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Designed 25 years ago by I.M. Pei, the 16th Street Mall is a mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with outdoor cafes, flower baskets and retail shops, making it the perfect starting point for an adventure-filled day. Free shuttles about 90 seconds apart travel the length of the mall and stop at every intersection so it’s easy to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and let the day begin.
From the intersection, walk ½ block east to:
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A Denver original, fashion pioneer Papa Jack Weil invented the western snap-button shirt and opened shop back in 1946. He sold his shirts to presidents and rock stars alike including Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen. Stop by the flagship store and museum to browse the incredible selection of western-style shirts, hats and accessories. Papa Jack passed away at the grand old age of 107 in 2008, but his Mile High City Spirit lives on at this great Denver store. Afterwards, head back to 16th Street, turn right and go one block to the corner of 16th and Wynkoop.
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Locals and visitors alike love one of the nation’s largest and certainly most well known independent bookstores, Tattered Cover. Along with great views of Union Station, Tattered Cover offers the most extensive collection of books about Denver and Colorado in the area.
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This historic district has been turned into the entertainment epicenter of Denver with 28 square blocks of restaurants, live music venues, art galleries, sports bars and brewpubs. You’ll definitely want to spend some time taking in the architecture of renovated and restored Victorian building and Turn-of-the-Century warehouses and as well as stepping into the art galleries in the area before heading for your next destination.
From LoDo, on the 16th Street Mall, hop on the free shuttle and get off at Champa Street. From here, head west and you’ll run right into your next destination for the day.
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The complex encompasses ten venues including the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Buell Theatre, Boettcher Concert Hall, the Garner Galleria Theatre, the Stage Theatre, the Space Theatre, the Ricketson Theatre, the Jones Theatre, the Seawell Grand Ballroom and the Tramway Theatre. The complex is highlighted by the interesting architecture both historic and contemporary. Guided backstage tours are available, also.
Head back to 16th Street and once again catch the southbound shuttle. Get off at Court, cross 16th and head one block to The Brown Palace.
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The Brown Palace Hotel has hosted presidents, princes, kings, queens, rock starts and famous athletes for more than a century. A walk through the lobby and you can’t help but be awe-struck by the nine-story glass atrium. If the mood strikes and you’re starting to get a little hungry, you can stay for tea or grab a bite to eat.
After taking in The Brown, walk back to 16th Street, hop on the southbound shuttle and take it all the way to the end. Get off the shuttle and walk up the stairs where you’ll find yourself at your next destination.
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Civic Center Park is a two-block oasis filled with flower gardens and Old West statues. Some of Denver’s most intriguing architecture and museums surround the park, and while you won’t have time to stop in all the buildings or visit all the museums, the area is ripe with photo opportunities.
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Modeled after the U.S. Capitol, this magnificent landmark is topped by a dome containing more than 200 ounces of real gold. The 13th step on the west side is exactly one mile (5,280 feet) above sea level. To learn the story of the gold miners, cowboys, Native Americans and adventurous explorers who helped shape Colorado, visit the Colorado History Museum adjacent to the Capitol. Just across the street, the Denver Public Library is the fourth largest library in the United States. The beautiful mixture of towers and rotundas was the vision of architect Michael Graves and the site for the historic Denver Summit of the Eight in 1993. From here you’ll see your next stop on your whirlwind tour.
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The new Hamilton Building, designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, is a piece of art in and of itself. The striking modern design of titanium peaks and shards that mimic the Rocky Mountains has changed the city’s landscape. The original 28-sided building was designed by Gio Ponti of Milan Italy. Inside you’ll find an outstanding collection of Native American art and more than 30,000 pieces of art.
After you’ve taken in Civic Center Park and the Denver Art Museum, walk east up Pennsylvania Street past the Capitol into the Capitol Hill neighborhood for your next stop.
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Catch a glimpse into the life of Denver’s most famous prospector at the Molly Brown House. “Unsinkable Molly” gained wealth during the gold rush days and fame as a Titanic survivor. This historic site contains original furnishings and mementos from her life. To experience all the home has to offer, you’ll need to schedule a tour of this popular attraction.
Now return to Civic Center Park and catch the shuttle north. Get off at Larimer Street and head one block west to find yourself in the heart of Denver’s oldest area for shopping and dinner.
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This is Denver’s trendiest block. Here, you’ll find several coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs and some of the most exclusive boutiques in the city. Victorian brick buildings and gas lamps line the streets adding to the area’s charming, quaint feel and making it the perfect setting to watch the sun set and enjoy dinner.
If you’re still up for more, a walk a few blocks to the east lands you back in the heart of LoDo.
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End your day with a nightcap in LoDo where there’s a brewpub on every block, a variety of nightclubs, some great live music venues and a number of rooftop bars offering the ideal setting for talking about how you spent the day and how you wish you could stay for at least one more.