Timeline
09:00
Walk the 10-minute path to My Brother's Bar for a coffee and a pastry. It is the oldest still-operating bar in Denver, steeped in the history of the Beat movement. Jack Kerouac was a regular here. The doors open at 11:00, so arriving at 10:00 means you are just in time for the morning crowd before it gets busy.
10:00
Head to Confluence Park, an eight-minute walk from the Aquarium. Named for the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, it is a summertime spot for many residents. Cool off in the river or bring a kayak or inner tube for the current. It is a quiet, natural break from the city streets.
10:45
Walk 14 minutes to Linger Restaurant for lunch. The menu features global street food with a focus on local ingredients. Arriving at 11:00 puts you at the start of their lunch service (11:30-14:30 on weekdays, 10:00-14:30 on weekends), ensuring a relaxed table without a wait.
12:00
Climb the 46-minute walk (or take a short taxi/ride-share if legs are tired) to the Colorado State Capitol. The domed building sits at the southern edge of Downtown. The big attraction is standing above the words "One Mile Above Sea Level" engraved into the stone. The view looks out over the city skyline.
Local tip
The walk to the Capitol is steep. Wear comfortable shoes. If you prefer a shorter walk, consider a ride-share from Confluence Park to the Capitol grounds.
Check before you go
- Linger Restaurant opens for lunch at 11:30 on weekdays and 10:00 on weekends.
- My Brother's Bar opens at 11:00.
- The Capitol is open for tours, but the exterior viewing is always accessible.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Denver (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).