If you have an upcoming business trip to Denver then why not make the most of your time in the Mile High city by checking out some of Denver’s must see sights and attractions?
Denver has been named one of the best cities in the US for business travel. As the capital of Colorado, Denver is a progressive city which offers great transport links, affordable accommodation and over 300 days of sunshine a year. Denver is located centrally in North America at the base of the Rocky Mountains which means this energetic city is ideal for those with a love to explore the great outdoors. Whether your business trip to Denver is for one night or many months take a look at our suggestions to get the most out of your visit.
1. Experience Downtown Denver
No business trip to Denver would be complete without some time exploring the vibrant downtown Denver. Start with a stroll down the pretty tree-lined pedestrianised shopping area; 16th Street Mall. Here you’ll find an array of shops, bars and street cafes. Nearby, the LoDo (lower downtown) area is the perfect place to head for after work drinks. You may also pass the historic Larimer Square, lined with Victorian buildings and pretty festoon lights, and the impressive Union Station. Free shuttle buses are available across downtown Denver or you can opt for a more unique experience and ride on a pedicab or even take a horse and a carriage.
2. Stroll through Denver's Botanical Gardens
Denver Botanical Gardens boasts 24 acres of carefully curated parks and gardens. With flora and fauna from all over the world they are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for an hour or two. There are a range of themed gardens to explore including a tropical garden, water gardens and a Japanese inspired area. All are beautifully landscaped and even the most avid of gardeners will spot plants they have never seen before.
3. Watch a concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a venue like no other. Officially opened in 1941 it was designed by architect Burnham Hoyt and is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world. Built amongst ochre sandstone, this stunning venue has a breath-taking backdrop of the Colorado hills. Over the past 80 years this stage has seen some of the biggest names in music perform, including The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Mumford & Sons and Diana Ross to name a few. Check out the schedule of performances here to see if any shows are taking place during your business trip to Denver. They also host Film on the Rocks and have an informative visitor centre worth exploring.
4. Go water rafting on the Arkansas River
The enviable location of Denver is the perfect setting to explore some of Colorado's impressive National Parks. Hiking, skiing, climbing and cycling are all widely available in the surrounding area. One of our favourite activities to do is White water rafting on the impressive Arkansas River. This is by no means a leisurely sightseeing trip but more high energy, adrenaline fuelled action. Brave the rapids and take in the Royal Gorge's natural beauty as you go. This is the perfect activity for any adrenaline junkies and it even makes a great team bonding exercise when on a business trip to Denver – if your team is brave enough!
5. Watch a game
Denver is a sports fans paradise. Whether you enjoy partaking in sports, or are more of a spectator, there will be something for you. Denver is one of the few US cities to have a professional team in all four major sport leagues – football, basketball, baseball and hockey, so whatever the season of your business trip to Denver there should be a pro sport game to watch.
Depending on the time of year you can head to the nostalgic Coors Field to catch the Colorado Rockies baseball team; watch the NFL’s triple super bowl winners Denver Broncos play at the gigantic Empower Field. See the Denver Nuggets hit the basketball court at the Ball Arena, or even check out some high speed puck action on the ice watching the renowned Colorado Avalanche Hockey team.
6. Peruse the art galleries
Denver Art Museum is home to over 70,000 works of art. Housed in two architecturally striking buildings, the collections are from all over the world including a notable range of indigenous native American art. The DAM is a great place to visit when on a business trip to Denver, and a range of special exhibitions and events are held throughout the year. You'll find Denver Art Museum in central Denver close to the Civic Centre Park and the State Capitol building.
7. Take to the water at Dillon Reservoir
Located a mere 60 minute drive from Denver is the stunning Dillon Reservoir. This picturesque fresh water lake has a shoreline of nearly 27 miles and is the perfect place to explore the greater outdoors, if you have a spare day when on a business trip to Denver. Surrounded by striking a alpine backdrop, activities in the area include sailing, fishing, boating, paddle boarding and camping. In the summer the shoreline has a beachy feel and is a great place for a picnic or a dip in the lake. At Dillon Marina you'll find a range of boat tours and trips, as well as kayaks and water toys to hire so you can take to the water.
8. Take a hike or ski in the mountains
Surrounded by striking hills and mountain ranges there are endless opportunities to take to the hills for a hike. Even if you only have a few hours spare during your business trip to Denver you can be at some grand hiking trails in less than 30 minutes. Some of our favourites are Castle Rock Trail, Bear Creek Trail at Lair O the Bear and Echo Lake.
In the winter months the mountains surrounding Denver are transformed into a white snowy paradise and you’ll find an array of notable ski resorts within a couple of hours drive from Denver. You could even take that business meeting to the slopes to thrash out those deals aprés ski!
9. Sample Denver's craft beers
Beer is a big thing in Denver. With a whole host of microbreweries, brewpubs and taverns it would be rude not to sample some of America's (if not the world’s) greatest brews while visiting Denver. Wynkoop Brewing Company was one of the first brewpubs in Denver and still one of the favourites. Denver Beer Co and Denver Chophouse & Brewery are also worth a visit too. Many of the breweries even offer guided tours if you have the time.
Colorado is also home to the biggest brewery in the world; the Coors Brewery. Located only 12 miles from Denver the Coors Brewery produces more than 17 million barrels of beer a year. If you have an hour or two spare during your business trip to Denver the Coors brewery experience will show you the elaborate production process and includes some delicious samples too.
Whether it is your first or twenty-first time planning a business trip to Denver, there's so much on offer to experience in and around the city you'll never get board. For accommodation on your trip SilverDoor Apartments can help you find the perfect corporate serviced apartment in Denver for your visit.
