From Skyline Views to Eccentric Street Art and Hidden Gems, Here Are 10 Less-Than-Obvious Places to Feature in Your Feed.
Whether you’re from Colorado, are new to the state, or just passing through, you’ll want to show off all the quintessential places and spaces that make Denver truly 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 10 lesser-known locales worth checking out.
Pedestrian Alley at Dairy Block
It’s only been open since 2017, but Dairy Block—which houses a plethora of shops, a food hall, and a hotel—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 café lights) to highlight on your feed.
Millennium Bridge
Built in 2002, this imposing pedestrian bridge, which connects LoDo with 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 side.
Rino Street Art
RiNo is arguably one of the most vibrants areas of Denver, full of history, culture, and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. It’s only fitting then that the buildings in this ‘hood are just as engaging, adorned with colorful murals painted by local artists. While many of the pieces are commissioned by businesses and events like CRUSH WALLS, 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) 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.
Hudson Hill
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).
“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 send it—we guarantee your followers will, in fact, wish they were there.
Denver’s Skyline from the Woods
Sure, a scenic picture of the Rocky Mountains might garner more likes than a shot of the cityscape, but what if you can capture of photo of both? Make your way to the Woods, 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 the Denver Botanical Gardens
Any photo taken in the Denver Botanic Gardens will 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 dose of color to your Instagram feed.
Beatrice & Woodsley
Hidden among the shops, bars, and restaurants on South Broadway is Beatrice & Woodsley—a whimsical restaurant designed to bring the spirit of the forest to the city. In addition to capturing a photo of the eatery’s decadent cocktails, the interior of Beatrice & Woodsley is eye candy with its aspen tree trunks scattered throughout the space, hand-sewn cloth sweeping between booths, and camp lanterns glowing above.
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 feed. Spanning from Downing Street to York Street, the park features rolling hills and a neoclassical-style pavilion. Bonus: You can legally consume 3.2 beer in all Denver parks, so bring a blanket, a book, and a picnic, and make a day of it at one of Denver’s most beautiful spaces.
For some more photo inspiration, head over to 5280.
