One Perfect Day at… Denver Union Station

Walk into Denver Union Station on any given afternoon and you'll see the full spectrum of life in LoDo. Locals set up shop on leather sofas with laptops and cappuccinos. Friends meet for lunch under the soaring ceilings. Travelers step off trains and into the Great Hall—ready for a snack or a quick drink at Terminal Bar.

Since its massive 2014 renovation, Union Station has evolved from a transit hub into LoDo's premier gathering spot. Whether you're arriving from Denver International Airport and have a room at the Crawford Hotel or just want to hang out for a few hours in and around the Great Hall, here's how to spend the perfect day at a true Denver icon.

9:30 a.m.: Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Start your morning at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, where the vibe is lively and the pancakes are voluminous. Weekends almost always mean a wait at this Mile High City stalwart, but that’s part of the ritual—grab a coffee and settle in.

11:30 a.m.: Coffee in the Great Hall

After breakfast, head back into the Great Hall and claim a leather sofa. Pigtrain Coffee Co. is just steps away if you're jonesing for another hit of caffeine. Take a moment and look up: the 65-foot ceilings, arched windows, and restored plasterwork are reminders that this building has been anchoring downtown since 1914. It’s one of the best people-watching spots in the city, especially as commuters, travelers, and local workers stream through the Great Hall around midday.

1:30 p.m.: Lunch at Olive & Finch

Wander over to Olive & Finch for lunch. Settle into this casual, modern spot, which has something for everyone, from sandwiches to salads to dan dan noodles to Thai red curry.

3:00 p.m.: Books, Gifts, and the Plaza

Union Station’s retail selection is compact but thoughtful. Browse the Tattered Cover Book Store for a new read, or stop 5 Green Boxes for locally inspired gifts and stationery. If the weather cooperates, step outside and onto the plaza. The fountains and open space offer a quick reset, with 17th Street stretching toward the skyline.

5:00 p.m.: Cocktails at The Cooper Lounge

As late afternoon turns toward evening, head upstairs to The Cooper Lounge. Overlooking the Great Hall from the mezzanine, this classic bar feels tucked away from the energy below. The cocktail list leans classic, and the service matches the setting. 

7:00 p.m.: Dinner at Mercantile or Ultreia

For dinner, check out Mercantile Dining & Provision's open-kitchen dining room and seasonal menu that rewards a relaxed, multi-course meal (there's also a high-end market during the day). Ultreia, meanwhile, offers the flavors of Spain and Portugal—think tapas, jamón, and gin-tonics—and a mural-lined dining room that encourages lingering.

Staying Overnight: The Crawford Hotel

If you’re visiting from out of town—or just planning a staycation—The Crawford Hotel is one of the best places to spend the night in all of Denver. The rooms blend historic details with modern comfort, and staying upstairs means everything in the station is just an elevator ride away.

Before You Go

The A-Line
Arriving from the airport? The RTD A-Line drops you directly at Union Station, making it the easiest way to reach LoDo without worrying about traffic or parking.

Parking
If you do have a car, valet service is available through the hotel and some restaurants. There are are also multiple self-parking garages near Union Station along with metered street parking.

Living History
Order from the Terminal Bar's north wing windows, which are Union Station's original ticket counters. This lets you skip the Great Hall crowds while admiring the restored oak cabinetry up close.