Discover Denver: The Mile High City of Mountains and Craft Beer

Explore Red Rocks concerts, world-class breweries, and easy access to the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado

Neighborhoods

LoDo, RiNo, Capitol Hill

Cherry Creek, Highlands (LoHi), Five Points

LoDo for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Ride the free 16th Street Mall shuttle past Union Station, tour the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol, browse the Denver Art Museum, and catch a show at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre before exploring Denver’s breweries, murals, and mountain views.

Best Time Windows

Spring (Apr–May) and fall (Sep–Oct) bring mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower rates. Summer is peak season for Red Rocks concerts and festivals, while winter turns Denver into a gateway for nearby ski resorts with fewer tourists downtown.

Getting Around

RTD light rail and buses connect downtown to the airport and suburbs

MyRTD day passes offer good value for visitors

Downtown, LoDo, and the Highlands are highly walkable

Food & Nightlife

Craft breweries, farm-to-table fare, and Southwestern flavours

RiNo, LoHi, and Larimer Square dining districts

Rooftop bars, brewery taprooms, and live music venues

Seasonal Highlights

Spring wildflowers and patio season return downtown

Summer concerts at Red Rocks and rooftop festivals

Winter ski season nearby and holiday lights on the 16th Street Mall

Side Trips

Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods

Red Rocks Park and the mountain towns of Idaho Springs and Golden

Must Visit Attractions in Denver City

Elitch Garden Tickets

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Things to Do in Denver

Rocky Mountain Outdoor Adventures

Get outside within minutes of downtown. Hike and bike at Confluence Park, kayak the South Platte River, or head just west for foothill trails and panoramic views of the Front Range. Denver's mile-high elevation and 300 days of sunshine make it a launchpad for year-round adventure.

Museums, Galleries & Capitol Hill Culture

Explore the angular Denver Art Museum, tour the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol, and wander the historic mansions and music venues of Capitol Hill. Street art and working studios in RiNo add a contemporary edge to the city's cultural scene.

Parks, Trails & Mile-High Scenery

From Cheesman Park's tree-lined paths to Confluence Park's river trails, Denver's green spaces offer mountain views without leaving the city. Washington Park's lake and gardens make for an easy afternoon escape.

Craft Breweries, Food Halls & Nightlife

Denver has more breweries per capita than almost any US city. Sample flights in RiNo and LoHi, graze through Denver's food halls, and finish the night at a rooftop bar or a live show in one of the city's historic music venues.

Sports, Live Music & City Views

Cheer on the Broncos, Nuggets, or Rockies, catch a legendary concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, and take in skyline and mountain views from Denver's rooftop bars and viewpoints.

Denver Neighborhoods

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Denver's oldest neighbourhood blends historic brick warehouses with nearly 100 restaurants, rooftop bars, and nightclubs. Stay here for easy access to Union Station, Coors Field, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.

Cherry Creek

One of Denver's most upscale districts, Cherry Creek pairs a European-style shopping district with over 300 boutiques, galleries, and restaurants alongside the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

RiNo (River North Art District)

Once an industrial hub, RiNo is now Denver's creative heart, packed with street art, breweries, jazz bars, and working artist studios inside converted warehouses.

Highlands (LoHi)

Just across the river from downtown, the walkable Highlands neighbourhood mixes trendy restaurants, rooftop patios, and boutique shops with sweeping views of the Denver skyline.

Capitol Hill

One of Denver's oldest and most densely populated neighbourhoods, Capitol Hill offers a lively mix of museums, music venues, and historic mansions alongside a growing nightlife scene.

Five Points

Historically the heart of Denver's jazz scene, Five Points today combines that musical legacy with craft breweries, up-and-coming restaurants, and a strong sense of community.

How to Get to Denver

Airport
Train
Bus
Car

Denver is served by Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the busiest airports in the US and the main gateway to the Rocky Mountain region. Located around 25 miles (40 km) northeast of downtown, it offers direct connections to major cities across North America, Europe, and beyond. Getting from the airport to the city:

RTD A Line Train Direct rail service to Union Station downtown in about 37 minutes, departing every 15 minutes, 24/7
Taxi Available 24/7 curbside; roughly 30–40 minutes to downtown depending on traffic
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Pickup points are well signed; typically the fastest door-to-door option outside rush hour
Shared Shuttle Door-to-door service to hotels throughout the Denver metro area

Plan your perfect Denver City itinerary

Denver in 3 Days

We recommend: Denver in 3 Days

Explore LoDo, Union Station, the Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado State Capitol
Balance museums, breweries, murals, and mountain views at a comfortable pace
Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience Denver's highlights

Denver Craft Beer & Food Trail

We recommend: Denver Brewery Itinerary

Sample flights across RiNo, LoHi, and Five Points, home to some of the city's best breweries
Graze through Denver's food halls and Larimer Square's dining scene
Perfect for food and beer enthusiasts seeking Denver's local flavour

Red Rocks & Rocky Mountain Outdoors

We recommend: Denver Outdoors Itinerary

Hike or catch a concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Kayak or cycle the trails at Confluence Park along the South Platte River
Ideal for outdoor lovers wanting mountain views close to the city

Beyond Denver: Rocky Mountain Escape

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Denver

Discover Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, and Colorado Springs
Combine alpine scenery, historic mountain towns, and iconic red rock formations
Perfect for extending your Denver trip with memorable Colorado experiences

Denver Arts & Culture Itinerary

We recommend: Denver Cultural Itinerary

Visit the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and History Colorado Center
Explore Capitol Hill's historic mansions and RiNo's street art and galleries
Great for art enthusiasts and travellers interested in Colorado heritage

Beyond Denver City: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Boulder

Just 45 minutes from Denver, Boulder pairs a lively university town atmosphere with the dramatic red-rock Flatirons. Hike Chautauqua Park, browse the Pearl Street Mall, or take the Flatiron Flyer bus straight from Union Station without a car.

Rocky Mountain National Park

About a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers alpine lakes, wildlife, and Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous paved roads in the country.

Colorado Springs & Garden of the Gods

An hour and a half south of Denver, Garden of the Gods showcases towering red rock formations set against Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's famous 14,000-foot summits.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Just 40 minutes from downtown, Red Rocks combines a world-famous concert venue with hiking trails and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, all set among dramatic sandstone formations.

Estes Park

The gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park offers alpine scenery, elk sightings, and a charming main street lined with shops and cafés.

Golden

Home to the Coors Brewery and the Colorado School of Mines, Golden is a quick 20-minute drive from Denver and makes for an easy half-day trip along Clear Creek.

FAQs About Visiting Denver City

What is the best time to visit Denver?

The best time to visit Denver is during spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), when temperatures are mild and crowds are more manageable. Summer is ideal for Red Rocks concerts and festivals, while winter offers easy access to nearby ski resorts and fewer downtown crowds.

How many days do you need in Denver?

Most travellers find that 3 to 4 days in Denver is enough to explore major attractions such as the Denver Art Museum, Union Station, the Colorado State Capitol, and RiNo's street art. Those planning day trips to Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, or Colorado Springs may want to stay longer.

What are the top attractions to visit in Denver?

Some of the best places to visit in Denver include Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, Denver Union Station, and the Denver Botanic Gardens. These attractions showcase the city's mix of culture, history, and mountain scenery.

Is Denver expensive for tourists?

Denver is generally more affordable than coastal US cities such as New York or San Francisco, though prices rise during peak summer months and around major events. Booking accommodation and attraction tickets in advance often helps visitors secure better rates.

What is the best way to get around Denver?

Denver's RTD light rail and bus network connects downtown to the airport and surrounding areas. Downtown, LoDo, and the Highlands are highly walkable, and the free 16th Street Mall shuttle makes getting around the city centre easy.

Do I need to book Denver attractions in advance?

Yes. Popular experiences such as Red Rocks concerts, the Denver Art Museum, and Colorado State Capitol tours can sell out, especially during peak summer months. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to secure preferred dates and times.

What are the best day trips from Denver?

Some of the most popular day trips from Denver include Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Springs, Red Rocks Park, and Estes Park. These destinations offer a mix of alpine scenery, historic towns, and iconic Colorado landmarks.