Denver stands out as a vibrant urban hub at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, seamlessly blending city life with easy access to sweeping natural landscapes. The city is known for its sunny weather, youthful energy, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. It attracts visitors year-round with its scenic beauty, from mountain vistas to lush parks sprinkled throughout the city, and a lively downtown packed with breweries, music venues, and sports stadiums.
The city’s main attractions showcase Denver’s rich tapestry of history and innovation. Larimer Square charms with Victorian buildings and trendy boutiques, while Union Station serves as both a transport hub and a stylish gathering spot with dining and shopping. Art lovers can wander through the Denver Art Museum or admire the street murals in RiNo. Sports fans flock to baseball games at Coors Field or catch the Broncos in action at Empower Field, while outdoor enthusiasts use Denver as a launchpad for hiking and skiing in the Rockies.
Denver’s culture is a mix of Western roots and cosmopolitan flair, reflected in everything from cowboy boots and local breweries to contemporary art galleries and farm-to-table dining. Neighborhoods like LoDo offer warehouse lofts, lively nightlife, and eateries serving everything from gourmet tacos to bison burgers. Locals are friendly and down-to-earth, and the city’s craft beer scene is celebrated with numerous breweries and beer festivals.
Getting around is straightforward with Denver’s light rail and pedestrian-friendly streets, especially in the downtown area. Accommodations range from upscale hotels in the city center to cozy bed-and-breakfasts and affordable hostels. Don’t miss out on food halls like Denver Central Market or Union Station’s eateries, and sample green chile, a local culinary favorite.
The best times to visit Denver are spring and fall for mild weather, fewer crowds, and scenic drives through the golden aspens. Winters bring nearby skiing and snowboarding, while summers fill city parks with festivals, open-air concerts, and patio dining. Pack sunscreen and layers—Denver’s high altitude means plenty of sun and changing temperatures.
The city’s main attractions showcase Denver’s rich tapestry of history and innovation. Larimer Square charms with Victorian buildings and trendy boutiques, while Union Station serves as both a transport hub and a stylish gathering spot with dining and shopping. Art lovers can wander through the Denver Art Museum or admire the street murals in RiNo. Sports fans flock to baseball games at Coors Field or catch the Broncos in action at Empower Field, while outdoor enthusiasts use Denver as a launchpad for hiking and skiing in the Rockies.
Denver’s culture is a mix of Western roots and cosmopolitan flair, reflected in everything from cowboy boots and local breweries to contemporary art galleries and farm-to-table dining. Neighborhoods like LoDo offer warehouse lofts, lively nightlife, and eateries serving everything from gourmet tacos to bison burgers. Locals are friendly and down-to-earth, and the city’s craft beer scene is celebrated with numerous breweries and beer festivals.
Getting around is straightforward with Denver’s light rail and pedestrian-friendly streets, especially in the downtown area. Accommodations range from upscale hotels in the city center to cozy bed-and-breakfasts and affordable hostels. Don’t miss out on food halls like Denver Central Market or Union Station’s eateries, and sample green chile, a local culinary favorite.
The best times to visit Denver are spring and fall for mild weather, fewer crowds, and scenic drives through the golden aspens. Winters bring nearby skiing and snowboarding, while summers fill city parks with festivals, open-air concerts, and patio dining. Pack sunscreen and layers—Denver’s high altitude means plenty of sun and changing temperatures.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900–$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Walk or bike the Cherry Creek Trail
- Sample local beers on a Denver brewery tour
- Explore RiNo’s street art and galleries
- Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens
- Watch a game at Coors Field or Empower Field at Mile High
- Enjoy views at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
- Stroll through Larimer Square and Union Station
- Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Notable Sites
- Denver Art Museum
- Union Station
- Coors Field
- Larimer Square
- Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Colorado State Capitol
General Advice
Denver is a great starting point for both urban exploration and mountain adventures. The city is easy to navigate with a blend of walkable neighborhoods, bike lanes, and public transit. Take advantage of the city's rich food and craft beer scenes, and be sure to set aside a day trip for nearby Rocky Mountain excursions. Staying hydrated is important due to the high altitude, and sun protection is essential even on cooler days.
Security & Safety
Denver is generally considered safe, especially in tourist areas and during the day. Like most major cities, it’s wise to stay alert in crowded places, keep valuables secure, and avoid wandering in unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night. Bike theft and car break-ins can occur, so lock up bikes securely and don’t leave belongings visible in your vehicle.
Travel Tips
- Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude, and drink plenty of water.
- Public transportation (light rail and buses) makes it easy to get around downtown and to some suburbs.
- Pack layers as Denver weather can change quickly, even within the same day.
- Advance bookings are recommended for popular attractions and tours, especially in high season.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses—Denver is one of America’s sunniest cities.
- Check local events—Denver regularly hosts concerts, markets, and festivals.
- If planning mountain trips, rent a car or join a tour for more flexibility.
- Tipping is customary and typically 15–20% in restaurants and for taxi drivers.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in April 2024
Denver felt like the perfect balance between cool city spots and nature. We caught a Rockies game at Coors Field and then headed out for brewery hopping in RiNo. Public transport was super easy to use, though I wish there was a bit less construction downtown!
Traveled here in May 2024
Loved the mile-high vibe! Union Station is fantastic for people-watching and grabbing food. Took a quick trip to Red Rocks and the views blew me away. Can't wait to return and explore more of the outdoor parks.
Visited in February 2024
My partner and I came for a winter getaway. We mostly stayed in the city and enjoyed the art museums and local places for green chile. It was a bit chilly, but Denver is beautiful in the snow. Next time, I'm definitely heading into the mountains.
Stayed in July 2023
Hot, sunny days made for great patio dining all over LoDo. We biked along Cherry Creek every morning, and the parks felt very safe. One night the nightlife was a little wild for me, but overall, I loved the energy.
Traveled here in September 2023
The Botanic Gardens were my favorite spot—peaceful but right in the middle of the city! I went solo and found plenty to do, from live jazz in City Park to market shopping downtown. Denver's craft beer scene is no joke.
Visited in March 2024
Denver was my base before a ski trip, but there’s so much more than just the mountains. The local food surprised me with its variety. My hotel downtown was comfortable and close to Union Station, though things get pretty quiet at night compared to other big cities.
Visited in December 2023
Traveling with two kids, we found Denver super family-friendly. The science museum held their attention for hours, and there were so many kid-friendly restaurants. The holiday lights downtown added a nice touch.
Visited in June 2023
The street art in RiNo is outstanding, and I snapped a ton of photos. The altitude hit me harder than expected—definitely hydrate! I loved how clean and green everything felt.
Traveled here in November 2023
I enjoyed my weekend, especially the food scene, but the city felt a little spread out without a car. The art museums and Colorado State Capitol were worth seeing. Wish I'd had time to check out a concert at Red Rocks.
Visited in January 2024
Flew in for business but managed to catch a Nuggets game and do some hiking outside the city. Denver’s mix of sports, music, and mountain views is tough to beat. Food was excellent everywhere I went.
Traveled here in May 2023
Outdoor cafes and friendly locals made my solo trip perfect. Cherry Creek was great for shopping and brunch. Parking can be tricky on weekends, but otherwise getting around was straightforward.
Visited in August 2023
I was impressed by Denver’s relaxed vibe and fantastic live music scene. The open-air summer concerts are a blast. I did wish there were more late-night food options downtown, but the afternoon food markets made up for it.
Stayed in October 2023
Traveling as a retiree, Denver felt accessible and safe. Loved the walking tours and history around Larimer Square. Beware the dry air—carry moisturizer if you're not used to the climate!
Visited in March 2024
Spending a week with friends, we tried as many breweries as possible (Lost count after 10!). The Rockies nearby make day trips easy. Denver's mix of chill parks and lively nightlife kept us busy.
Traveled here in October 2023
As an architecture buff, I loved wandering around the State Capitol and old Victorian streets. The Denver Art Museum’s collection is top-notch too. The weather flipped from warm to cool in a single afternoon, so layers are a must.
Visited in February 2023
The city was a bit expensive for my student budget, but I found great happy hour deals and free walking tours. Public transit worked fine for me, though services slow down late at night.
Visited in September 2023
Denver's parks and outdoor spaces are beautiful. My kids loved City Park, and we even spotted prairie dogs at the Botanic Gardens. We used the light rail to get around, which was very convenient for families.
Visited in April 2024
I came for a conference but added a couple extra days for exploring. Union Station’s coffee shops made for nice work spots, and the Central Market was delicious. Just remember, coffee shops fill up fast on weekends.
Traveled here in June 2024
Coming from sea level, I was surprised by the altitude at first, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying City Park jazz nights and rooftop bars. Denver’s sunsets with the mountains in the distance are gorgeous.
Stayed in January 2024
Visited for the first time and found Denver very walkable. The museums were interesting, especially the Nature & Science one, and food was delicious everywhere. I wish more places stayed open late, but overall, a fantastic visit.
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