Design & Dining in the Mile High City: A Weekend Guide to Denver, Colorado

Travel advisor Cheyenne Sabad posing in front of a graffitied brick wall
Curated By

Cheyenne Sabad

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  • USA

  • Colorado

  • Denver

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Arts & Culture

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Curator’s statement

Explore the vibrancy of the Mile High City through a weekend of design and dining. Enjoy unique spaces for arts and culture in downtown Denver ranging from iconic museums of the Golden Triangle Creative District to quaint galleries and neighborhood street art in RiNo. Pull up a chair at one of the many downtown restaurants or bars to experience unique menus with Colorado fresh and local ingredients. With so many options on offer, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a handful!

The Fora Difference

Book with Cheyenne to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

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Kimpton Hotel Born

This stylish urban retreat in Denver's LoDo neighborhood combines comfort with a keen eye for sleek design and elevated gastronomy.

Fora Perks
  • $50 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Welcome amenities.

  • Upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.

The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block

In the downtown LoDo neighborhood, this transformed hotel is part of a micro-community of hip shops and restaurants.

Four Seasons Hotel Denver

Upscale high-rise hotel in the heart of Denver with elegant rooms, spa, outdoor heated pool and fitness center.

Fora Perks
  • When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

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Travel advisor Cheyenne Sabad posing in front of a graffitied brick wall

Unlock perks by contacting Cheyenne to book your trip.

Activities & sightseeing for a glorious Denver weekend

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Clyfford Still Museum: View the unique vision and work of Clyfford Still. Join a tour or take part in a museum-hosted workshop or event.

Denver Art Museum: The unique modern architecture of the DAM isn’t all that’s on offer. Check out an extensive art collection with over 70,000 works and 12 permanent collections.

Denver Botanic Gardens: Take a stroll through the gardens or join a tour. The venue is also a host to art exhibitions and offers docent-led and curatorial staff-led tours at the Freyer-Newman Center gallery.

Places to eat & drink in Denver

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Breakfast & brunch

Denver Biscuit Company: You guessed it, a long list of biscuit breakfast sandwich options, and they’re all scrumptious. The Lola with a side of house-made jam, please!

Hoja: Enjoy Mexican-inspired breakfast staples with a café de olla. Tasty veg-friendly options, too.

Stowaway Kitchen: Unique, globally inspired dishes with cocktails and coffee / tea on offer. Why settle for a Bloody Mary when you can get a Bloody Hell, Mary?

Lunch & dinner

Cart-Driver: Straightforward but well-done menu of wood-fired pizzas, antipasti and oysters.

Dio Mio: Counter-service option for a curated selection of artisanal pasta dishes. It ain't fancy, but it's tasty.

Safta: Lively, charming spot at The Market Hall for Israeli cuisine. Enjoy an array of salatim with warm wood-fired pita, and leave room for dessert.

Ophelias Electric Soapbox: An eclectic self-touted “gastrobrothel” that’s a mix of restaurant, bar and live music venue. Look no further for an entertaining evening (or brunch!).

Somebody People: Inventive vegan eats, tasty enough to satisfy meat-eaters, too. Give it a try!

The Greenwich: Delicious New American food with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Flavorful entrées, unique pizza pies and seasonally inspired cocktails in a family-style setting. Located in the RiNO neighborhood.

Work & Class: An unpretentious option with a philosophy that simple and familiar high-quality ingredients make for delicious dishes. American and Latin American flavors with draft cocktail options. The Massive Attack Salad is a tried-and-true staple.

Libations

Adrift: Lean in to the tiki of it all. Fresh drinks with a tropical island vibe.

Improper City - It's all the things for an easy-going good time – beers on tap, full bar, outdoor patio, games, street art murals and rotating food trucks.

The Wild: Casual modern spot for cocktails (and coffee) near Union Station. Whether you're posted up with a laptop and a latte, or grabbing a pre-dinner drink, both fit the vibe of this venue.

Yacht Club: A dive bar, but refined. Order up a fancy craft cocktail accompanied by a good ol’ hot dog and bag of Classic Lay’s in this laid-back bar.

Need to Know

Looking for more travel tips? Check out my guide to local-inspired Utah itinerary.

Travel advisor Cheyenne Sabad posing in front of a graffitied brick wall

Travel Advisor

Cheyenne Sabad

Get in touch with Cheyenne

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Denver.