I’m a sucker for a good vibe. I might even call it a personality trait. Give me an immersive, experiential activity over a museum or zoo any day. And after living in Denver for seven years, I’ve built up a pretty long list of recommendations, but these are my current six absolute favorite experiences that I’ve personally done multiple times. I'd say Denver is not known as a "lots of things to do" type of city; most people come here for a concert or the mountains. But try some of my faves below, and maybe you'll be convinced like me that Denver is an undercover city of hidden gems.
1. Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station is probably the most "duh" recommendation on my list since it's already a popular tourist activity — but it earns its spot. This is such a cool brand where the creators have built surreal and interactive installations using upcycled art. There are 70+ rooms across four interconnected worlds with so many details and hidden passageways to explore. We spend hours here every time. Meow Wolf is now on our travel bucket list, with permanent exhibitions in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Denver, Grapevine and Houston, and another opening in Los Angeles in 2026. Half the fun is getting lost in it - and maybe visiting a dispensary beforehand to add a little extra spice to your visit.
2. Casa Bonita
This experience is truly a Denver-only special. The famous pink palace combines Mexican food with cliff divers, elaborate caves, puppet shows, arcade games and an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a bizarre little world of its own. I've had the pleasure of going both before and after its famous renovation. Speaking of, we recommend watching the documentary ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! before you go. The 2024 documentary follows South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone as they work to save and renovate the restaurant, so you get a fun behind-the-scenes perspective that makes walking through Casa Bonita afterward even more entertaining. And I must mention: my favorite part is still the sopapillas. Reservations are required so plan ahead.
3. Go to a Sporting Event
We'll ignore the fact that we were out of town for two recent championship parades. Regretful note aside, Denver is a seriously good sports city and going to any game is a top-tier way to experience the city’s energy. Depending on the season, you can catch the Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Colorado Rapids (MLS), Colorado Mammoth (NLL), or Denver Summit FC (NWSL). If you’re visiting during baseball season, one of our favorite pastimes is grabbing a drink at Coors Field's Rooftop for a pre-game happy hour then snagging budget-friendly Rockpile seats with likely chance to move closer later in the game.
4. First Friday
First Friday is a local classic. The original and most iconic one happens in the Art District on Santa Fe, where hundreds of artists and galleries open their doors on the first Friday of every month. It’s free, casual and social — wander down the streets and see which doors people enter. You'll find entrances in alleyways you didn't even notice. Many food trucks are available as part of First Friday so make it a full night and grab dinner here, too. While Santa Fe is the original, First Friday actually spans many neighborhoods and you can find similar art walks in RiNo, Tennyson Street, Golden Triangle, 40 West Arts, Westwood and other creative districts around Denver. So pick a neighborhood, put on some comfortable shoes and make an evening of it — you really can’t go wrong.
5. Oakwell Beer Spa
This one is definitely the most unique on this list. Note, it is pricier than your average spa day but if it's in your budget, it is something to write home about. You get a private spa suite with an infrared sauna, rain shower and a hydrotherapy tub filled with a beer-inspired bath made with hops, barley and herbs. Don't worry, you’re not literally soaking in a vat of beer. You can, however, sip Colorado craft beer while you soak. Beer spas have roots in European bathing traditions and Oakwell’s founders actually discovered the concept while traveling in Poland before bringing the idea back to Denver. My biggest tip: arrive 30 minutes early so you can enjoy a beer in Oakwell’s taproom before your appointment. We made the mistake of showing up right on time and having to enter our spa room right away. If you do it like us, though, you can access the self-pour taproom during your spa time.
6. Afternoon Tea at The Brown Palace
If you want an excuse to get dressed up and put some fancy pants on, afternoon tea at The Brown Palace is it. The historic hotel has been a Denver landmark since 1892, and afternoon tea is served beneath the iconic stained-glass ceiling of its soaring Grand Atrium. You’ll get the traditional combination of tea, sandwiches, and pastries while feeling like you're sitting somewhere straight out of another era. Full disclosure: this actually isn’t my favorite afternoon tea in Denver (Babe's Tea Room is the current winner for food and value) but I always recommend The Brown Palace because it's still a great experience and vibes are 20/10.
I hope you try at least one attraction on this list!