48 Hours in Denver
If you and the lads find yourselves in the Mile High City with just two days to spare, you’re in luck. Denver’s got breweries by the dozen, meat that would make a cowboy proud, proper sport, and this October, a Halloween pop-up bar that’s more fright night than Friday night. Here’s how to smash 48 hours in the city without slipping into tourist mode.
Day One – Beers, Meat & a Nightmare on Colfax
Denver is one of the craft beer capitals of America, so kick off with a pint at Great Divide Brewing Co. Their taproom pours local legends like Titan IPA and Yeti Imperial Stout. Strong, tasty, and just the thing to set the pace.
Next stop: Larimer Square. Denver’s oldest block is strung with fairy lights and packed with shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to Corridor 44, a swish champagne bar if you fancy bubbles instead of beer. But if it’s proper cowboy fare you’re after, head south to The Buckhorn Exchange. Open since 1893, it’s Denver’s oldest restaurant, decorated wall-to-wall with taxidermy, and famous for steaks and wild game like elk and buffalo.
This October’s big ticket is The Nightmare Bar. It’s a 90-minute immersive pop-up where Tim Burton’s gothic daydreams collide with classic horror. You’re greeted by costumed hosts with a themed cocktail (or mocktail), then ushered into a Halloween wonderland of eerie décor, moody lighting, and interactive antics. The menu riffs on horror film favourites, and the staff are part bartenders, part performers. Think more spooky fun than serious fright, but the atmosphere, and the photo ops—are top notch.
Day Two – Diners, Stadium Roars & Rooftop Views
After a night of Halloween cocktails, line your stomach at Sam’s No. 3, a Denver diner dating back to the 1920s. Their breakfast burritos are a local legend—stuffed, cheesy, and exactly what you need after one too many IPAs.
Sports fans, take note: Denver has the lot. If the Denver Broncos are at home, catch them at Empower Field at Mile High—an NFL experience that’s all beer, nachos, and deafening roars. If baseball’s more your thing, stroll over to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, where the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains makes even a slow game worth it.
In the afternoon, take a wander through one of Denver’s many cannabis dispensaries. Colorado was one of the first U.S. states to legalise recreational cannabis back in 2012, and Denver has some of the most established shops in the country. Even if you’re not indulging, it’s worth a look—it’s part of the city’s identity.
Wrap up your 48 hours with a bit of class at El Five. This rooftop spot in the LoHi neighbourhood dishes up Mediterranean-style tapas with panoramic views of the Denver skyline and the Rockies. It’s the perfect place for a round of cocktails while the sun sets behind the mountains—a proper capstone to the weekend.
The Loaded Verdict
Two days in Denver is all you need for a crash course in craft beer, big steaks, American sports, and one of the best Halloween pop-ups in the U.S. The Nightmare Bar is reason enough to book an October trip, but the city’s mix of history, high-energy stadiums, and high-altitude bars seals the deal.
Bring your appetite, bring your camera, and don’t forget your mates. Denver’s waiting.
LOADED’S QUICKFIRE GUIDE TO DENVER
Getting There: Direct flights from London Heathrow to Denver International take about 9½ hours.
What You’ll Pay: A pint in a downtown bar will set you back around $6–$8 (£5–£6.50). A Buckhorn Exchange steak comes in at about $40 (£32).
Where to Crash:
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The Maven Hotel (downtown, modern and stylish, walking distance to Coors Field).
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The Crawford Hotel (inside Union Station, historic with a bit of flash).
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Budget shout: Plenty of chains like Holiday Inn Express or Motel 6 if you’re just after a bed.
Best Time to Go: October if you’re chasing Halloween at the Nightmare Bar. Summer for baseball and brewery patios. Winter if you fancy hitting the ski slopes less than two hours away.