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Whether you’re from Colorado, a newcomer to the state, or just passing through, you’ll want to show off all the quintessential places and spaces that make Denver unique—and what better way to do that than through your Instagram feed? Sure, Union Station and the big blue bear (aka “I See What You Mean”) at the Colorado Convention Center are two obvious shots you could take, but if you want to showcase your knowledge of the Mile High City and all its eccentricities, why not take your Insta-game to the next level? Here are 14 lesser-known Instagrammable locales worth checking out.
Fort Greene Bar
Tucked within Denver’s north Globeville neighborhood, this brick fortress may not look like much from the outside, but behind its bubblegum-pink front doors lies one of the city’s coziest hidden gems. Grab a cocktail from the bespoke 19th-century bar up front, and lounge out on vintage velvet couches surrounded by flora and paper poppies dangling from the ceiling. Or, venture back further into the venue’s various mood-lit rooms, each teeming with antique oddities, floating cloud sculptures, disco balls, and artwork available for purchase.
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Pedestrian Alley at Dairy Block
The historic 100-plus-year-old site that was once home to the former Windsor Farm Dairy processing plant is better known today as downtown’s Dairy Block—a micro-district that houses a plethora of shops, a food hall, and a hotel—and boasts the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed. Our favorite Insta-worthy spot is the alley behind Milk Market, which not only features superb lighting, but also boasts a variety of statement-making details (like these cute cafe lights made of empty milk bottles) to highlight on your feed.
Casa Bonita
OK, this isn’t exactly the most under-the-radar attraction in town…but the iconic Lakewood eatery will be one of the Mile High City’s most coveted photo-ops for years to come, after the recently renovated Mexican restaurant—which closed in 2020 and was later bought by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone in 2021—began its soft reopening to diners this past June. A picture in front of the pink palace’s famous facade is enough to merit your IG grid a bonafide local badge; but don’t rule out Casa Bonita’s kitschy, tropical interior for snapshots that will truly stir some nostalgia. Capture memories set to the backdrop of the venue’s beloved waterfalls, “starry skies,” and Black Bart’s Cave. (Bonus points if you’re lucky enough to pose with the mystery person in a gorilla suit.)
Millennium Bridge
Built in 2002, this imposing pedestrian bridge, which connects LoDo to the Riverfront Park area, has become a signature landmark. In addition to offering a contrast of lines against the Mile High’s towering buildings, from the top of the bridge you’re treated to sweeping views of downtown and all its cranes on one side, and Commons Park, the Platte River, and LoHi on the other.
Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf Denver’s four-story immersive experience, Convergence Station, is a labyrinth of otherworldly mixed-media art from more than 100 Colorado-based creatives, meaning there’s endless Instagram bait around every corner. Explore the mysterious melding of universes for one-of-a-kind snapshots inside the kaleidoscopic crystal Cathedral, the retro RTD bus and neon-cosmic metropolis of C Street, the trippy Library of Ossuary, and so much more.
RiNo Street Art
Situated in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, the RiNo Art District is arguably one of the most vibrant areas of the city, full of history, culture, and some of the best restaurants and bars around. It’s only fitting then that the buildings on these downtown blocks are just as engaging, adorned with colorful murals painted by local artists. While many of the pieces are commissioned by businesses as well as the district’s artist programs and mural festivals, others are simply the work of graffiti artists who are putting their stamp (quite literally) on the Mile High City. The alley behind Denver Central Market (pictured above) is a good place to start, but if you’re looking to learn more about the city’s street art scene, don’t miss the Denver Graffiti Tour.
“Wish You Were Here” at the Ramble Hotel
While the libations at Death and Co. are Instagrammable in their own right, the Ramble Hotel’s rooftop bar, the Garden, is arguably the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail on a warm summer evening. Snap a picture in front of the bar’s neon “Wish You Were Here” sign, and post it—we guarantee your followers will, in fact, wish they were there.
Denver Nuggets Championship Mural
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Make a pit stop along the bustling thoroughfare of Colfax Avenue to capture a slice of history with this fresh new homage to the Denver Nuggets’ first-ever NBA championship win this past June. The splashy street art—courtesy of one of the city’s most prolific portrait muralists, Thomas “Detour” Evans—is a Mile-High Mt. Rushmore of GOATs paying tribute to the starting roster that made it all happen. So while you can’t technically kiss the ring—and this is the closest you’ll probably come to laying your eyes on the Larry O’Brien trophy in real life—you can pay your respects to Jamal Murray, Air Gordon, and the Joker himself. The mural is located in the alleyway at 1919 E. Colfax Ave.
Babe’s Tea Room
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An afternoon tea or brunch session at this bright LoHi cafe presents the perfect opportunity for some shameless selfies. Pose pinkies-up on the flower-adorned patio or inside the luxurious, jewel-toned interior space, surrounded by your towering assortments of macarons, scones, and other sweet treats.
Denver’s Skyline from the Source Hotel’s Rooftop
Sure, a scenic picture of the Rocky Mountains might garner more likes than a shot of the cityscape, but what if you can capture a photo of both? Make your way to the Woods, restaurant and bar located on the top floor of the Source Hotel & Market Hall, where you’ll be treated to a west-facing view that overlooks the city’s high-rises, with the mountains looming in the distance.
The Greenhouse at Denver Botanic Gardens
Any photo taken in the Denver Botanic Gardens are bound to be Instagram-worthy, but the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory is the place to be during golden hour—just before sunset—where the light shines through the glass windows and saturates the tropical plants.
“Love This City” Mural
Say it loud and proud—you “Love This City.” The now-iconic (and polychromatic) mural, located at the junction of Broadway, Arapahoe Street, and Park Avenue West, was designed by Remington Robinson, Pat McKinney, Pat Milbery, and Jason T. Graves, and adds an extra splash of color to your Instagram feed.
Hudson Hill
One of Denver’s many beloved cafe-bar hybrids, Hudson Hill should be on your radar for the atmosphere alone. Located in Capitol Hill, the upscale yet casual bar and coffeehouse serves house-blended coffee, extra flaky croissants, refreshing cocktails, and small plates underneath a canopy of hanging plants. Settle in to a spot at the bar, or get comfy on one of the midcentury-inspired sofas and enjoy your beverage (and the scenery).
Cheesman Park
Once a cemetery—and possibly still haunted—this 80-acre plot of land is the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy some sunshine, and add some green to your ’gram. Spanning from Downing Street to York Street, the park features rolling hills and a neoclassical-style pavilion. Bonus: You can legally consume 3.2 percent beer in all Denver parks, so bring a blanket, a book, and a picnic, and make a day of it.
