Eat See Do: Denver

In Colorado, bison is almost as common a sight on the menu as the snow on the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. This cloven-hoofed animal, symbolic of the American West, was long considered virtually extinct in the region and was reintroduced in the 20th century through conservation programs. Since the herds have recovered, bison meat has featured more often in Western cuisine. In the Lincoln Park neighborhood, for example at the Buckhorn Exchange – the city’s oldest restaurant – it is served in the traditional style: rich in flavor yet surprisingly tender in texture. This dish defines Denver in terms of both cuisine and history. 

More Culinary Delights:  

• Rocky Mountain oysters: The name might suggest that these are oysters. But think again! Behind the name lies a rustic specialty of breaded and deep-fried bull testicles, which has been a staple of ranch cuisine in Colorado since the 19th century and is served with a hot sauce.  
• Green chili: You could almost say that green chili is to Denver what beer is to Bavaria. This isn’t a dip, but a spicy, usually creamy sauce or a stew-like chili made from green chilies, traditionally often with pork, but now also available in vegetarian versions. Depending on the recipe, it is cooked with or without tomatoes. Generously poured over burritos or breakfast plates, green chili clearly reflects the influence of the American Southwest. 
• Specialty coffee from RiNo: Anyone on the hunt for “liquid gold” will find a thriving scene of independent coffee spots in the River North Art District. Featuring murals, old warehouses, and creative studios, the neighborhood is characterized not only by breweries but also by roasteries and cafés. For this reason, RiNo has long been more than just a brewery district when it comes to cuisine.  

About 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) west of Denver lies the Red Rocks ​Amphitheatre, an open-air theater that was not built from scratch but set into a natural rock formation of red sandstone. The acoustics are considered exceptional, yet even without a concert, the venue is impressive. The best time to visit is in the morning: while on days without events the site is open from early morning until evening, on event days it is often only open until around 2 p.m. Many come solely for the architecture, the rock formations, and the sweeping view across the Great Plains to the Denver skyline. 

Also Worth Seeing:  

• Denver Art Museum: The spectacular Hamilton Building was designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind and, with its façade of angular titanium and glass panels, intentionally echoes the silhouette of the Rocky Mountains. The museum houses one of the biggest collections of Indigenous art in North America.  
• Union Station: For decades, the station was regarded as the main transport hub in the western United States. Even today, the large iconic Travel by Train signage on the exterior façade bears witness to the golden age of rail travel. Union Station has now become a hybrid space, combining a railway station with a public living room.   
• Colorado State Capitol: The government building of the state of Colorado bears a strong resemblance to the US Capitol in ​Washington, DC. A notable difference, however, is the dome, which has been lavishly covered in real gold leaf, a reference to the 19th-century gold rush. On a clear day, the Colorado State Capitol offers sweeping views all the way to the Rocky Mountains.  

About an hour and a half northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park marks the start of a whole new world. Those who set off early can witness the light slowly spreading across the peaks, alpine tundra, and clear mountain lakes. The crisp mountain air, the sweeping panorama, and the morning silence highlight just how close the ​wilderness is to the city, showcasing northern Colorado from yet another breathtaking angle.  

More Experiences: 

• Cycle tour on the Cherry Creek Trail: This cycle path, just under 77 kilometers (48 miles) long, not only connects Downtown Denver with Cherry Creek State Park but also extends much further into the countryside to the southeast. Large sections of the route are car-free, passing through a wide variety of city areas and landscapes, from urban stretches to more open, tranquil sections. It is this length and diversity that make the trail a fine example of Denver’s cycle-friendly side. 
• Baseball match at Coors Field: Baseball fans take note: the Colorado Rockies’ home ground is situated at a particularly high altitude, which means that due to the thinner air, batted balls usually fly further. This makes the matches particularly exciting for spectators. On a clear day, the upper tiers even offer views of the Rocky Mountains. 
• The worlds of Meow Wolf:  Anyone in Denver looking for an experience beyond traditional museums will find it in this walk-through art world. Within the multistory complex, four interconnected universes unfold, featuring hidden passageways, light and sound installations, and a story that can be discovered bit by bit.