Best Attractions in Denver (2025)
Denver Art Museum
Art museum · Civic Center
A reinvigorated campus by Gio Ponti and Daniel Libeskind anchors the Golden Triangle, with standout Indigenous and Latin American collections. Frequently recommended by Condé Nast Traveler and national arts writers; free days keep it community-focused.
Clyfford Still Museum
Art museum · Civic Center
An intimate, architect-designed museum devoted to one artist, offering a rare, chronological look at Still’s Abstract Expressionism. Lauded by Condé Nast Traveler and praised in national coverage; free and pay-what-you-wish days deepen local ties.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Modern art museum · Union Station
A lively contemporary hub with rooftop views, smart curation, and teen-forward programs. Known for adventurous exhibitions and community events, regularly highlighted by local arts media and visiting critics.
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum
Art museum · Civic Center
A salon-style trove of Colorado art and international design displayed as living vignettes. Consistently praised by local and national editors for its intimate, distinctly Denver point of view.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Botanical garden · Cheesman Park
Beloved urban gardens with world-class horticulture and seasonal cultural programming. Regularly cited by regional editors and travel writers; free days and community events make it a true neighborhood gathering place.
Museo de las Americas
Temporarily Closed
In the Santa Fe Arts District, this independent museum foregrounds Latin American and Latino art with strong community programming. Recognized by local critics and culture publications for sustained neighborhood impact.
Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
Museum · Five Points
Housed in Dr. Justina Ford’s former home in Five Points, this volunteer-driven museum honors Black pioneers, cowboys, and community builders. Covered by local news and cultural guides; open limited hours but deeply meaningful.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Dance school · Five Points
A cornerstone of Denver culture since 1970, presenting Afro-diasporic dance and community programs in Five Points. Celebrated by local arts media and presenters; performances and classes keep it vibrantly alive.
Dazzle Denver
Jazz club · Central Business District
Denver’s long-running indie jazz club now at the Performing Arts Complex, with the El Chapultepec Piano Lounge honoring a storied legacy. Featured by Westword and festival lineups; a true local stage for world-class players.
Nocturne
Jazz club · Five Points
A RiNo supper club pairing chef-driven menus with artist-in-residence jazz sets. Included in Eater Denver’s essential list and praised by local critics for elevating the live-music dining experience.
The Denver Central Market
Market · Five Points
An independently run RiNo food hall where butchers, bakers, and chefs share one airy space. Frequently noted by The New York Times and national food editors; a casual way to taste Denver’s culinary community in one stop.
Denver Graffiti Tour
Tour operator · Five Points
A small, local team leads thoughtful walks through RiNo’s mural corridors, unpacking artists, history, and gentrification. Recommended by the RiNo Art District and culture writers; tours end near independent galleries and eateries.
International Church of Cannabis
Tourist attraction · Washington Park West
Inside a historic chapel painted by noted artists, a family-friendly light-and-meditation show runs daily. Covered widely by travel press and local listings; unconventional, yes, but a singular slice of Denver creativity.