Top things to do in Denver Colorado

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Things to Do In Denver

Welcome to Denver, where the majestic Rockies meet vibrant city life. Whether you’re here for the outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or culinary delights, our curated guide will help you explore the best of what this dynamic city has to offer.

Populus sits directly across from Civic Center Park in downtown Denver, an easy walk from the city’s first-visit essentials, from the State Capitol and Denver Art Museum to Denver Union Station and LoDo. Here is what makes downtown worth exploring on foot.

River North Art District

2.0 Miles Away

Nicknamed “RiNo,” the trendy River North Art District features contemporary art galleries and hip concert venues in revamped industrial buildings. Food halls include Denver Central Market and The Source, an indoor venue with eclectic products and a bar for small plates and craft beer. Known for its colorful murals, River North Art District personifies urban charm and industrial renewal with jazz bars, brewpubs, art galleries and studios, & creative events.

Ogden Theatre

1.0 Mile Away | 20-Minute Walk

Built in 1917 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ogden Theatre is a music venue that hosts several of the hottest club tours in the US. Ogden Theatre is located just outside of Civic Park in the neighborhood of Capitol Hill.

Fillmore Auditorium

0.7 Miles Away | 19-Minute Walk

The Fillmore Auditorium, holding the title of largest indoor venue for general admission seating in Colorado, is a concert venue located near Populus in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Denver. Since opening in 1907, the venue has hosted numerous functions both private and public.

Denver Mint

0.1 Miles Away | 3-Minute Walk

Located in Civic Park, the Denver Mint, a branch of the United States Mint, manufactures coin dies, stores silver bullion and mints circulating coins. With its first coins struck on February 1, 1906, the Denver Mint offers tours of its historic building, which is one of Colorado’s oldest institutions.

Denver Botanic Gardens

2.3 Miles Away

One of the top five botanic gardens in the nation, Denver Botanic Gardens is an oasis in the city, offering year-round events. The 23-acre park, located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, contains a conservatory, a variety of theme gardens and a sunken amphitheater, which hosts various concerts in the summer.

Civic Center Park

2-Minute Walk

As a centerpiece of Denver’s green space, the park blooms with 25,000 square feet of flower beds each summer and features a Greek Amphitheater that hosts countless events including summer festivals and concerts.

Blue Moon Brewing Co.

2.7 Miles Away

Bluemoon brewery and restaurant in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver is a place where we share their ongoing creativity and innovative brewing, with inspired beers available only at this location, chef-driven cuisine, and welcoming hospitality.

Art District on Santa Fe

.08 Miles Away | 16-Minute Walk

Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe is a nationally recognized creative district with galleries, studios, theaters, restaurants and independent businesses along Santa Fe Drive, a long-time champion of citizen creativity as a cultural crossroads of the city. From Populus, the district’s official address at 858 Santa Fe Drive is approximately a 16-minute walk (0.8 miles).

16th Street (formerly 16th Street Mall)

0.7 Miles Away | 14-Minute Walk

Denver’s 16th Street, designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, is a pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor lined with restaurants, shops and public spaces. From Populus, the east end of 16th Street near Broadway is approximately a 10-minute walk (0.5 miles). The free 16th Street FreeRide, a fleet of naturally-gas-powered buses, connects the corridor with destinations farther west, including the Theatre District and Union Station.

FAQs

What is there to do near Populus Denver?

Populus Denver sits at the edge of Civic Center Park in downtown Denver, steps from the State Capitol, Denver Art Museum and Denver Public Library. The Denver Mint and 16th Street are approximately a 10-minute walk, while the Ogden Theatre and Fillmore Auditorium are also within easy reach. RiNo and the Denver Botanic Gardens are a short rideshare away.

How far is Populus Denver from Denver International Airport?

Populus Denver is about 25 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), roughly a 35 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic. Rideshares, taxis, and the RTD A Line train to downtown Union Station are all options.

How do I get from Denver International Airport to Populus Denver without a car?

The RTD A Line train runs directly from Denver International Airport to Union Station downtown in about 37 minutes, for $10 each way, with departures every 15 minutes during the day. From Union Station, it is a 25 minute walk or a short ride to Populus, which sits at Civic Center Park on the opposite end of downtown.

Can I get around downtown Denver without renting a car?

Yes. Populus sits at Civic Center Park, within a 5 to 15 minute walk of the State Capitol, Denver Art Museum, 16th Street Mall, and LoDo. The free 16th Street FreeRide shuttle runs between the Capitol end of downtown and Union Station, covering the rest of the core on foot or by shuttle alone.

What neighborhoods are within walking distance of Populus Denver?

Populus borders Civic Center Park, Capitol Hill and the Golden Triangle Creative District. The east end of 16th Street is approximately a 10-minute walk from the hotel. LoDo is farther west and generally takes 15 to 20 minutes on foot, depending on the specific destination.

What are the best outdoor attractions near Populus Denver?

Civic Center Park is directly across the street. Cheesman Park and the Denver Botanic Gardens, one of the top five botanic gardens in the nation, are a short drive away. Cherry Creek Trail is accessible from downtown for running and biking, and Rocky Mountain National Park is about a 90 minute drive for day trips.

What is RiNo, and how far is it from Populus Denver?

RiNo (River North Art District) is Denver’s contemporary art and food-hall neighborhood, known for murals, galleries, breweries, and venues in restored industrial buildings. It is about a 10 minute drive or short rideshare from Populus Denver.

Where can I see live music near Populus Denver?

The Ogden Theatre and the Fillmore Auditorium, two of Denver’s historic music venues, are both in the Capitol Hill neighborhood within a short walk of Populus. Larger shows at Ball Arena and Mission Ballroom are a short drive from downtown.

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