Your guide to Denver
Denver highlights
Art scene
The arts scene is alive and thriving in Denver. Visit galleries in the Santa Fe, Westward and River North art districts to see what contemporary artists are doing. Head over to the Kirkland Museum to admire works from Colorado artists past and present. Time your stay in Denver for the first Friday of the month, when many galleries and studios have open houses.
Outdoor adventures
Experience Denver by making the most of the city’s free or low-cost outdoor adventures. Hike the unique formations on the Red Rocks Trading Post Trail. Or try to spot a bald eagle at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Paddle down the rapids at Confluence Park, or try a zipline ride at the Colorado Adventure Center.
Sports haven
Denverites love their sports — catch one of the Mile High City’s professional sports teams in action while you’re here. The Colorado Rockies play baseball at Coors Field (May to September), and the Denver Broncos play American football at Empower Field at Mile High (September to December). The Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche have games at Ball Arena in the heart of Downtown.
Denver: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Denver
Weather in Denver
March – May: March is often Denver’s snowiest month. April brings a mix of warm sunshine and rain — plus the occasional snowstorm.
June – August: Denver’s warm summers are full of sunshine. The low humidity can make high temperatures more tolerable, but make sure you stay hydrated.
September – November: Autumn is usually crisp and sunny. Like spring, expect quick changes in temperature and occasional storms.
December – February: While the Rockies see lots of snow, the city’s relatively mild winters mean that it doesn’t stick around for long. Daily highs are usually around 8°C, but temperatures can plummet well below freezing. So prepare with plenty of warm layers.
Events in Denver
Denver March Powwow (March): Powwow dancers from nearly 100 tribes gather for this showcase of Indigenous arts and culture. Enjoy storytelling, singing and traditional foods.
Juneteenth (June): Denver’s Juneteenth celebration marks the beginning of African American emancipation. Celebrate Black culture with a weekend of events, including a parade, music festival and performances across the city.
Denver Oktoberfest (September): Denver’s take on this German harvest tradition features live music, a stein hoisting competition and loads of freshly poured beer.
Denver Arts Week (November): Experience the best of the city’s arts and culture scene with more than a week of events. Don’t miss guided art walks and free admission to museums.
The best neighbourhoods in Denver
Lower Downtown
Old meets new in walkable ‘LoDo’ (Lower Downtown). This is the best neighbourhood to stay in Denver for local history and modern living. Browse boutique shops and enjoy global cuisines in the Victorian and Beaux-Arts buildings of Union Station and Larimer Square. Find your new favourite book at Tattered Cover bookstore, a Denver institution. Or catch a game at Coors Field or Ball Arena.
Good for: Historical buildings, dining, shopping
Five Points
Music is the heart and soul of historic Five Points. Time your visit with the annual Jazz Festival in May. Or go to one of the area’s many independent live music venues year-round. African American history is a vital part of Five Points’ cultural scene. Alongside the craft breweries and restaurants, you’ll find museums and institutes celebrating the contributions of Black Americans to history and culture.
Good for: Live music, culture, breweries
Capitol Hill
If you’re looking for cool museums, great food and open space, Capitol Hill is the best area to stay in Denver. Visit the Colorado State Capitol building — don’t forget to take your photo by the Mile High marker on the 13th step. Grab lunch at Broadway Market food hall, or head to Civic Center Park (Tuesdays – Thursdays, May – October) for food trucks. And enjoy Rocky Mountain plant life at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Good for: Museums and galleries, food, nature
Things to do in Denver
Family friendly things to do
Travelling with kids? Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station is a walk-through art experience that’s out of this world. Stop by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and enjoy a show at the Infinity Theater with giant 2D and 3D film screenings. From May through August, rest tired feet and learn about Denver’s history from the gold rush to today on the open-air Denver Trolley.
Shopping
From mega malls to independent boutiques, the shopping in Denver has it all. Lose a day at the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian retail promenade. Hunt for vintage treasures at the shops on Antique Row, and find everything from second-hand furniture to sporting goods in the South Broadway shopping district.
Take in the culture
Discover history and art at the museums in Denver. Dive into Denver’s past with the interactive exhibits at the History Colorado Center, or see over 70 historic planes at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. For a unique exhibition experience, why not visit the Money Museum at the Denver Federal Reserve Bank Branch.
Beaches
Cool off from the summer heat at beaches near Denver. Locals flock to the Dillon Reservoir to sunbathe, kayak and enjoy views of nearby Swan Mountain. Swim in an uncrowded, natural setting at the Aurora Reservoir. Confluence Park, in LoDo, has a small urban beach. Swimming is not recommended, but you can still enjoy sunbathing and dipping your toes in.
Places to eat
Find local treats and global flavours at the restaurants in Denver. Explore the city’s food truck scene along Federal Boulevard or near City and Civic Center Parks. Sample local dishes at the eateries along the 16th Street Mall. Or order anything from sushi to spaghetti at the many restaurants around the Cherry Creek area.
Free things to do
Time your vacation to take advantage of the best free activities in Denver. Join one of the ‘First Friday’ art walks through Denver’s art districts, or book a complimentary tour of the Colorado State Capitol building. If you’re visiting during summertime, catch free jazz concerts at City Park. Hike around the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, stopping at the free music museum in the visitors’ centre.
Get ready for Denver
Budget
With so much stunning scenery and free outdoor recreation, a budget trip to Denver can still be full of excitement. Try one of the city’s many craft breweries, where you can get a beer for under eight US dollars ($). A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around $21. But you can usually find cheaper options at one of the food trucks around the city.
Day trips from Denver
No trip to Denver would be complete without a day trip into the Rocky Mountains. In historic Georgetown, hop on the narrow gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad for a scenic mountain tour past former gold mines. Some 40 minutes northwest of the city, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado. You’ll also find plenty of cute shops, restaurants and hiking trails.
Getting around Denver
Get around Denver on the light rail system, home to ten lines and more than 50 stations. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers daily and monthly passes at train stations and via the MyRide mobile app. Denver also has extensive paved bike lanes around the city. If you’re hoping to explore the surrounding mountains, it’s best to hire a car.
