Denver
Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, capital of Colorado, offers a wealth of outdoor activities as well as plenty of urban fun.
Denver in a nutshell
Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, capital of Colorado, offers a wealth of outdoor activities as well as plenty of urban fun, including brewpubs, iconic eateries, great shopping and plenty of entertainment.
But it’s the outdoors that attracts visitors, including some of the best national parks in the Western part of the USA such as Yellowstone, Mesa Verde and Utah’s Canyonland. There’s plenty of history, too, that tells the story of the Gold Rush, the Wild West and more recent events.
The city’s setting is magnificent, the perfect base from which to explore the Rocky Mountains for skiing in winter and various summer pursuits. When visitors are not having fun in the Great Outdoors, Denver’s attractions beckon – it’s time to enjoy a craft beer after a scenic hike or mountain bike, take in a museum or 2, go shopping and eat out in a choice of excellent restaurants. This is Cowboy territory. You’re visiting the Wild West. Have fun.
Best time to visit: In the shoulder seasons, spring (April & May) or fall (September & October).
Best Area for Sightseeing: Depending on the season, summer or winter, Denver offers plenty of activities. See Things to do in Denver below for some ideas.
If you are visiting Denver then checking out Colorado's amazing mountains has to be on your to-do list.
Shopping in Denver: There are lots of great shopping options. For a unique experience visit the boutique stores on Larimer Square. You can also head for Lower Downtown Denver, called ‘LoDo’ by the locals, a stylish district with historic buildings. Here you’ll find art galleries and plenty of shops along Wazee Street. Another popular shopping spot is Cherry Creek North – and there’s also the Santa Fe Drive art district.
Food & Restaurants in Denver: Make sure to sample the city’s iconic spicy green chili in a choiceof eateries. Farm to table fare is the highlight around Larimer Square and Denver’s Union Station is surrounded by numerous eateries and bars. Do visit the gourmet food hall and marketplace, Denver Central Marke,t as well as the artisan food market, The Source, in Denver’s River North (RiNo) district.
Nightlife: You’ll find plenty of after-dark revelry in the South of Colfax neighborhood, the clubs and pubs in Larimer Square and Lower Downtown Denver. In addition, the variety of craft beers is exceptional and well worth sampling in brew pubs all over town.
Things to do in Denver:
- Tour the city’s famous Empower Stadium at Mile High, HQ of the National Football League’s Denver Broncos.
- Explore the fascinating Molly Brown House Museum that tells the story of one of the survivors of the Titanic tragedy, who lived in Denver.
- See exceptional European, modern, Southern, Central American and Native American art at the Denver Art Museum.
- Enjoy several interactive displays at the innovative Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
- Visit the home of the Colorado General Assembly, the Colorado State Capitol.
- See priceless vintage cars at the Forney Transportation Museum.
- Visit iconic Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team.
- Enjoy ziplining or bungee jumping from the Royal Gorge Bridge.
Best way to get around: It’s easy to explore the downtown area on foot. There’s a free 16th Street Mall Shuttle as well as a bicycle sharing system called ‘B-Cycle’. Or take a pedicab.
Best Area for Families: Lower Downtown This neighbourhood is ideally situated in the midst of many of Denver’s attractions, including the Children’s Museum and Larimer Square. It’s also close to iconic Coors Field, ideal if you’re a baseball fan.