While there’s no dearth of things to do in Denver, if you’re in the mood for a bit of urban exploring the RiNo (River North Art District) and the LoDo (Lower Downtown) areas of this city are a great place to start. If you’re headed out there for a week or a weekend, here’s a handy list of things to do in Denver.
The EXDO
Located in the heart of the RiNo Art District and housed in former industrial warehouses with an urban feel, the EXDO is comprised of an event center and hall that together can house 10,000. What this means for you is there’s always something happening at the EXDO, whether it’s fashion shows, concerts, sports events and all kinds of parties—including monthly roller skating ones!
Gallery Hop
With a tag line that reads “Where Art is Made” it’s no surprise to learn RiNo is an art lovers dream come true. Painters, media artists, photographers, illustrators, art galleries and more call it home. It’s a great place to visit: historic warehouses and factories have been repurposed as working studios, brewpubs, jazz bars and restaurants. Looking for artisanal wine? Small batch coffee roasters? Very cool street art? You need look no further.
Shuttle Around
If you’re in Downtown Denver, visiting the LoDo is easy with the free 16th Street Mall shuttle (dubbed the MallRide). Head down to Larimer Square (more on that below) and the newly renovated Denver Union Station, surrounded by Victorian buildings that now house shops, bars, coffee houses, wine bars and restaurants. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions around here, nicely balancing out the high-end financial, real estate and start-up concerns that bring in the businesspeople.
16th Street Mall
This mile-long, pedestrian-friendly mall was designed by famed architect I. M. Pei—as with all of Pei’s projects, this one has a special twist: it’s made of red, white and gray granite in a repeating patter that looks like the skin of a diamondback rattlesnake when seen from above. The free MallRide buses stop at every corner, and visitors and locals can jump on and off to grab a bite to eat, take in a movie, do some shopping or engage in some serious people watching. The trees are fitted with twinkling lights that come on after sundown, when pedi-cabs and horse-drawn carriages are the favored mode of transportation.
