guided tour, and be rewarded with the best view of Denver from the building's dome. Learn more.
Denver Free Walking Tours - Operating 6-days a week at 10 a.m., and meeting at the State Capitol, don't miss the opportunity to see the city in a new way!
great coffee
Eiskaffee Co. - Located right in the hostel lobby, enjoy house made waffle cones and this classic German ice cream coffee drink without even changing out of your pajamas.
Metropolis Coffee - Three blocks from the hostel and perfect for chill hangs. This cafe feels very New York in a Denver sort of way.
Hudson Hill - Enjoy coffee or cocktails at this day-to-night establishment, and home to the best grilled cheese you will ever have. Don't know what you want? The baristas will make you a craft beverage based on your tastes.
Amethyst Coffee Co - Right across the street from the hostel, this bright, local shop serves craft coffee alongside social activism.
Roostercat - Open Late! Roostercat has freaky fast wifi, is only a block from the hostel, and has good vibes.
the outdoors
Red Rocks: An icon for a reason, catch a show at this incredible venue with the city sparkling on the horizon, or visit during the day when free yoga and athletic classes take place. Or, just run the stairs.
Chautauqua State Park - Located in Boulder, Colorado, this beautiful state park nestled in the Flat Iron foothills has an abundance of trails for all skill types. After a visit, hit up the Dushanbe Tea House for a really unforgettable experience.
Ride the Cherry Creek Trail - The best way to see Denver, hands down. Rent a bike from Evo (just two blocks away) or an electric scooter, and cruise down the Cherry Creek Trail around Denver.
Cheesman Park - This former cemetery turned park (spooky, right?) has some of the best mountain views Denver has to offer and is an urban oasis in the city. Like a super tiny central park where you can sip a beer and enjoy the evening.