Denver Colorado Guide | Restaurants, Attractions & Things to Do

Your Guide to Denver

Colorado's capital and the gateway to the Rocky Mountains

Sitting at exactly one mile above sea level, Denver combines urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. The city boasts 300 days of sunshine, a thriving craft beer scene, world-class dining, and easy access to skiing, hiking, and mountain escapes.

From the historic architecture of LoDo to the street art of RiNo, Denver's neighborhoods each offer distinct personalities. Union Station anchors downtown as both a transit hub and social gathering spot, while the surrounding areas buzz with restaurants, breweries, and live music venues.

Denver serves as the perfect base for exploring Colorado. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are 90 minutes northwest, while ski resorts like Breckenridge and Vail are about two hours into the mountains.

Explore Denver

Discover what makes Denver special

MUSIC

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

The world's most iconic outdoor concert venue. Stunning natural acoustics surrounded by 300-foot sandstone monoliths. Check the concert schedule or hike the venue during the day for free.

HISTORIC

Union Station

Denver's beautifully restored 1914 train station. Now a bustling hub with restaurants, bars, shops, and the Crawford Hotel. The Great Hall is worth visiting just for the architecture.

ART

RiNo Art District

River North's former industrial warehouses now showcase murals, galleries, breweries, and some of Denver's best restaurants. Street art tours reveal the stories behind the murals.

BEER

Craft Breweries

Denver has more breweries than any other city in the country. From Great Divide to Ratio, every neighborhood has taprooms. The Denver Beer Trail maps over 100 locations.

SPORTS

Pro Sports

Home to the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Avalanche (NHL), Rockies (MLB), and Rapids (MLS). Coors Field offers mountain views and rooftop seating for baseball games.

NATURE

City Parks

200+ parks including City Park, Washington Park, and Cheesman Park. The Cherry Creek Trail connects downtown to the suburbs. Sloan's Lake offers mountain views from the west side.

Denver Neighborhoods

Each area has its own character

LODO

Lower Downtown (LoDo)

Historic brick buildings, Coors Field, Union Station. The most walkable neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and nightlife concentrated in a compact area.

RINO

River North (RiNo)

The arts district. Murals everywhere, breweries in converted warehouses, and some of Denver's hottest restaurants. The Source and Denver Central Market anchor the food scene.

HIGHLANDS

Highlands & LoHi

Victorian homes, boutique shopping, and restaurant row along 32nd Avenue. Views of downtown from the Highland Bridge. LoHi offers upscale dining with rooftop patios.

CAPITOL

Capitol Hill

Eclectic and diverse. Live music venues, LGBTQ+ nightlife, vintage shops, and affordable eats. The gold-domed State Capitol building marks the exact mile-high elevation.

CHERRY

Cherry Creek

Upscale shopping and dining. Cherry Creek Mall anchors the area, with boutiques and galleries along the outdoor shopping district. Great for people-watching.

BERKELEY

Berkeley & Tennyson

Neighborhood vibes with local shops, restaurants, and the Tennyson Street cultural district. Less touristy, more where locals actually hang out.

Things to Do in Denver

Beyond the obvious attractions

DOWNTOWN

Downtown Denver

The State Capitol, 16th Street Mall, and Civic Center Park. Stand at exactly one mile high, ride the free MallRide, and use downtown as your hub to explore better neighborhoods.

MUSEUM

Denver Art Museum

World-renowned collection in a striking Daniel Libeskind-designed building. Strong focus on Western American and Indigenous art. Free for Colorado residents on the first Saturday.

FOOD

Denver Central Market

Food hall in RiNo with local vendors. Fresh pasta, tacos, pizza, oysters, and more under one roof. Perfect for groups who can't agree on one cuisine.

OUTDOOR

Cherry Creek Trail

40-mile paved trail from downtown to the suburbs. Rent a bike, run, or walk. Connects to the Platte River Trail for even more miles. Access points throughout the city.

HISTORY

Larimer Square

Denver's oldest block, dating to 1858. Now lined with restaurants, boutiques, and string lights. The starting point for downtown walking tours.

ZOO

Denver Zoo

One of the most visited zoos in the country. Predator Ridge, Elephant Passage, and Toyota Elephant Passage. Located in City Park with free days throughout the year.

SCIENCE

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Dinosaurs, space science, Egyptian mummies, and a planetarium. Also in City Park. IMAX theater and rotating special exhibits throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your Denver visit

What's the best time to visit Denver?

September and October offer ideal weather with fall colors. Summer brings outdoor festivals and concerts at Red Rocks. Winter is great for ski trip staging. March and April can be unpredictable with late snowstorms.

How do I get around Denver without a car?

RTD light rail connects the airport to downtown and Union Station. From there, the free MallRide bus covers the 16th Street pedestrian mall. Rideshare, scooters, and bike-share fill the gaps. A car helps for mountain day trips.

Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?

At 5,280 feet, some people feel mild effects: headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol the first day, and don't overexert immediately. Most people adjust within 24-48 hours.

How far is Denver from the mountains?

Ski resorts like Loveland are 60 miles (under 2 hours). Breckenridge and Keystone about 80 miles. Vail 100 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park is 70 miles. I-70 traffic on weekends can double drive times.

Where should I eat in Denver?

RiNo for trendy spots like Safta and Hop Alley. LoDo for upscale options near Union Station. Highlands for neighborhood gems along 32nd Avenue. Federal Boulevard for authentic Vietnamese, Mexican, and Korean.

Is Denver walkable?

Downtown, LoDo, and RiNo are very walkable. The 16th Street Mall is pedestrian-only. Other neighborhoods require transportation between them, but are walkable once you arrive. Weather is usually pleasant for walking.

Denver, Colorado