What Are the Top 5 Must-see Attractions in Denver?

Located in the Rocky Mountains and named after James W. Denver, the city of Denver, Colorado is the cultural, economic, and political hub of the Front Range of the mountain region. It has become a popular tourist destination for its cultural attractions, as well as its exquisite natural beauty.

If you’ve ever been to Denver and are returning, or if you are planning a visit for the first time and want to make the most of it, here are the top five must-see attractions in Denver.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Nestled up into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses stunningly spectacular alpine meadows, mountain tundra, and various rugged peaks that, when put together, will take your breath away. This beauty is a manageable day trip from Denver, with many excellent short-term hikes suitable for people of all ages.

The most popular and accessible attraction within the park is “The Loch” – a pristine mountain lake and valley of jagged peaks. Here you can easily spend a whole day traversing acres of unspoiled nature, admiring breathtaking views as you pause for lunch on the shore. If you want to extend your trip here, camping is also an option.

2. Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in America and is renowned for its education and conservation efforts. This award-winning zoo houses a variety of exotic animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, polar bears, hippos, and gorillas—all of which can be seen from a variety of different vantage points.

There are also aquariums, interactive experiences, and animal shows. The zoo also offers special experiences such as VIP behind-the-scenes walking tours to get a closer look at the animals they house and take part in zookeeper talks.

3. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the most popular institutions in the city, comprising natural history and ecological exhibitions on a large scale. It offers educational programs and interactive demonstrations with a focus on scientific research and development.

Amid the various exhibitions and displays including wildlife, cultural artifacts, fossils, minerals, and more, this museum also houses a planetarium and an IMAX theatre which will take your breath away with its stunning visuals and sound systems.

4. Colorado State Capitol

Commissioned in 1891, our state’s impressive sandstone capitol overlooks downtown Denver from an elevation of one mile above sea level with 78 steps leading up to its main entrance. Inside the capitol it shines with beautiful stained-glass domes, marble flooring and walls inlaid with gold leaf. Take a free tour to learn more about Colorado’s past and present history while admiring stained-glass murals and soaring statues.

5. Union Station

Union Station is one of Denver’s architectural icons—an impressive 1914-built beaux arts structure whose magnificence extends through its magnificent grand hall alive with color, relief sculptures and grand staircases.

In 2012 it underwent a massive restoration project which awarded it with a new life where travelers can now enjoy boutique stores with apparel and souvenirs that bring together familiarity with an unseemly modern twist.. But this is not all – Union Station is home to numerous restaurants with diverse cuisine from top chefs who prepare fresh ingredients every day; classic bars with some craft cocktails and live music; various art exhibitions; happy hours; monthly events such as Tunes & Trucks (a food truck event with live music) and Farmers Markets; as well as business centers with unique meeting spaces.

There’s never a dull moment at Union Station; here you’ll find something special every day!

Given its abundance of activities to partake in, there is no doubt as to why these five iconic attractions are must-see locations during any trip to Denver and should be at the top of your list when planning your visit. But if you’re looking for something different or unique, you can consider taking a [Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour SoBo](https://www.viator.com/tours/Denver/Haunted-Denver-Ghost-and-Pub-Walking-Tour-SoBo/d4837-173967P2?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector) which offer a twisty tale full of Denver’s storied past filled with murder, mystery, and controversy in our own backyard. This experience is for those interested in exploring things like haunted hotels and abandoned cemeteries on a chillingly real ghost tour filled with stories of ghostly encounters on one of Denver’s pub walking tours, leading visitors to some of Denver’s oldest pubs located in SoBo (south Broadway). So why not venture beyond the ordinary and get ready for an unforgettable experience like exploring haunted Denver while sitting next to locals enjoying some beer?