When you only have three days to explore the Mile High City, you want to make the most of every minute. The good news is that Denver is packed with something for everyone, whether you’re an arts and culture lover, a sports fan, or something in between!

Flying into Denver International Airport, or DEN, starts your trip. From the second you arrive, the city’s hustle and bustle and welcoming atmosphere are evident. Car rental at Denver Airport is a breeze, so grab your wheels, get settled into your hotel, and start the excitement of exploring with this easy, perfect Denver itinerary.

Day One

Your first day in Denver might take some acclimating. The city’s high elevation can be challenging to get used to, especially if you are coming from flatter areas. For that reason, we suggest spending time in the arts and culture scene on Day One.

While you probably won’t see all of the establishments Denver offers to entertain you, the Denver Art Museum is a must-see attraction. Not only does this building, designed to look and feel like a fortress, showcase art from around the world, but it also provides visitors with a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains and the city’s skyline.

Another famous arts and culture attraction is Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station. This experience takes visitors into an immersive world under the streets of the transit station in the multiverse. When you’re done exploring outside of the bounds of Earth, finish your visit with a meal at HELLOFOOD, an oasis of various offerings provided by local Denver vendors.

No matter where you go, you’ll see Denver’s famous murals and street art. The urban landscape is dotted with artwork covering the exteriors of buildings, garage doors, alleyways, and anywhere there’s a potential canvas.

Day Two

Rested and used to the elevation, Day Two brings us outside in Denver’s scenic nature offerings. Check out Confluence Park, where Denver was originally founded in 1858. Its beginnings as a gold mining camp spread into today’s popular bike trails, trolleys, and in-demand neighborhoods.

Not too far up the road is Denver’s largest park, aptly named City Park. Here, water lovers enjoy the aquatic activities on the lakes, while nature explorers visit the mountains and trails that abound in the area. The hiking trail is one mile high, making it the ideal path for trekkers who want to say they were a mile in the area in Mile High City. While you’re at the park, consider adding the Denver Zoo or the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to your itinerary for a fully packed second day!

Day Three

It’s almost time to go home. What will you bring with you? Denver’s downtown area is full of plenty of shopping and restaurants to grab your last-minute souvenirs and sample the city’s famous cuisine. Start by riding the free shuttle bus at 16th Street Mall, which stops at every corner of the diamondback rattlesnake-patterned pathway.

Along the route, you’ll find Denver Union Station, the LoDo (Lower Downtown) Historic District, horse-drawn carriages, and many other attractions. Be sure to give Larimer Square extra attention. Its Victorian buildings and quaint atmosphere make it a Denver favorite for residents and tourists.

Come Back Soon!

No matter how much you packed into your three days in Denver, you didn’t make a dent in what the city has to offer. Just outside the main city limits awaits other treasures, from the mountains to the urban getaways. Add Denver to your “must-visit” list again, and come back soon!