I'd like to think Denver, Colorado is a hidden-gem city. For the longest time in my life, Denver was just a temporary stop on a trip elsewhere: from layovers to driving through to a ski resort... If you're ever lucky enough to plan a trip out there, ...
Map
Sections
4
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
What to Pack
Morning
The cheapest way to get into the city from the airport is by Denver's Light Rail! Just $10 each way, it will take you to Denver Union Station, AKA your first stop of the day.
The ride from the airport is 37 minutes and has 6 stops in between the airport and Union Station. You can buy tickets using the RTD MyRide app OR at rail line platforms at ticket vending machines.
Denver Airport Train & Light Rail
Start your day off at Denver Union Station for some great coffee! I'd highly recommend getting the iced lavender oatmilk latte at Pigtrain Coffee Company. Plus, snap a photo with the iconic sign out front (use a low angle to manage)!
Appreciate the classic architecture in the heart of Denver's old town. The surrounding area is dotted with cute restaurants and shops that will keep you busy for hours.
While you're exploring, keep an eye out for Denver's firetrucks–they're the only white firetrucks in the U.S.!
Cost: ~$32 for some nice coffee and brunch
Denver Union Station
Snag some coffee from Pigtrain Coffee Co.! You might have read about this place from my description of Denver Union Station, but it's got some great options for a pick me up before you start your day!
Cost: ~$8 for some nice coffee
Pigtrain Coffee Co.
The Denver Botanic Gardens are such a delight and MASSIVE!
The Gardens include: a cactus/succulent house, a Japanese garden, a Lilac garden, and so much more. I would recommend checking out a map and planning out what you want to see.
I'd also recommend visiting the gardens in spring when they see more growth and avoiding them in the winter!
Cost: $15.75 adult admission
Denver Botanic Gardens - York Street Location
Afternoon
The last time I stayed in Colorado I opted to rent directly from Espadín LoHi. Their properties are well-equipped for anyone doing a long term stay (as they do month-to-month rentals) which makes it a perfect place to cook, do work, etc.
Plus if you rent directly from their site, you'll get a cheaper price than AirBnb!
Cost: $300+/night
Check in at your Espadín Lo Hi Rental
I absolutely love going to Meow Wolf locations!! I've been to the Denver one twice now.
I'd highly recommend getting the “QPASS” card when you're there. It turns a cool art experience into something much more immersive--like a scavenger hunt throughout the building. They sell these cards for $5 at the desk, but will also give it to you ...
Plan 1 hour here if you aren't doing the immersive scavenger hunt, 2-4 hours if you decide to do it! If you want it to go faster, talk to the employees that roam around the exhibit. They love helping you solve the puzzle and find easter eggs. :)
Oh! And stop by the merch section of the museum. They have the COOLEST merch and art there for purchase!
Cost: $50+ for your ticket
Meow Wolf Denver - Convergence Station (Immersive Art Museum)
Some of the merch at Meow Wolf comes from the artist Killer Acid. If you want more options than what they have at their merch shop, check out their online store!
Killer Acid (Meow Wolf Merch)
Okay, so you might be thinking… why visit another coffee shop while I'm in Denver? Well listen closely, this place has COFFEE FLIGHTS!! Yes, you heard me correctly. For anyone who is a coffee aficionado, go here and treat yourself to a whole flight a...
Cost: $25 before tip (last time I checked)
Grounds for Dismissal Coffee (Coffee Flights!)
Evening
This pasta made me cry.
Do yourself a favor and swing by here during dinner hours. You won't regret it.
Some favorites on the menu included the Cacio e Pepe (a classic) and the Ricotta Ravioli!
Cost: ~$50 before tip for a split appetizer, main dish, and cocktail
Coperta Denver - Italian Food
What to Pack
This dress is literally my dream dress. With pockets and a tie in the back to really get your waist present in your silohuette, this dress is perfect for anyone trying to curate that easy-breezy cottage-core vibe.
This dress would be perfect for some cute photos in the Denver Botanic Gardens!!
Perri Linen Drop-Waist Mini Dress
I'm obsessed with this cardigan and use it for so many different things!! It's long and thick, so it's a replacement for if you don't want to go full jacket-mode but still want to keep warm.
I love the easy, laid-back energy it gives off and of course, I love having extra pockets!! The camo colorway is kind of a grey/jean ish color that I think is really easy to pair with the rest of your closet!
We The Free Dreamy Blue Cardigan
I love the silhouette of AF1s. It's so classic and easy to dress up or down. Since you'll be doing a lot of walking in this itinerary, I would highly recommend packing AF1s or some other walking-friendly shoe… especially if you plan on doing Meow Wol...