Denver Union Station functions as the main transit hub in downtown Denver. Passengers arriving by train at the Denver Amtrak Station step directly into a walkable neighborhood filled with restaurants, shops, and cultural venues. This guide documents things to do near Union Station Denver without requiring a car. The surrounding area, known as LoDo (Lower Downtown), contains historic buildings housing modern establishments within a compact grid.
For travelers with layovers or limited time, knowing things to do near denver union station helps plan efficient visits. The station sits at the western edge of downtown, placing multiple attractions within a 20-minute walk. Free shuttles extend reach to additional destinations. This guide covers dining, culture, shopping, and outdoor options accessible from the station.
What to Know Before Exploring Near Union Station
Things to do at Union Station Denver fall into two categories: activities inside the station itself and attractions in the surrounding neighborhood. The renovated station building houses restaurants, bars, and the Crawford Hotel. The Great Hall functions as a public space with seating and a bar. The Denver Amtrak Station platforms are located behind the main building, with pedestrian access through the Great Hall.
The neighborhood around the station offers things to do in Union Station Denver beyond the building’s walls. Historic Larimer Square, the 16th Street Mall, and Coors Field are within walking distance. Museums and cultural venues require slightly longer walks or a short shuttle ride.
Dining Options Near Union Station
Things to do include dining at multiple establishments within a 10-minute walk. The following table lists restaurants accessible from the Denver Union Station Amtrak.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Cuisine | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snooze | Breakfast | 1701 Wynkoop St | 2 minutes |
| Ultreia | Spanish | Inside Union Station | Inside |
| Milkbox | Ice Cream | Inside Union Station | Inside |
| Tavernetta | Italian | 1889 16th St | 3 minutes |
| Jax Fish House | Seafood | 1539 17th St | 5 minutes |
| Mercantile | American | Inside Union Station | Inside |
| Stoic & Genuine | Seafood | Inside Union Station | Inside |
| Denver Central Market | Food Hall | 2669 Larimer St | 10 minutes |
Snooze sees morning lines on weekends. Diners arrive before 8 AM to avoid waiting. Lunch crowds fill the food hall options. Dinner reservations are recommended for Tavernetta and Mercantile. Travelers arriving at the Denver Amtrak Station can walk directly into the Great Hall to find multiple dining options without stepping outside.
Cultural Attractions Within Walking Distance
Things to do around union station denver include several museums and cultural venues within reasonable walking distance.
Denver Art Museum
The museum consists of two buildings housing collections of American Indian art, Western art, and contemporary works. The museum is 1.3 miles from Union Station. Visitors can walk via 16th Street Mall or take the free MallRide shuttle to Civic Center station. The walk takes approximately 25 minutes. The shuttle reduces travel time to 10 minutes.
History Colorado Center
This museum at 1200 Broadway covers Colorado history through interactive exhibits. The center sits next to the Denver Art Museum. Visitors can combine both museums in a single trip from Union Station.
Colorado State Capitol Building
The gold-domed capitol stands at the east end of 16th Street Mall. Free guided tours explain the building’s construction and legislative functions. The famous “one mile above sea level” step is engraved on the west side. The walk from Union Station takes approximately 20 minutes.
Denver Public Library
The main branch at 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway contains research collections and public reading rooms. The Western History department holds regional archives. The library is a 15-minute walk from Union Station.
Entertainment and Sports Venues
Things to do in denver near union station include multiple entertainment venues within walking distance.
Coors Field
The Colorado Rockies baseball stadium occupies the block between 20th and 22nd streets on Blake Street. The walk from Union Station takes 10 minutes. Game days bring crowds to nearby bars and restaurants. Non-game days offer stadium tours. Visitors arriving by train can walk directly from Union Station to the stadium.
Ball Arena
Formerly the Pepsi Center, Ball Arena hosts basketball, hockey, and concerts. The arena sits across from Union Station on the west side of the rail yards. Visitors cross the pedestrian bridge over the tracks to reach it. The walk takes approximately 8 minutes from Union Station.
Denver Performing Arts Complex
Ten performance spaces occupy this complex at 14th and Curtis streets. Venues include the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Buell Theatre, and the Boettcher Concert Hall. Broadway tours, opera performances, and symphony concerts occur regularly. The complex is a 15-minute walk from Union Station.
Larimer Square
This historic block between 14th and 15th streets on Larimer contains Victorian buildings housing boutiques and restaurants. String lights hang above the street. The square hosts seasonal events and street festivals. The walk from Union Station takes approximately 8 minutes.
Outdoor Spaces Near Union Station
Things to do around denver union station include several parks and outdoor areas accessible on foot.
Confluence Park
The South Platte River meets Cherry Creek at this park northwest of Union Station. A whitewater kayak course operates during warm months. Paved trails follow both waterways. The park is a 10-minute walk from Union Station via the pedestrian bridge over the rail yard.
Commons Park
Adjacent to Confluence Park, Commons Park provides lawns and river access. Office workers eat lunch here on weekdays. The park connects to the Cherry Creek Trail, which extends east through the city.
Skyline Park
This narrow park on 16th Street between Arapahoe and Curtis contains water features in summer and an ice rink in winter. It offers a place to sit outdoors without leaving downtown.
Shopping Options Near Union Station
Things to do in denver union station include shopping at retail stores inside and near the station.
16th Street Mall Shops
Retail stores line the pedestrian mall between Union Station and Broadway. National chains and local shops occupy street-level spaces. MallRide shuttles stop at every block. The mall entrance is directly across from Union Station.
Tattered Cover Book Store
This independent bookstore operates a location at 1628 16th Street. The store stocks new releases, local interest titles, and magazines. Reading chairs are available for customers. The walk from Union Station takes 5 minutes.
Denver Central Market
Located at 2669 Larimer Street, this food hall includes a butcher, baker, fishmonger, and several prepared food vendors. Shoppers can purchase groceries or eat on-site. The market is a 10-minute walk from Union Station.
Transportation Options from Union Station
Union station denver things to do become accessible through multiple transit options available at the station.
Light Rail and Buses
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates light rail lines from Union Station. Trains run to Ball Arena, the Denver Coliseum, and suburban destinations. Buses depart from the underground bus concourse, accessible from Union Station without going outside.
Free MallRide Shuttles
Electric shuttle buses run along the 16th Street Mall between Union Station and the Civic Center station. Buses arrive every few minutes. The ride is free and takes approximately 10 minutes end-to-end. The stop is directly in front of Union Station.
Bike and Scooter Rentals
Dockless bikes and electric scooters are available from multiple vendors. Riders unlock them using smartphone applications. Drop-off occurs anywhere within the service area. Racks are located near the Union Station entrance.
Walking
The downtown core is compact. Most destinations mentioned in this guide are within a 20-minute walk from Union Station.
Practical Information for Amtrak Passengers
Luggage Storage
Visitors arriving directly by train can store luggage at Union Station. Third-party luggage storage services operate in the area. This allows unencumbered walking before hotel check-in or after checkout.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available inside Union Station near the Great Hall. Additional facilities exist at the 16th Street Mall transit shelters and in major museums. The station waiting areas also have restroom facilities.
Wi-Fi Access
Union Station provides free Wi-Fi throughout the building. Many restaurants and coffee shops also offer customer Wi-Fi. The station waiting areas have connectivity.
Train Departure Times
Visitors exploring near the station should note departure times. The California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, and other Amtrak routes serve this station. Checking the departure board before venturing out is recommended.
Time-Based Activity Planning from Union Station
Two Hours or Less
For visitors with limited time between trains:
- Walk through Union Station Great Hall
- Explore the immediate blocks around Wynkoop Street
- Ride the MallRide to the 16th Street Mall and back
- Eat at one of the Union Station restaurants
Three to Four Hours
With additional time:
- Walk to Larimer Square and browse shops
- Visit the Denver Art Museum for a focused gallery visit
- Walk to Confluence Park and back
- Have a sit-down meal at a LoDo restaurant
Five Hours or More
Extended layovers allow:
- Full museum visits (Denver Art Museum or History Colorado Center)
- Coors Field tour (game days only)
- Cherry Creek Trail walk
- Multiple neighborhood explorations
Final Notes!
Things to do near Union Station Denver include dining, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and outdoor spaces within walking distance. The compact downtown grid and free shuttle service allow exploration without a car. Transit users arriving by train or with airport layovers can access multiple attractions efficiently. The area functions as both a transportation hub and a destination in itself.
ZadRails organizes things to do near Union Station Denver into practical categories with walking distances and time estimates. Each recommendation includes context about accessibility, peak hours, and nearby transit options. The goal is simple: help travelers move efficiently from train platform to attraction and back again without confusion. Denver’s downtown grid is easy to navigate when the right information is available beforehand.
FAQs
The Denver Art Museum is approximately 1.3 miles from Union Station. The walk takes about 25 minutes. The free MallRide shuttle reduces travel time to 10 minutes.
Yes. Union Station contains Ultreia, Mercantile, Stoic & Genuine, and Milkbox Ice Creamery. The Great Hall also has a bar and casual seating areas.
The A Line light rail runs directly from Union Station to Denver International Airport. Trains depart every 15 to 30 minutes. The trip takes 37 minutes. Fare is $10.50 each way.
Yes. Coors Field is a 10-minute walk from Union Station. Walk north on Wynkoop Street to 20th Street, then east to Blake Street.
Yes. Walking the 16th Street Mall, exploring Union Station’s public spaces, visiting the Colorado State Capitol grounds, and walking through Confluence Park cost nothing. Free summer concerts occur at various downtown locations.
Union Station serves the California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco), the Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles), and the Winter Park Express ski train during winter months.
