"What's there to do in Downtown Denver?"

If you've ever been asked by out-of-town visitors, friends, or fellow Denverites, "what should I do in Downtown Denver?" consider yourself in the right place. We gathered a far from exhaustive list of downtown recommendations to get your adventure started.

Here's how we'd spend a day:

Start with a good breakfast

Denver takes breakfast seriously, and downtown is no exception. A few staples to get you started: OneFold, Urban Egg, Snooze A.M. Eatery, and Olive & Finch at the Arts Complex. Pro tip: you're at 5,280 feet. Drink water before the mimosas.

Explore the city like you live here

Once you're fueled up, the best thing you can do is get out and about. Start at Denver Union Station, say hi to Howdy Trouty (the oversized trout sculpture that's become a local icon), and head up 16th Street. We have a downloadable Art Map that names the public artwork and artists along the corridor. Use the map to turn your stroll into something more.

If you have time, Historic Denver runs a self-guided Clocktower Tour from 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. with incredible views. On the move? Swing by the Colorado Convention Center for a photo with the Big Blue Bear (officially titled "I See What You Mean"), one of the most photographed spots in the city at 40 feet tall.

Plus, if you are in need of any retail therapy, Larimer Square and Market Station have vendors that can satisfy anything you're looking for, from chic clothes to trinkets, books, and outdoor gear.

Get some history with your happy hour

A stop at Wynkoop Brewing is non-negotiable for any beer enthusiast. It opened in 1988 as Colorado's first brewpub, order something local and ask your bartender about the neighborhood.

For something with a view, Populus Rooftop and 54Thirty are hard to beat at golden hour. And if your group is hungry but can't agree on what to eat, Schoolyard Beergarden is a food hall set besides Civic Center Park with plenty of outdoor seating and fun activations.

End the night well

Denver was recently named one of the best nightlife cities in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, and the live music scene is a big reason why. If that's your speed, Call Me Pearl and The Study have free live music on Fridays. Rather cheer on your favorite team? McGregor Square likely has a game on their big screen and always has good energy for a later evening out. If you're looking to get into Western spirit, check out downtown's Western Dance Halls like Broken Bow and Belles & Boots. And don't overlook the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts Broadway tours, Tony-winning theatre, acting classes, and spectacular events year-round.

For a longer list of what's going on after dark, check out our guide to 10 fun things to do in Downtown Denver at night.

You can thank us later the next time you're poised with the question of what to do in Downtown Denver.