Anna’s guidebook
Activities
Book in advance tickets could be sold out for certain dates and tickets start at 50$.
272 locals recommend
Meow Wolf Denver
1338 1st StBook in advance tickets could be sold out for certain dates and tickets start at 50$.
Has a lot of great places to shop at and eat where you can find home made stuff from small business owners.
591 locals recommend
Pearl Street Mall
1303 Pearl StreetHas a lot of great places to shop at and eat where you can find home made stuff from small business owners.
Has Paddle Board, Kayak, and Canoe rentals. You can check online for their rates usually 40$ or more for two hours.
38 locals recommend
Aurora Reservoir
Has Paddle Board, Kayak, and Canoe rentals. You can check online for their rates usually 40$ or more for two hours.
This is not an easy hike but definitely an experience you don't want to miss out on if you enjoy a hiking challenge. I recommend bringing a camel bag or some sort of water back pack along with snacks and electrolytes.
228 locals recommend
The Incline
The InclineThis is not an easy hike but definitely an experience you don't want to miss out on if you enjoy a hiking challenge. I recommend bringing a camel bag or some sort of water back pack along with snacks and electrolytes.
During the summer this place is blooming with beautiful flowers. Great if you are looking for a place to take pictures.
Botanical Designs
10515 East 40th AvenueDuring the summer this place is blooming with beautiful flowers. Great if you are looking for a place to take pictures.
Another great place for paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals. Driving to Boulder can be a 30-50 minute drive depending on traffic hours but I highly recommend making a whole day trip out of it.
100 locals recommend
Boulder Reservoir
5100 51st StAnother great place for paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals. Driving to Boulder can be a 30-50 minute drive depending on traffic hours but I highly recommend making a whole day trip out of it.
Whether you are looking for a place to hike or go to a show Red Rocks Views are amazing and is only 15 minutes away. You can check on their website or AXS for shows available. This is one of Colorado's Best Venue do keep an eye out during Aug-Feb the weather could be really cold or it can rain. Be prepared for a hike up there and during shows it can be hard to find parking. Carpool is the better option after a show uber and lyft could cost you 300$ minimum.
1973 locals recommend
Red Rocks amphitheater
18300 West Alameda ParkwayWhether you are looking for a place to hike or go to a show Red Rocks Views are amazing and is only 15 minutes away. You can check on their website or AXS for shows available. This is one of Colorado's Best Venue do keep an eye out during Aug-Feb the weather could be really cold or it can rain. Be prepared for a hike up there and during shows it can be hard to find parking. Carpool is the better option after a show uber and lyft could cost you 300$ minimum.
Denver Premium Outlets
13801 Grant StCherry Creek Shopping Center
3000 E 1st Ave
Cheesman Park
Denver Cat Company
3929 Tennyson StCat Cafe
Check online for better or discounted prices. I would plan an entire day here if you are coming on the weekends.
535 locals recommend
Elitch Gardens
2000 Elitch CirCheck online for better or discounted prices. I would plan an entire day here if you are coming on the weekends.
Downtown Aquarium
700 Water StIf you come during the Winter they will do Zoo Lights where you can check out cool light shows while walking around the Zoo just make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.
884 locals recommend
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele StIf you come during the Winter they will do Zoo Lights where you can check out cool light shows while walking around the Zoo just make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.
Food scene
This is a great place to eat that is close to our Airbnb for one of the most authentic Mexican food. I recommend the tacos, tortas, and margaritas.
44 locals recommend
Los Carboncitos
3757 N Pecos StThis is a great place to eat that is close to our Airbnb for one of the most authentic Mexican food. I recommend the tacos, tortas, and margaritas.
Great all you can eat restaurant with good quality fish. They are busy on the weekends I would give them a call to check out the wait time. I recommend trying the grilled salmon collar, specials rolls, and their seared nigiris.
Sushi Totoro
4243 South Buckley RoadGreat all you can eat restaurant with good quality fish. They are busy on the weekends I would give them a call to check out the wait time. I recommend trying the grilled salmon collar, specials rolls, and their seared nigiris.
Another great sushi all you can eat place you can check out. They are also very busy on the weekends check out their waitlist and during dinnertime expect a 30 to 50 minute wait.
29 locals recommend
Sushi Katsu
2222 S Havana StAnother great sushi all you can eat place you can check out. They are also very busy on the weekends check out their waitlist and during dinnertime expect a 30 to 50 minute wait.
I recommend their oxtail stew with fufu, but when asked about spice levels be careful because their food is really spicy to people without spice tolerant.
15 locals recommend
African Grill and Bar
18601 Green Valley Ranch BlvdI recommend their oxtail stew with fufu, but when asked about spice levels be careful because their food is really spicy to people without spice tolerant.
If you are looking for a high end sushi place I highly recommend getting the Fatty Tuna Nigiris, Alaskan Salmon, Uni, and everything else you are comfortable with. They are also very busy on the weekends so call ahead for reservations.
328 locals recommend
Sushi Den
1487 S Pearl StIf you are looking for a high end sushi place I highly recommend getting the Fatty Tuna Nigiris, Alaskan Salmon, Uni, and everything else you are comfortable with. They are also very busy on the weekends so call ahead for reservations.
If you enjoy Korean style barbecue I recommend this place if you are looking for an elevated experience with higher quality meats.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
1998 18th StreetIf you enjoy Korean style barbecue I recommend this place if you are looking for an elevated experience with higher quality meats.
All you can eat Korean BBQ they have great sides and entrees if you want to try other Korean Food but they are on the pricier side for an all you can eat place where dinner is 40$ per person.
42 locals recommend
DAE GEE KOREAN BBQ
460 BroadwayAll you can eat Korean BBQ they have great sides and entrees if you want to try other Korean Food but they are on the pricier side for an all you can eat place where dinner is 40$ per person.
Mr. Kim has better pricing and selection when it comes to An All You Can Eat Place if you want your moneys worth. The only thing is its located in Aurora. There is also hardly any wait time since the place is huge, so its a great place if you have a party of 6 or more.
Mr. Kim Korean BBQ Restaurant
12201 E Mississippi AveMr. Kim has better pricing and selection when it comes to An All You Can Eat Place if you want your moneys worth. The only thing is its located in Aurora. There is also hardly any wait time since the place is huge, so its a great place if you have a party of 6 or more.
Amazing place for drinks and if you like having multiple food options in a food court style place. They have Ethiopian food, Mediterranean Food, Poke, Sliders, Pizza, Mac and Cheese, and Ice-cream.
148 locals recommend
Edgewater Public Market
5505 W 20th AveAmazing place for drinks and if you like having multiple food options in a food court style place. They have Ethiopian food, Mediterranean Food, Poke, Sliders, Pizza, Mac and Cheese, and Ice-cream.
All You Can Eat Hot Pot is a place where you cook your own food starting with choosing your own broth, proteins (meat and seafood), Carbs (noodles or rice), and Vegetables. They also have a sauce bar where you make your own sauce of choice.
Old Town Hot Pot
2852 South Havana StreetAll You Can Eat Hot Pot is a place where you cook your own food starting with choosing your own broth, proteins (meat and seafood), Carbs (noodles or rice), and Vegetables. They also have a sauce bar where you make your own sauce of choice.
A mom and pops style restaurant that has the best Ramen, Udon, Poke, and Japanese Food. The food is amazing if you are looking for more authentic Japanese food that is not over priced. A personal favorite of mine would be the spicy miso beef ramen.
8 locals recommend
Kiki's Japanese Casual Dining
2440 S Colorado BlvdA mom and pops style restaurant that has the best Ramen, Udon, Poke, and Japanese Food. The food is amazing if you are looking for more authentic Japanese food that is not over priced. A personal favorite of mine would be the spicy miso beef ramen.
If you don't want to wait for Snooze than Ruperts is perfect! Portion size is filling and not overly priced. Their corned hashed beef is one of the best ones I've had and they also have flavored mimosas by the glass or bottle.
110 locals recommend
Rupert's at the Edge
2045 Sheridan BoulevardIf you don't want to wait for Snooze than Ruperts is perfect! Portion size is filling and not overly priced. Their corned hashed beef is one of the best ones I've had and they also have flavored mimosas by the glass or bottle.
Best Ice Cream Flavors are available here. They also offer Vegan /Diary Free options. They have gelatos, sorbets, palates, crepes, sundaes, waffles, and milkshakes. Their large selection of flavors is also amazing anywhere from lychee, avocado, pineapple, mango chamoy, and chai latte.
Heaven Creamery RiNo
2935 Larimer StreetBest Ice Cream Flavors are available here. They also offer Vegan /Diary Free options. They have gelatos, sorbets, palates, crepes, sundaes, waffles, and milkshakes. Their large selection of flavors is also amazing anywhere from lychee, avocado, pineapple, mango chamoy, and chai latte.
Mochinut
2222 South Havana StreetKorean corndogs, Boba, and Mochi Donuts.
Many kinds of desserts starting with shaved ice with coconut and mango, drinks, and fresh chocolate filled pastries.
SNOWL
1930 S Havana StMany kinds of desserts starting with shaved ice with coconut and mango, drinks, and fresh chocolate filled pastries.
Small hole in the wall mom and pops place if you are looking for authentic spicy and flavored Thai food then this is the place. They do get very busy and sometimes during the weekend take out could take 30 minutes.
124 locals recommend
US THAI CAFE
5228 W 25th AveSmall hole in the wall mom and pops place if you are looking for authentic spicy and flavored Thai food then this is the place. They do get very busy and sometimes during the weekend take out could take 30 minutes.
Another worthy place for Thai Food! All of their curries here are amazing and don't be afraid to try other foods there as well.
11 locals recommend
Wild Ginger
399 W Littleton BlvdAnother worthy place for Thai Food! All of their curries here are amazing and don't be afraid to try other foods there as well.
Only 5 minutes away this is another restaurant that in Belmar that I can really say is worth eating. Their Nan bread, curries, and drinks are amazing.
88 locals recommend
Sloan's Lake Park
1700 N Sheridan BlvdOnly 5 minutes away this is another restaurant that in Belmar that I can really say is worth eating. Their Nan bread, curries, and drinks are amazing.
There are at least 7 Pho Restaurants on Federal but this place never disappoints and you'd be shock by how much they give you in a portion. The Pho broth is the closets you'll get to home cook. Overall the price is worth it.
41 locals recommend
Phở 95 Vietnamese Restaurant
1401 S Federal BlvdThere are at least 7 Pho Restaurants on Federal but this place never disappoints and you'd be shock by how much they give you in a portion. The Pho broth is the closets you'll get to home cook. Overall the price is worth it.
If you've never had Dim Sum then this is definitely an experience you won't want to miss out on. Hot steam carts full of food will be pushed around to your table with variety of selections. You can also get Stir Fried Lobster or a Large fried fish here. On the weekends during lunch it will be extremely busy but you can go inside and join a wait list.
48 locals recommend
Star Kitchen
2917 W Mississippi AveIf you've never had Dim Sum then this is definitely an experience you won't want to miss out on. Hot steam carts full of food will be pushed around to your table with variety of selections. You can also get Stir Fried Lobster or a Large fried fish here. On the weekends during lunch it will be extremely busy but you can go inside and join a wait list.
Quick grab and go bakery with Vietnamese pastries (banh mi), sugar cane drinks, etc
6 locals recommend
New Saigon Bakery and Deli
640 S Federal BlvdQuick grab and go bakery with Vietnamese pastries (banh mi), sugar cane drinks, etc
Adult Activities
ViewHouse Ballpark
2015 Market StA great place to get drinks with amazing views at the top.
Often times they will host an after party here for Red Rocks Shows or have a DJ come you can buy tickets there. This is one of Denver's "nicer" clubs but it can get really crowded depending on which DJ is playing.
29 locals recommend
Temple Nightclub Denver
1136 BroadwayOften times they will host an after party here for Red Rocks Shows or have a DJ come you can buy tickets there. This is one of Denver's "nicer" clubs but it can get really crowded depending on which DJ is playing.
You can buy a bottle or glass while you sip and paint check out their website or give them a call for bookings.
Whimsy Paint and Sip Art Studio
14676 Delaware StreetYou can buy a bottle or glass while you sip and paint check out their website or give them a call for bookings.
Great places for drinks and elevated fusion Thai Food. The inside is beautiful and the food is worth the price. They also do free desert for you birthday!
12 locals recommend
Daughter Thai Kitchen & Bar
1700 Platte StGreat places for drinks and elevated fusion Thai Food. The inside is beautiful and the food is worth the price. They also do free desert for you birthday!
Thank Sool
2222 South Havana StreetKorean Pub style place for late night eats while drinking with your friends
Băo Brewhouse
1317 14th StreetAsian Fusion Food and Bar
Elevated Cuisine where you can get wagyu on a hot stone or udon carbonara with uni. They also have great drinks and the inside is very beautiful.
37 locals recommend
Mizu Izakaya
1560 Boulder StElevated Cuisine where you can get wagyu on a hot stone or udon carbonara with uni. They also have great drinks and the inside is very beautiful.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Traffic
Mon-Friday the most busiest time to get around on I-25 is 7am-10am and 4-6pm. Expect to drive 20min to your destinations when taking the highway and freeway. On the weekends the traffic starts to pick up around mid afternoon until 7pm.
What to pack
Prepare for Possible Weather
Colorado weather can be very unexpected during August- March always pack a light jacket and heavy jacket during the winter. I recommend bringing snow boots, beanies, hand gloves, scarves, etc.
Ways to save
Parking around Down Town Denver
On weekends it will be tough finding parking on the street but if you do the meters are more cheaper and the parking garages can start with 15$ an hour. There are also areas where you can pay to park which is another "cheaper" option. Do not leave any valuables in your car!
Getting around
Lyft and Uber for Shows
If you are coming for a show at Red Rocks or any other venues know that uber and lyft could cost you $300 or more if you need a ride after the show. Most venues downtown require you to pay 20$ for parking. At Red Rocks you won't have to pay for parking but parking in the lower lots will be easier to get out of after the show and if you are dropping off or picking up they only do this in the lower lots. Expect to hike up to the entrance for Red Rocks, there are 4 entrances and exits depending which lot you park in but remember where you park. Signal is also very poor up there.
Book before you go
Skiing or Snow Boarding
If you are coming during an event, weekend, or holiday it will be very pack at all ski resorts. Book lessons ahead, come early before rentals are all sold out. Plan to drive early and plan for the weather there is more snow when you are up in the mountains and it could be dangerous to drive if you've never driven in snow.