Welcome to Denver, the capital of Colorado, affectionately referred to as the “Mile-High City”. Come and discover this dynamic metropolis that harmoniously combines the charm of the American West with innovation and modernity. We’re going to tell you about your upcoming 4-day city trip in the heart of this unique city.
During this four-day city trip, we will take you to discover the best assets of Denver, from its historical sites and artistic wonders to its culinary jewels and unique relaxation spots. Prepare to have an unforgettable experience in a city that never stops reinventing and surprising itself. Welcome to Denver, where every day promises new discoveries and thrilling adventures.
Day 1: Arrival and first impressions
Settling in at The Source Hotel
Your adventure in Denver begins with your afternoon arrival and settling into The Source Hotel, a unique establishment located in the heart of the dynamic RiNo Art District. Born from the transformation of a 1870s iron foundry, this boutique hotel offers 100 rooms bathed in natural light with captivating views of the Rocky Mountains and Denver’s skyline.
The rooms feature Scandinavian and Japanese inspiration, with polished concrete floors, and to find out more, head to our article dedicated to the hotel!
Dinner at The Woods
After settling in and refreshing yourself, head up to the top floor of the hotel to discover The Woods, a rooftop restaurant and bar with stunning mountain views.
Here, you can enjoy dishes inspired by beer and take advantage of more than 20 draft beers, some brewed on site. It’s the ideal place for a relaxed dinner, stress-free, while admiring the sunset over the mountains, marking the perfect start to your stay in Denver.
Day 2: Art, History and Gastronomy
Exploring the Denver Art Museum
Your second day in Denver begins with an immersion in art and culture at the Denver Art Museum. This museum, recognized for its impressive collections, invites you to browse galleries dedicated to various forms of art, ranging from contemporary to ancient art. The building itself is an architectural work of art, combining modern and traditional designs.
With its recently renovated spaces, the museum offers breathtaking views of the city and mountains, while showcasing diverse collections that include Asian art, the art of North America’s indigenous peoples, pre-1900 European and American art, and much more. It’s a content-rich museum that will easily keep you occupied for the morning, if not more!
Historical discovery of the city
The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the history of Denver and Colorado. Start with the Molly Brown House, dedicated to the famous Titanic survivor, Molly Brown, an emblematic figure linked to the history of Colorado. This historic mansion immerses you in the life of this exceptional woman and her connection with Denver… and France!
Continue then with a visit to the History Colorado Center which is a few minutes walk away, a vibrant place designed to awaken the imagination of all ages through interactive and high-tech exhibits, offering a unique perspective on Colorado’s colorful history.
A temporary exhibition on the Winter Warriors, these soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division who fought in Italy in 1945, is exceptional and worth the trip alone.
French Gastronomy at Noisette Restaurant
In the evening, treat yourself to a culinary getaway at the Noisette restaurant, an establishment that celebrates the finesse of French cuisine in the heart of Denver. Here, you can savor refined dishes such as lobster, foie gras, and duck, starting the meal with scrambled eggs or a simple baguette with its butter.
This dinner will be a memorable gastronomic experience, complemented by an impressive selection of wines, thus transporting you into the spirit of a bygone French brasserie.
Day 3: Nature Excursion
Excursion to Rocky Mountain National Park
The third day is dedicated to adventure and discovering the natural wonders of Colorado. You will set off for a full day excursion to Rocky Mountain National Park with Aspire Tours.
This national park, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, offers a landscape of rugged mountains, dense forests, and crystalline alpine lakes (and frozen in winter!). You will have the chance to observe the local wildlife, such as moose, deer, eagles, and, with a bit of luck, black bears. Aspire Tours takes care of everything: comfortable small group transportation, a professional guide, and lunch is included for tours between April 20 and October 31.
Your guide will take you through small historical villages and over alpine passes, offering panoramic views and especially beautiful photo spots. You will have ample time to explore each stop and immerse yourself in the tranquility of these majestic and soothing landscapes.
The park offers hiking opportunities around picturesque subalpine lakes, such as Lily Lake, Sprague Lake, Sheep Lakes and Bear Lake, depending on weather conditions. Allow a full day to fully enjoy your getaway, and certainly do not underestimate the temperature at altitude.
Dinner at Ophelia’s
After a day full of adventures and discoveries, you will return to the warmth of Denver for a well-deserved dinner at Ophelia’s. This unique restaurant offers a completely unexpected culinary and cultural experience.
Spread over two levels and built around an active stage every night, Ophelia’s hosts a variety of events such as culinary competitions, concerts, and films. Dining in this dynamic and creative environment will be the perfect counterpoint to the tranquility of nature, ending your day with energy and joy; the menu evolves daily according to the chef’s inspirations and the food is truly very good.
Day 4: Local Discovery and Relaxation
Denver Museum of Nature and Science & Denver Zoo
Start your fourth and final day with a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, a fascinating place for lovers of natural sciences and history and suitable for the whole family. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, ranging from prehistoric fossils to space exploration.
It is particularly renowned for its realistic animal galleries and its section dedicated to space, offering an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Several temporary exhibitions are offered and stand out for their modernity and their ability to captivate the audience.
Just next door, the Denver Zoo awaits you for an immersion into the animal world from all over the globe. Considered one of the most beautiful zoos in the United States, it houses a wide variety of animals in carefully designed habitats. Monkeys, big cats or reptiles, both young and old will be satisfied and can discover the history of most of the zoo’s residents.
The area dedicated to elephants is particularly impressive, and the tropical greenhouse is a must-see, offering an experience close to the wild nature.
Beer Microbrew Tour and Dinner at Il Posto
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Denver’s incredible brewing culture with the Beer Microbrew Tour. This tour will take you on a discovery of the city’s best microbreweries, where you can taste a selection of local craft beers. It is undoubtedly the best way to understand why Denver is nicknamed the capital of craft beer.
With its 400 breweries of all sizes, Denver establishes itself as an eldorado for craft beer enthusiasts, but we will return to this soon!
In the evening, head to Il Posto for a refined but not stuffy Italian dinner. This restaurant offers an extensive selection of spirits from around the world, paired with an enticing Italian menu.
Do not miss tasting their bruschettas and squid which are incredible. The products are sublime and shine for their delicate flavor, the dishes follow one another, all as good as each other.
Relaxation at the Oakwell Beer Spa
To conclude your day and your stay in Denver, treat yourself to a unique relaxing experience at the Oakwell Beer Spa. Inspired by Eastern European traditions, this spa combines wellness treatments with the world of beer.
Here, you can relax in a serene setting, moving from the sauna to your private grain-infused jacuzzi, while savoring one of the many beers available within the establishment and enjoying a wide range of beer-based products.
End your stay in Denver on a note of pure well-being by slipping into one of their “Zero Gravity” massage chairs that transport you to another world for a moment.
One of the most pleasant cities in the country?
In concluding this four-day city trip to Denver, we take with us a mosaic of memories and experiences. Denver revealed to us its many facets, ranging from its artistic and historical treasures to its natural splendors, not to mention its culinary delights and unique and timeless moments of relaxation.
Before leaving for your next destination, stop for a Japanese-style brunch at Stowaway Kitchen, which offers a very original homemade cuisine, made up of pastries and Japanese dishes. Puzzling and delicious!
This journey, it was not only an exploration of the city, but also an invitation to appreciate the diversity and richness of urban and natural life that you can enjoy at your own pace. Each day brought its share of discoveries and wonders, affirming Denver as a destination that knows how to captivate and surprise, a city to experience without being overwhelmed.
For those who wish to extend their discovery of Colorado, many more adventures still await. Whether it’s by immersing themselves in the relaxing atmosphere of small mountain towns like Durango, exploring other spectacular national parks, or indulging in outdoor activities, Colorado provides a vast and varied playground to prolong the adventure.
Upon leaving Denver, we retain the image of a vibrant and welcoming city, a crossroads of culture, history, and nature, a place where every visitor can find their own path to discovery, joy, or peace. Denver, with its ability to harmoniously blend tradition and modernity, leaves us with the desire to return, to explore even more of its hidden treasures.