If you are a book lover like me, then you know there is no better feeling than traveling to a new bookish location. The worst feeling, on the other hand, is knowing you can’t fit all the books you want back into your carry-on. 

This August, my boyfriend and I visited my two best friends who live in Colorado and had the absolute best time exploring downtown Denver. And as usual, I got to sneak in some fun bookish places!

This is definitely not a definitive list, but these are the spots that were on my radar when I went. So, if you are planning your next trip to the Mile High City, check out these places.

Denver Central Library

I didn’t have the chance to visit because they have been under major construction, but this is definitely a bucket list library for me…which is a totally normal bucket list to have. Spanning seven floors, this library located in downtown Denver seems like a booklover’s dream. Every picture I have seen of this historic building looks breathtaking. According to the library’s website, the library will be under construction until 2024, but the first floor is open.

Denver Zine Library

My obsession with zines has been slowly growing over the past few years, and Denver seems to be a hub for zines. The Denver Zine Library is located inside the Bob Ragland Library branch and is open every Saturday. According to their website,

“The Denver Zine Library currently houses one of the largest zine collections in North America with a preserved collection of over 20,000 independent and alternative zines.”

Along with their massive collection, they host the annual Denver Zine Convention. If you love zines and ever find yourself in the area, make sure to check out this amazing collection.  

Tattered Cover

Founded in 1971, the Tattered Cover bookstore is one of the largest independent bookstores in Colorado. With over eight locations, you are bound to find one near you in Colorado. They even have a store inside the Denver International Airport! We visited the one next to Coors Field and I found so many amazing books I wish I could have taken home. They have an amazing selection of books, and I loved strolling through the tall shelves.

Mutiny Information Cafe

Located in the middle of downtown Denver is Mutiny, which is filled with rows of comics, used books, and zines. Grab an iced coffee in their in-house café and lose yourself in the narrow shelves filled with eclectic used books. And with later hours than most bookstores, Mutiny is the coolest place to browse and hang with friends late at night.

I am sure I am missing some amazing places, so comment below if you have any fun bookstores that I should check out the next time I go!