13 Fun Things to Do Alone in Denver
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With craft beer houses on nearly every corner, buzzing restaurants, and access to walk-and-bike trails, visiting Denver alone is ideal for travelers. There’s no shortage of things to do alone in Denver, but you’ll also find fellow travelers throughout the city to buddy up with on days you want company.
Denver’s four distinct seasons make it exciting to visit any time of year, whether you’re looking to explore in the colorful fall or snowy winter. You can experience the best of the city in just a few days without renting a car, thanks to Denver’s easy-to-use rail system and rental bikes.
Below, you’ll find 13 of the best things to do solo in Denver. Keep reading to find out why it’s one of the top cities in the U.S. to experience on your own!
Things to Do Alone in Denver
Go on a craft beer tour
Denver is home to more than 100 craft breweries. With a thriving patio scene and pleasant weather, embarking on a craft beer tour is one of the best things to do alone in Denver.
Walk through one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods with the craft beer tour in Lower Downtown (LoDo). Or discover local craft brews and street art in the trendy RiNo neighborhood on the RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour. Both tours include visits to three breweries and 10+ drink samples for about $55-$60 per person.
Get Lost in Meow Wolf Denver
Installations at Meow Wolf immerse you in maximalist, floor-to-ceiling art exhibits. Meow Wolf partners with artists, architects, and creatives to bring you over-the-top exhibitions and events.
With only a few Meow Wolf locations in the United States, it’s one of the most unique things to do alone in Denver.
Meow Wolf has plenty to keep your senses entertained while traveling solo, and they host seasonal events and music shows throughout the year.
Dine at D’Corozan
Dine like a local at D’Corozan Mexican restaurant in central LoDo. With dishes ranging from $12 to $25, it’s a reasonably priced and laid-back restaurant for dining alone in downtown Denver.
Enjoy a strong margarita and delicious Mexican cuisine before bar hopping around LoDo.
Have Coffee at a Local Coffee Shop
Bring a book and disconnect at one of Denver’s cozy coffee houses, like the Weathervane Cafe downtown. This small cafe is ideal if you’re looking for unique lattes, pastries, and vegan options in what feels like your own home.
If you want a more engaging coffee experience while traveling alone, try the seasonal coffee flights at Grounds for Dismissal, located just north of the elegant Cherry Creek neighborhood. The flights are a steal at $25 for a four-coffee flight. If you’ve made a friend on your trip, invite them and split the coffee flight together!
Find Street Art in RiNo
The River North (RiNo) Arts District has become one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. Finding RiNo’s quirky street art and detailed murals is one of the best things to do alone in Denver.
Take a self-led walking tour of the graffiti murals using the RiNo Arts District map as your guide.
You can also pay $30 for a guided, 2-hour art tour through Denver Graffiti Tours. You’ll get thousands of steps in and get inside information on the artwork and artists in the community!
Relax in a Denver Park
A visit to one of Denver’s green spaces is one of the best ways to spend a day checking in with yourself on a sunny day in Denver.
City Park is in the heart of downtown and a great pivot point to other neighborhoods on your itinerary. Bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy while you take in views of the Denver skyline.
Confluence Park sits at the junction of Cherry Creek and the Platte River. You can walk or bike the trails alongside it before relaxing on the grass. In the summer, you’ll find live music and local events at Confluence Park every week. This is our personal fave park to go to here in Denver!
People Watch at Denver Union Station
Union Station is among the most iconic landmarks in Denver and a must-see for solo travelers.
Its impressive architecture and old-world charm offer a beautiful setting for people-watching. An interesting mix of locals and travelers file in and out of the busy station every day.
You can grab a drink or food to go from one of the station’s cafes and people-watch in the main lobby.
Shop at Tattered Cover Book Store
A classic landmark located inside Union Station is the Tattered Cover Book Store. Spending hours perusing shelves and reading with a coffee and bagel is one of the best solo things to do in Denver for book lovers.
The Tattered Cover Book Store dates back to 1971 and is still one of the few independent bookstores in business in Denver today.
Take a Day Trip
Whether you rent a car or not, getting outside the city and day-tripping to one of Colorado’s scenic towns is one of the top things to do alone in Denver.
Take the 40-minute train ride from Union Station to Golden and sit by the river while enjoying a mouth-watering breakfast burrito from Bonfire Burritos. You can make it a quick trip or stay longer to tour the historic mining museums and Golden’s beer trail.
You can also take a 90-minute direct train ride from Denver to charming Fort Collins for the day if you’re willing to make a longer journey.
For a more adventurous day trip, make a reservation to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park. It takes about 90 minutes to get to the park by car.
This is the most beautiful place to visit while you’re visiting Denver alone, but because of how popular it’s become, you will have to reserve a timed entry pass. The scenery and legendary hikes are worth the effort and rental car.
Other day trip options less than a 2-hour drive away from Denver are the Colorado Springs and Boulder areas.
Visit Larimer Square
Larimer Square marks the founding spot of Denver and a bustling area for solo travelers. Explore the pedestrian-only neighborhood on foot, shop at the 16th Street Mall, or find an outdoor patio to relax on a nice day.
Larimer Square is also one of the best areas to spend a night out in Denver. You’ll find speakeasies, bars, and clubs. If you don’t want to imbibe, it’s a great area for people-watching at night, too!
Bike around the Mile High City
If you’re looking for active things to do in Denver, biking around the city offers a unique way to sightsee and exercise on your trip.
There are both standard and electric bikes scattered throughout downtown Denver. You can rent a bike for however long you want using apps like Lime and Lyft. The prices vary by day but typically charge by the amount of time you use it.
One of the best bike trails is the Platte River Trail Loop, which runs through downtown Denver. You can end your route in the RiNo district to wind down with a craft beer after your trek.
Visit the Red Rocks Amphitheater
Whether you’re visiting Denver in the height of summer or winter, there are always events at the Red Rocks Amphitheater that make for the perfect side trip for solo travelers.
Book tickets to a concert and take the shuttle from downtown Denver to the Red Rocks for one of the most unique live music experiences in the U.S. If you’re not interested in seeing a show, you can plan a visit in the summer for yoga on the Red Rocks held every week.
The Red Rocks Amphitheater is open to visitors throughout the week. You can plan your own workout there or sightsee at the venue for the morning. It’s a quick getaway from the city you can enjoy year-round!
Meet friends by staying at Hostel Fish
When you’re traveling alone but want to meet people, staying in a hostel is key. The hostel community always welcomes solo travelers who want to socialize with other explorers from around the world.
Starting a conversation with someone at your hostel can lead to them joining your activities so you have someone to share your travel memories with. Hostel Fish is known for attracting solo travelers, and it’s well-connected to Denver’s main attractions thanks to its location near Union Station.
Final Thoughts: Solo Things to do in Denver
Whether you have a full week or just a weekend to work with, choosing any of our recommendations to do alone in Denver will guarantee you a memorable travel experience.
Now you can see why Denver is one of the best cities in the U.S. to explore on your own. Let us know in the comments how you spent your solo trip to Denver!
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