Best things to do in Denver, CO?

[OnMyOwn]

I am going to be traveling to Denver for a couple of days with my mom. We would like to explore the city. We'll be coming into Denver International Airport.

 

I'd be grateful for suggestions of places to stay and things to see. I'm looking for a hotel that's nice, but reasonably priced. I'd like to avoid renting a car, if possible.

 

TIA!

[magic]

You could stay in a hotel just off of 16th Street mall.  There are a variety of reasonable prices hotels.  The 16th Street mall is a huge shopping and arts district- lots of restaurants, street performers, art, and a wide variety of shopping- including the Tattered Cover Book Store.  You can easily walk to everything.  There is also a light rail station there so you can jump on and go to other areas if you would like.  You can also walk from the 16th Street Mall to the Denver Mint, Capital Building, and Temple Buell Theater.  Elitches, Coors Field, Denver Convention Center, and Pepsi Center are also well within walking distance.  Is there something in particular you are interested in seeing or doing?  The offerings will depend on what time of year you are traveling.

[OnMyOwn]

You could stay in a hotel just off of 16th Street mall. There are a variety of reasonable prices hotels. The 16th Street mall is a huge shopping and arts district- lots of restaurants, street performers, art, and a wide variety of shopping- including the Tattered Cover Book Store. You can easily walk to everything. There is also a light rail station there so you can jump on and go to other areas if you would like. You can also walk from the 16th Street Mall to the Denver Mint, Capital Building, and Temple Buell Theater. Elitches, Coors Field, Denver Convention Center, and Pepsi Center are also well within walking distance. Is there something in particular you are interested in seeing or doing? The offerings will depend on what time of year you are traveling.

Thanks for all your suggestions, magic. I didn't have anything specific in mind. Mostly, we just want to explore the city. We'll be there in mid-April.

 

How close is the airport to the area you are suggesting we stay?

Edited January 23, 2016 by OnMyOwn

[ThisIsTheDay]

The airport is waaaay out. 

 

16th Street Mall is nice.  You'll need to make reservations to visit the Mint.  The Capitol tour is wonderful (at least I thought so!).

 

Here are some other ideas, and many are within easy walking distance of the Mall.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33388-Activities-Denver_Colorado.html

[magic]

The 16th Street Mall is Downtown Denver and there is a free mall ride that will take you from one end of the mall to the other.  DIA is kind of in the middle of nowhere. There is great info here: http://www.denver.org/about-denver/transportation/get-around-without-a-car/

[Word Nerd]

I stayed at The Magnolia in Denver and it was near 16th Street Mall.

[BooksandBoys]

If you are outdoorsy at all, look into going for some easy hikes in the mountains. It's so incredibly beautiful!

[purplejackmama]

My husband likes to hold me hostage in the flagship REI store. I will confess it's the best one to spend HOURS ROAMING around because Starbucks is inside. So there's that...

 

We love to eat at the Buckhorn exchange and Dae Gee Korean BBQ.

[Carol in Cal.]

The last time I was in Denver I spent a lot of time in the REI store.  It is An Experience.  There are mountain bike trial areas that hook up to actual trails along the river.  It's built inside of a big old brick factory building, with more space than any REI I have ever been in before.  They carry women's sizes, not just miss and junior.  They have an extensive book department.  It's just plain awesome.