Denver
Denver is the capital of the western U.S. state of Colorado and the dominant city of the Rocky Mountain Region. Founded in 1858 as the placer gold mining camp known as the Cherry Creek Diggings, the "Mile-High City" is today the most populous city within a 560-mile (900 km) radius and the center of the Front Range Urban Corridor of more than five million residents. Denver embraces its cowboy and mining past but also looks toward the future with a vibrant arts and performing arts scene, dozens of great outdoor festivals, and distinct neighborhoods each offering a unique experience. You'll find everything a cosmopolitan city has to offer including a spectacular view of and easy access to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, which arise only 12 miles (19 km) west of the Colorado State Capitol.
Understand
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Denver sits in a broad valley where the High Plains meet the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5280 feet (one mile or 1609.344 m), hence its nickname. In 2020, the City and County of Denver had a population of 715,522, while the 12-county Denver Metropolitan Area had a population of 3,623,560.
Metropolitan Denver does have its growing pains. Urban sprawl has been a problem, with the metropolitan area sometimes growing faster than its infrastructure can handle, especially with public transportation. Denver is generally a driving city, and some problems with pollution and traffic are a part of everyday life. Extensive mass transportation and freeway expansion projects have been completed.
Colorado is on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-07) in the winter and on Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-06) in the summer. The 105th Meridian West, the reference for the Mountain time zone, passes directly through Denver Union Station.
Climate
[edit]- See also: Winter in North America
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Because it lies in the lee of the mountains, Denver has a milder climate than most surrounding areas. Denver residents enjoy a dry climate with abundant sunshine and four pronounced seasons.
Heavy snowfalls can occur between October and March, often alternating with days of high temperatures and sunshine. About once a year, a snowfall of over a few feet occurs. Winter is also when the Denver area gets pounded by a phenomenon known as the "Chinook". That's when air flows over the mountains to the west and sinks on the leeward (eastern) slopes of the foothills and warms up. This raises air temperatures dramatically, which can last for several days. If you're planning to visit Denver during the winter, be prepared with full winter gear just in case, but also pack a light sweater and T-shirt; the weather is usually very sunny and mild.
Spring in Denver is pleasant, though generally rather brief. Trees begin budding by late March and are in full leaf by mid April to mid May. March, on average, is Denver's snowiest month.
By June, Denver enters its summer season. Temperatures typically rise in earnest at this time, with most heat waves beginning in mid-June and continuing through July, usually Denver's hottest month. Average summer temperatures peak around 89 °F (32 °C) for daytime highs and 62 °F (17 °C) for overnight lows. By late July, the southwest monsoon kicks in. In August, short spells of thunderstorms occur about three to four days per week. By late August, temperatures begin to drop with a noticeable difference between day time and night time temperatures. As the days get shorter through September and October, daytime temperatures drop to the high 50s to mid-60s F (mid-10s C). Slather on that sunscreen all summer long; the rays are strong and the air is dry. Exceptionally hot summer days can see temperatures climb upwards to around 96 °F (36 °C) and not going below 68 °F (20 °C) at night.
Autumn is a peaceful time to visit, with mild temperatures, little severe weather and lots of that famous clear blue sky. You'll get to see the trees display their fall colors, which usually peak around mid-September in the mountains and October in the city. October usually brings the first snowfall of the season to Denver, although it's very light. By November, it's clear that winter is on its way, with plenty of clouds, some snow and much cooler temperatures.
Get in
[edit]See this Colorado travel map.
By plane
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- 1 Denver International Airport (DEN IATA), 8500 Peña Boulevard, ☏ +1 303-342-2000, [email protected]. Locally known as "DIA", the airport is located 18 miles (29 km) east-northeast of the Colorado State Capitol and is one of the ten busiest airports in the world. The RTD commuter rail A line connects the airport to Denver Union Station in about 37 minutes.
General aviation airports:
- 2 Centennial Airport (APA IATA), 7800 South Peoria Street, Centennial CO (off I-25), ☏ +1 303-790-0598.
- 3 Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC IATA), 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield CO (off US-36), ☏ +1 303-271-4850.
Centennial and Rocky Mountain airports have relatively long runways to accommodate private jet traffic. Flight visibility in the Denver area is often excellent, although weather fronts can arrive suddenly. For small planes, any direction but west is a good choice.
By train
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- See also: Rail travel in the United States
Denver is served by Amtrak via its daily California Zephyr service between Chicago and Emeryville, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Westbound trains depart at 8:05AM (for the best views of the Rocky Mountains), and eastbound trains depart at 7:10PM (for a restful night ride to Omaha.) However, as this is one of the longer train routes in the U.S., delays are quite common.
- 4 Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop Street, ☏ +1 833-391-0338. An extensive renovation has restored Union Station to its former glory. It now boasts an on-premise hotel, several restaurants and bars as well as plenty of seating for the tired traveller. Denver Union Station is often cited as the "poster boy" for the revival of train stations, train travel in general and the adjacent neighborhoods that can be observed in several North American and European cities. Union Station is also known for its iconic "travel by train" sign first put there in the 1950s when arrivals at Stapleton Airport started to outstrip traffic at Union Station. In addition to Amtrak trains, RTD commuter and light rail services also call at Union Station, providing easy access to many places in the Denver area if you arrive by train.
By highway
[edit]- I-25 (north and south), I-70 (east and west), and I-76 (northeast) are the major interstates leading in and out of the city. I-225 and I-270 cross the Denver area.
- U.S. Highway 40 connects Denver to Salt Lake City to the west.
- Interstate 70 connects Denver to Summit County, the location of many major ski areas, to the west.
- Interstate 25 connects Denver to Colorado Springs in the south and Cheyenne, Wyoming in the north.
- U.S. Highway 36 connects to the northwestern suburbs and on to Boulder.
- C-470 Connects to the southern end of E-470 (also accessible from I-25) leading to the south, southwest, and western suburbs.
- Toll roads There are a couple of major toll roads in the Denver area, and they can help you avoid some serious rush hour traffic on I-70 and I-25.
- E-470 connects the airport to the southeast, east, northeast and northwest suburbs, C-470 at its southern terminus, and the Northwest Parkway at its northern terminus, leading to Boulder. E-470 is a "cashless" toll road: there are no longer any toll plazas and no way to pay tolls except via an in-car device or a billing service. If renting a car, check to see if the rental car agency provides for proper billing; otherwise, you may be subject to billed tolls and hefty service charges. Tolls are $2–4 and without an in-car device, service charges can run to $50 or more.
- Northwest Parkway connects to the north end of E-470 leading to north, northeast and northwest suburbs, and Boulder. Also accessible from I-25. Tolls are up to $3 each, and booths accept only cash. There's no attendant between 10PM and 6AM, so pay attention to the signs; though some booths still accept exact change, others require you to pay online or by mail.
By bus
[edit]The central bus station is in the underground 5 Union Station Bus Concourse under 17th St behind the historic Union Station building. It can be accessed through the Union Station Building at 1701 Wyncoop St (main entry, location of ticket counters); through the 6 Wewatta Pavilion at 1700 Wewatta St (behind Union Station); and through the 7 Chestnut Pavillion at Chestnut Pl & 17th St by the RTD light rail station. The Union Station Bus Concourse is serviced by Burlington Trailways, Greyhound, Express Arrow, Bustang and RTD. The ticket desks are in the main historic building while the buses load underground, under S 17th St between the historic Union Station and the light rail station on Chestnut Pl. Some of the same bus companies make additional stops at Denver Tech Center (DTC) and/or in other places, check schedules. The intercity buses are generally accessed through Gates B3 & B4 from the underground station but check tickets and the TV monitors to be sure as they can be through the other doors too. Skyride 'A' Line train to the airport operates from the historic downtown Union Station:
- Burlington Trailways, Union Station, ☏ +1 303-293-6555, +1 319-753-2864, toll-free: +1-800-992-4618. Goes east on I-76/80 towards Des Moines, IA through Ft Morgan, Sterling, Ogallala, North Platte, Lincoln, Omaha, etc. Passengers transfer in Iowa City to reach additional destinations.
- Bustang (multiple stops in the area with multiple routes). Service to Denver from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Gunnison and Grand Junction four separate routes. Passengers transfer in Grand Junction to continue towards Durango and in Colorado Springs to continue to Lamar via Pueblo. Bus stops at Denver Union Station (Bus Concourse) and Denver Tech Center.
- Express Arrow (Black Hills Stage Lines), Union Station at 1701 Wyncoop St (Gate 3B), ☏ +1 402-371-3850, toll-free: +1-877-779-2999. Travels between several cities & towns in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska & Wyoming on multiple routes. From Denver their buses go north towards Buffalo WY via Casper, Cheyenne; east towards Omaha; and southwest to Alamosa and Gunnison through Fairplay, Buena Vista and Salida
- Greyhound & Autobus Americanos, (bus station) Union Station at 1700 Wewetta St (Wewatta Pavilion). Service to Salt Lake City (some schedules continue to Portland from Salt Lake City via Boise); Los Angeles (via St George, Las Vegas, Barstow); St Louis, Dallas (via Amarillo) and El Paso (via Pueblo, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces) on multiple routes. Greyhound is in the process of moving from the old bus station on 1055 19th St to Union Station (Oct 2020). Others who use the old bus station will follow. Check websites, check schedules.
- Regional Transportation District (RTD), (downtown office) 1660 Blake St, ☏ +1 303-299-6000. RTD operates local city buses, light rail and commuter trains including the airport SkyTrain around Denver and the surrounding areas. Some of their buses run from Union Bus Station (the same location as intercity buses) while others are only on the surface streets. Check schedules, see below under 'By public transit'.
The Hispanic bus companies from El Paso maintain their own separate bus stations nearby the old Denver Bus Center. Passengers transfer buses in El Paso to continue to/from Mexico. Expect the bus stations to be crowded and dirty:
- 8 El Paso Los Angeles Limousine Express, (bus station) 2215 E California St (corner of E California & 22nd St), ☏ +1 303-293-2244, toll-free: +1-866-691-9732. Travels along I-25 between Greeley, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Deming, Las Cruces and El Paso. The depot in Greeley is at 2410 8th Ave.
- 9 Los Paisanos, (bus station) 2147 Broadway (Broadway & Champa St), ☏ +1 303-291-1366, toll-free: +1-866-771-7575. Travels between Caldwell (near Boise) and El Paso via Salt Lake City, Greely, Denver and Roswell.
Get around
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- Numbered avenues run east-west in the north half of the metro area, including suburbs. Ellsworth Avenue is the "equatorial" street. Numbered streets increase as you travel north and are generally called avenues. Avenues south of Ellsworth are also named avenues.
- Named streets run north-south. Broadway is the "meridian" street. Ordered alphabetically going up as you travel east or west away from the city center, though not alphabetical closer to the city center. Addresses on named streets correspond to intersecting numbered streets, so "1701 Broadway" is at 17th and Broadway. North-south streets are generally called streets, not avenues.
- Downtown streets: The diagonal layout of the downtown area can be tricky, especially for first-time visitors. North of Colfax and west of Broadway, the streets are canted 45 degrees from all other streets in the city. The transition between the two systems is confusing even for locals. Southeast-northwest streets are numbered, while southwest-northeast streets are named. As this was the original grid system of Denver, some vestiges of it exist outside of downtown, creating diagonal cuts in certain parts of the city. Some of those streets include Park Avenue, Speer Boulevard and Morrison Road.
By car
[edit]Tolls
[edit]Denver has a system of toll roads. There are two types, the Express Lanes and full toll roads. The Express Lanes take a lane on existing highways and are divided from regular traffic by double white lines. Crossing over these lines will be subject to a fine of up to $250 from 1st January 2025. Make sure to use the designated entry and exit zones if you choose to use them.
Renting
[edit]If you plan to go outside of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods, car rentals are the most convenient form of transportation. Local companies tend to offer better prices, but national chains might be more convenient as far as return policies and hours. Rental companies include most major car rental chains.
Parking
[edit]Meters are free on Sunday and run until 10PM on weekdays. After 10PM at many of the meters cost $1.00 per hour from 10PM until 8AM at the smart meters. The meters say "overnight parking allowed" but you are still required to pay during this time, or you will get a $25 parking ticket. In the downtown area near Coors Field, the Ball Arena, and LoDo, there is pretty much no free parking on weekdays. In some areas a few blocks from the city center there are a few non-metered spots within reasonable walking distance of downtown. However, just because you don't see a meter doesn't mean that parking is free. Denver is increasingly using European-style meters, where you purchase a paper ticket from a machine somewhere on the block and place it on your dashboard. Also, many neighborhoods around downtown allow only permitted residents to park, so be sure to check the signs first. Some streets have alternate side parking restrictions for cleaning/clearing the streets. Check signs carefully.
The city government has been cracking down on parking violations, so if you park at a meter with a flashing red light and don't pay, even for a few minutes, expect to get a ticket. Meter violations will cost you $25 ($50 if you don't pay up within two weeks). All the meters in the downtown area are equipped with credit card readers that accept Visa and MasterCard. $1 will get you around an hour, depending on the location of the meter.
Areas outside of the downtown core (20th St, Speer, Wynkoop St, Colfax and Broadway) usually have meters that end at 6PM and are free on weekends, so parking is much easier during those times. The area just northwest of downtown, across the train tracks from Union Station, has free 2-hour parking spots (on Wewatta Street just before the Park Avenue bridge).
Union Station
[edit]The area around Union Station is frequently inundated with pedestrians, particularly between Chestnut Place and Wewatta Street, and especially when trains have just arrived and passengers have just disembarked. During daylight hours, there is rarely a break in the action, and that especially goes for days when Rockies home games or other downtown events are taking place. Near Union Station pedestrians have the right of way over vehicles, and drivers will most likely get stuck waiting at crosswalks, sometimes for a long while. For the safety of the pedestrians, and the sanity of the motorist, it is best to avoid driving near Union Station unless absolutely necessary.
By public transit
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The RTD (Regional Transportation District) is the region's primary public transit provider, operating buses and light rail throughout the Denver area.
Denver has a fairly extensive and rapidly growing light rail system that can efficiently get you from Downtown to many of the city's suburbs. There are eight rail lines that branch out of Downtown along six corridors: the A line east to Denver International Airport, the B line north to Westminster, the C/D lines south to Englewood and Littleton, the E/F/H lines southeast along I-25, the G line northwest to Arvada and Wheat Ridge, and the W line west to Lakewood and the Denver Federal Center. A ninth line, the R line, travels along I-225 on the east side of Denver, connecting the E/F/H lines with the A line via Aurora. In Downtown, all rail lines either terminate at Union Station or travel through central Downtown via the Convention Center. Rail tickets must be purchased (cash or credit card) from vending machines at the stations or purchase virtual tickets on the RTD App, tickets must be purchased before boarding the trains and cost (as of 2021) between $0.90 and $5.25 for a three-hour pass, depending on how far you travel, age, and economic status, with service to the airport costing from $3.20 to $10.50. Regional day passes also cost from $3.20 to $10.50 (and include travel to or from the airport) and include bus fare.
The backbone of Denver's transportation system is the buses. RTD buses are $3.00 (cash only; exact change required, with discounts available for youth and senior citizens) for a one-way local trip, and with payment you receive a transfer that's valid for three hours from when you board the bus. Day passes are also available and include light rail, for $10.50. There is also a free shuttle, the MallRide, which runs along the 16th Street pedestrian mall through Downtown and is a handy way of traveling between Downtown attractions. More information about RTD can be found at the Union Station and Civic Center bus stations at either end of 16th Street in Downtown, or on the RTD website. Local routes crisscross the city, supplemented by 'Limited' buses that stop less frequently on major arteries like Colfax and Colorado Boulevard; these buses are denoted by an 'L' after the route number, and cost the same as a Local route.
RTD also operates limited intercity coach service, mostly to the north suburbs and the more distant communities of Longmont and Boulder. These services are denoted by letters and tend to leave from Union Station or Civic Center Station at either end of the 16th Street Mall. The Flatiron Flyer offers a fast bus service along express highway lanes between Union Station in Denver and downtown Boulder, with fares ranging from $3.00 to $5.25 depending on distance travelled. If you're in Colorado to ski or board on a budget, Eldora Mountain Resort in Nederland can be reached via the Ski-N-Ride service (NB bus) from downtown Boulder, seasonally from mid-November to mid-April; fares are $5.25 one-way or covered by a $10.50 daypass. RTD also operates service to the airport by bus or train.
By bike
[edit]Denver has a large network of bike trails leading all over the city. The city has a fiercely loyal cycling culture, and it's reflected in the abundance of bike lanes and trails in and around downtown. Main trails run along both Cherry Creek and the Platte, and bike lanes run down many downtown streets. The lanes are sometimes dedicated and sometimes run with traffic, and are marked by a stencil of a bike in the street. The city's designated routes are signed, and you can pick up a bike map at the info centers downtown and at many bike shops.
Don't be afraid to assert yourself in traffic when there is no bike lane - the drivers are, while impatient sometimes, for the most part respectful. Bikes are treated legally like traffic in Denver, and (while admittedly rare), you can get tickets for running red lights and stop signs. Bikes are also expected to ride as far to the right as practicable, unless you're riding in a group of 3 or more - in which case you are considered (and can behave like) a car. Neat, huh?
Bikes are required to have front lights at night, and a good lock is recommended in areas around downtown. Bike theft happens frequently.
See
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Denver is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for visitors, plus a diverse collection of neighborhoods that can be attractions in themselves. Many of Denver's older areas are the perfect density for exploration; you'll find an interesting mix of apartments and homes with flowery front gardens, wide flagstone sidewalks, bright green lawns and big, shady trees. Capitol Hill, Highlands, Baker, Berkeley, Uptown, Sloan's Lake, Cheesman, Washington, City and Congress Parks are just some of the neighborhoods bustling with people and places to see.
Denver has many beautiful parks that are full of colorful gardens, meandering paths, crystal clear lakes, abundant wildlife and recreation opportunities. The city has a rich pioneer history, and there are plenty of museums where you can learn all about it. It's also a very environmentally conscious city, with one of the nation’s first municipal “Green Fleets”, public transit vehicles using hybrid and alternative fuel and a city tree-planting initiative. Hop on a green bus, grab a bike or just walk around to discover Denver.
Museums and architecture
[edit]- 1 Black American West Museum & Heritage Center, 3091 California St, ☏ +1 720-242-7428. F Sa 10AM-2PM. Set in the home of Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado's first Black woman doctor, this museum is dedicated to the contributions of Black pioneers in the Old West. The 19th-century building was moved 12 blocks to become a museum. Adults: $17, Seniors: $15, Youth 6-17/College ID/Military ID: $12, Children 5 and under: Free.
- 2 Center for Colorado Women's History (Byers-Evans House Museum), 1310 Bannock St, ☏ +1 303-620-4933, [email protected]. M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Sun 12PM-4PM (guided tours at 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM and 3:30PM). One of Denver's great historic homes, built in 1883 by Rocky Mountain News publisher Williams Byers and elegantly furnished with original turn of the (20th) century pieces. Tour the house or catch featured exhibitions in the gallery. Adults: $7, Seniors (60+): $5, Children (18 and under): free.
- 3 Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E Warren Ave, ☏ +1 303-871-5172. Built in 1890, this working observatory is a historic landmark and a pride of the University of Denver. Star Parties and other events are open to the public.
- 4 Children's Museum of Denver, 2121 Children's Museum Dr, ☏ +1 303-433-7444, fax: +1 303-433-9520. This educational museum takes a fun, hands-on approach to learning.
- 5 Colorado State Capitol, 200 E Colfax Ave, ☏ +1 303-866-2604. M-F 7:30AM-5PM. A gorgeous domed building at the southern edge of Downtown. Tours are available, though the big attraction for tourists is standing above the words "One Mile Above Sea Level" engraved into one of the steps out front.

- 6 Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, ☏ +1 720-865-5000. Tu-Th Sa-Su 10AM-5PM, F 10AM-8PM. Closed M and major holidays. A huge museum with art from all over the world. You'll want to give yourself several hours to properly explore the place. $13 adults, $10 seniors/students, $5 youth (6-18), free for children 5 and under. Discounted rates available for Colorado residents. Free admission for eveyone on the first Sa of the month.
- 7 Denver Firefighters Museum, 1326 Tremont Pl, ☏ +1 303-892-1436. M-Sa 10AM-4PM. Historical and interactive exhibits, activities and special events celebrating Denver's firefighters. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children.
- 8 Denver Mint, 320 W Colfax Ave, ☏ +1 303-405-4761. M-Th 8AM-3:30PM, closed on all federal holidays. Thanks to this place, more U.S. money is made in Denver than anywhere else in the world. Fish a coin out of your pocket and look for the "D" on the face side (usually in the bottom right quadrant). That means the money was minted in Denver. Tour times vary by day. Each day, ticket are available starting at 7AM until they run out. Free.
- 9 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, ☏ +1 303-322-7009. Open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Exhibitions, planetarium and IMAX.
- 10 Forney Transportation Museum, 4303 Brighton Blvd, ☏ +1 303-297-1113. M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM. $9 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children (3-15), free for children under 3.
- 11 History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway (Entrance is on Broadway between 12th & 13th Ave.), ☏ +1 303-447-8679. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. The center has many displays and exhibits focusing on historical sites throughout Colorado (prairie settlement, mine, Native American life, etc.) Great for families with kids and even adults; only takes 1-1½ hours to take in. Adults $12; seniors (65+)/students (w/ID) $10; children (6-12) $8; children (under 5) free.
- 12 Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St, ☏ +1 303-832-4092. Tu-Sa 10AM-3:30PM, Su noon-3:30PM (45-min tours). This restored Victorian was once home to labor reformist, actress and Titanic survivor Margaret Brown. It now showcases that era of Colorado history through exhibits and special events. $12 adults, $10 seniors/military/students/teachers, $8 juniors (6-18), free for children 6 and under.
- 13 The Money Museum, 1020 16th St (Entrance is on Curtis Street.), ☏ +1 303-572-2300. 8:30AM-4:30PM. Self-guided tour. Small room with a few displays, including $30 million in cash! Free.
- 14 Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Dr, ☏ +1 303-571-4401. Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su noon-5PM. Denver is home to a large and growing Latino population, and this museum focuses on their art and heritage. $5.
- 15 Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St, ☏ +1 303-298-7554. Tu-Th noon-7PM, F noon-9PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM. Housed in an ultra-modern building downtown, this innovative museum seeks to engage the community with workshops, films, lectures, and a relaxing, open environment. Visit the rooftop deck for 360-degree views of Denver, grab a quick bite in the cafe, and check out the functional public performance space called The Lane. $8 adults ($5 after 5PM), $5 students/seniors, children and teens under 18 free.
- 16 National Ballpark Museum, 1940 Blake St (off of Blake and 20th, across from Coors Field), ☏ +1 303-974-5835. Open by appointment; call to schedule a visit. A family-run museum that contains one of the best private baseball collections in the country, this museum holds a stunning collection of artifacts from ballparks all over the country, including signs, bricks, and seats from the classic ballparks of old, as well as a section of Fenway Park's "Green Monster". $10 adults, $5 seniors/children, free for active military and children under 6.
- 17 Kirkland Museum (Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art), 1201 Bannock St, ☏ +1 303-832-8576, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 11AM-5PM; Su noon-5PM. Fine and Decorative art museum featuring over 30,000 works by more than 1,500 artists and designers. Building was moved in Nov 2016. The grand opening at the new Bannock St location was held March 10,2018.
- 18 Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Blvd, ☏ +1 303-360-5360, [email protected]. 10AM-5PM. Air museum located at the former Lowry Air Force Base with large aircraft and spacecraft collection. $20 adults.
Parks and gardens
[edit]- 19 City Park (between Colorado Blvd, York St, 26th Ave and 17th Ave). Enjoy the Denver sunshine at this 330-acre urban park east of downtown. Two lakes, numerous fields, playgrounds, and a golf course, as well as the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature and Science are all within its expansive bounds.
- 20 Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, ☏ +1 303-376-4800. Open every day of the year, hours vary by season. Denver zoo's pride is Bear Mountain, created using casts of actual Colorado rock outcroppings to simulate the bears' natural habitat. For a different way to watch the wildlife, hop on the Pioneer Train, the first train in a U.S. zoo to be powered by natural gas. Other exhibits include an indoor rainforest and the 7-acre Primate Panorama. $5-12.
- 21 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St, ☏ +1 720-865-3500. May-Sep: Sa-Tu 9AM-8PM, W-F 9AM-5PM. Sep-May: 9AM-5PM daily. Closed on major holidays and for special events. Come for the array of flowers and plants from around the world, stay for the peace and quiet (and the free WiFi), then check out the bonus attractions. Above the gardens' bistro, you'll find Denver's first public green roof, a living example of the benefits of green design. Space and science buffs won't want to miss the OmniGlobe exhibit, a spherical simulation of the Earth from space. $12.50 adults, $9.50 seniors, $9 students/children.
- 22 Washington Park, S Downing St and E Louisiana Ave. Beautiful and lush Denver park, with lakes, flower gardens, a recreation center, soccer fields and tennis courts. Over 160 acres of natural beauty, surrounded by turn-of-the-19th-century homes. A favorite jogging, volleyball, and drinking destination. This used to be the favorite hang-out of young residents during the summer months, but regulations requiring permits for many common activities have reduced park usage and transferred it to City Park.
- 23 Cheesman Park, 12th Ave at High St. The Acropolis-inspired pavilion has a commanding view of the Denver skyline.
- 24 Confluence Park, 15th Street at the Platte River. Named for the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, Confluence Park is a summertime spot for many of Denver's residents. Cool off in the river, or bring a kayak or inner tube for the purpose built rapids near the REI store. The park is also accessible via the Cherry Creek or Platte bike trails.
- 25 Denver Animal Shelter dog sculpture, 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. A 20-foot-high sculpture of a dog, made out of metal dog tags.
Do
[edit]
Late spring and early autumn are excellent seasons to do things outdoors in Denver. Besides the city's various lush green parks, there are plenty of outdoor festivals, sports, and gondola rides. (Yes, gondola rides.) In winter, the snow-peaked mountains in the distance and the crisp air on your cheeks make it the perfect time to tour Denver's famous breweries or check out the downtown arts scene.
- Convergence Station (Meow Wolf), 1338 1st St.. A huge art exhibition. The third (and largest) facility by the Meow Wolf team.
- 1 The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park, 511 16th St, ☏ +1 303-825-6787, [email protected]. Skating rink in downtown Denver open from late November to mid February. Skate rental $8 adults/$6 kids, or bring your own skates.
- 2 Archery Games Denver, 5405 W 56th Ave, Unit D, ☏ +1 720-443 0287, [email protected]. Play archery dodgeball with bows and foam-tipped arrows at this indoor arena. $30.
Amusement parks
[edit]In addition to the two listed below, the Denver area is also home to Water World, a huge water park in Thornton.
- 3 Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Cir, ☏ +1 303-595-4386, [email protected]. A huge amusement park with rides and family entertainment.
- 4 Lakeside, 4601 Sheridan Blvd, ☏ +1 303-477-1621. call for hours. A throwback from Denver's past, Lakeside is an amusement park like they used to make; without all the corporate branding and commercialism. While it may have a somewhat seedy exterior, Lakeside is still a staple of local kids' upbringings, and remains a fixture of Denver culture as well as a much cheaper alternative to Elitch Gardens. Coaster buffs will squeal with glee over the Cyclone, the park's original 1940 Edward Vettel-designed wood coaster.
Comedy
[edit]- 5 Bovine Metropolis Theater, 1527 Champa St, ☏ +1 303-758-4722. Nope, no cows on stage. Just exciting and surprising improv comedy shows five nights a week. All ages. $5-16.
- 6 Comedy Works, 1226 15th St (between Larimer and Lawrence in Larimer Square), ☏ +1 303-595-3637. Laugh it up with local comedians and big name acts. 21 and up. $10-30 tickets.
Festivals & events
[edit]- January National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, Martin Luther King Parade, Indian Market, Mile High Snowfest
- February Colorado Garden and Home Show, Denver Restaurant Week, Buffalo Bill's Birthday Party
- March St. Patrick's Day Parade, Denver March Powwow, Starz Global Lens Film Festival
- April Colorado Rockies Home Opener, KBCO Kinetics
- May Cinco de Mayo, Tesoro Indian Market and Powwow, Downtown Denver Festival of the Arts, Denver Day of Rock, Colorado Colfax Marathon also includes Denver's Navy Week.
- June Colorado Renaissance Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Comcast La Piazza dell’Arte, Do At The Zoo, PrideFest, The People's Fair, Highland Street Fair
- July Cherry Creek Arts Festival, The INTERNATIONAL at Castle Pines, Colorado Irish Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Evergreen Jazz Festival, Global Dance Festival
- September Doors Open Denver, A Taste of Colorado, Great American Beer Festival, Brew At The Zoo, Annual Oktoberfest, Festival Italiano, Denver Beer Fest
- October Doors Open Denver, Fright Fest, Denver Mariachi Festival, Denver Marathon
- November Denver Arts Week, Starz International Film Festival, Denver International Wine Festival, Downtown Denver, Grand Illumination
- December Mile High Holidays, Blossoms of Light, Zoo Lights, 9News Parade of Lights, New Year's Eve Downtown Fireworks
Performing arts
[edit]Major performing arts performances are held at the Denver Performing Arts Complex at N Speer Blvd and Arapahoe St in downtown Denver, including:
- 7 Colorado Ballet, Ellie Caulkins Opera House (in the Denver Performing Arts Complex), ☏ +1 303-837-8888. September–April. Founded in 1951, this internationally acclaimed company presents classical and contemporary ballets.
- 8 Colorado Symphony, Boettcher Concert Hall (in the Denver Performing Arts Complex), ☏ +1 303-623-7876. September–June. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra established in 1989, as the successor to the Denver Symphony.
- 9 Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Buell Theatre (in the Denver Performing Arts Complex), ☏ +1 303-893-4100. Year-round. Spend an evening at the theater watching anything from revivals to world premieres. The center hosts a Tony Award-winning professional resident company, and touring productions.
- 10 Opera Colorado, Ellie Caulkins Opera House (in the Denver Performing Arts Complex), ☏ +1 303-778-1500. November–May. This young company performs classic operas in their downtown venue. $30-160.
Besides this complex, you can find smaller venues, restaurants, and cafes for a unique and exciting experience.
- 11 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St, ☏ +1 303-294-9281. Highly recommended. This popular restaurant/cafe/event center is a must for any lovers of poetry, theater, or counterculture. Live music almost every night, salsa classes, and more. Particularly recommended Sundays nights, when it hosts Denver's best poetry slam. Often, you might run into well-known names like Andrea Gibson. Check out their schedule for more information.
Live music
[edit]There are a bunch of places in town where you can catch a concert, but the most interesting and unique venue in the larger Denver area is almost inarguably the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, a huge outdoor space surrounded by rock formations that make for not only a stunningly beautiful setting but also naturally perfect acoustics.
- 12 Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Ave, ☏ +1 303-322-2308. A beautiful old World War I-era silent movie palace on Colfax Avenue, now repurposed as a music hall where concerts in a variety of genres (primarily rock, but also blues, country, bluegrass and the like) are presented in an intimate setting.
- 13 Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St. Capitol Hill is where you'll find arguably the epicenter of Denver's live music scene. This cavernous and newly-renovated space is famous for its dual Minors with Adults Liquor License, so if you're underage, you're not necessarily segregated into crappy seats.
- 14 hi-dive, 7 S Broadway (cross streets: Ellsworth & Broadway). A small, scruffy bar with character to the hilt, hi-dive is mostly a place to go if you want to check out Denver's local music scene. But it's also made a name for itself as a place rising stars play just before they make it big, so come out to a show here and maybe you can say you "saw them when..."
- 15 Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, ☏ +1 303-291-1007. You can't miss this hipster-friendly club and concert hall in RiNo, with huge, brightly painted Op Art murals covering the whole front of the building. Catch mostly local rock, country, and electronica acts, with a few national touring artists to mix things up, in an ambience that's a lot cleaner and less skeevy than some of the dives around town.
- 16 Lion's Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave, ☏ +1 303-322-2308. Famous, or should we say infamous, dive bar in Colfax that's been a gathering place for Denver-area punk, hardcore, and thrash fans since the 80s. The drinks are cheap, the lights are dim, and the ambience is grungy - and that's meant in a good way.
- 17 Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave. Like the smaller Bluebird, the Ogden Theatre is another old silent movie house and vaudeville hall that's been repurposed as a music venue. Whatever your favorite genre - rock, hip-hop, R&B, electronica, country - you can probably find a show you like at this affable midsize venue.
- 18 Oriental Theater, 4335 W 44th Ave, ☏ +1 303-455-2124. Yet another movie palace turned music venue, the Oriental is the Berkeley neighborhood's destination of choice for everyone from rock and rollers to stand-up comedy fans to arthouse cinephiles.
Sports
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Denver is the only city in the Rocky Mountains with teams in all of North America's "big four" pro sports leagues.
- 19 Denver Broncos, Empower Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St, ☏ +1 720-258-3333. The Broncos are among the most successful teams in the National Football League, making frequent playoff runs and winning three Super Bowls, most recently in the 2015 season. They have had a number of famous quarterbacks, most notably John Elway, who won two Super Bowls as the Broncos quarterback in his final two seasons as a player and now manages the franchise; and Peyton Manning, who played his final four seasons in Denver after being let go by Indianapolis, with the Broncos' most recent Super Bowl win coming in his last game.
- 20 Colorado Avalanche, Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, ☏ +1 303-405-1100. In 1995, the erstwhile Quebec Nordiques landed with a bang in Denver, winning the Stanley Cup in their first season in their new home city, following it up with another championship in 2001, and most recently winning it all in 2022. They've had their ups and downs since then, but they're always solid playoff contenders in the National Hockey League. Will this be the year they go for number four? Head to Ball Arena just outside of downtown and find out.
- 21 Colorado Rockies, Coors Field, 2001 Blake St (on the edge of the LoDo neighborhood), ☏ +1 303-762-5437. Ballpark tours at noon and 2PM on M-Sa non-game days during the season and M W F Sa during the off-season. Denver's Major League Baseball team plays in Coors Field, one of the most beloved ballparks in the major leagues and the most hitter-friendly park as well, thanks to Denver's dry air and high altitude. Tickets range from the $4 "Rockpile" bleachers behind center field to $60 for a seat behind home plate. Behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark are available. Tickets $4-60, Ballpark tours $9 adults, $7 seniors, $6 children.
- 22 Denver Nuggets, Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, ☏ +1 303-405-1100. After decades of disappointment, Denver's National Basketball Association team finally saw a measure of success for a couple seasons in the late 2000s, when superstars Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony led them to back-to-back first-place finishes in the league (followed by quick implosions in the playoffs). After a few years in the bottom of the league, the Nuggets rose to contention in the early 2020s, led by two-time league MVP Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, and capped it off with the team's first NBA title in 2023. Win or lose, Denverites reliably turn out to matches at Ball Arena, for a long time hoping this was the year they either turned things around or took the next step toward a championship, and now hoping they can add to their title collection.
Denver is represented in many smaller leagues too. Of special note among these niche sports is rugby union, which has an outsize following around here: not one but two of America's leagues field teams in the Mile High City.
- 23 Colorado Rapids, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, ☏ +1 303-727-3500. A charter member of Major League Soccer, the Colorado Rapids are a consistent draw despite generally middling success on the field. The biggest games of the season see the Rapids face off against their hated rivals, Real Salt Lake.
- 24 Colorado Mammoth, Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, ☏ +1 303-405-1100. They may have only won one Champions' Cup, in 2006, but the Mammoth are a perennial force to be reckoned with in the National Lacrosse League. They play at Ball Arena, and tickets are easy to come by (and a relative steal, starting at $10 for single seats).
- 25 Glendale Raptors Rugby Club, Infinity Park, 4599 E. Tennessee Ave., Glendale, ☏ +1 303-639-4604. Rugby union club whose top side competes in Major League Rugby, the USA's latest attempt at a professional league in the sport. The organization also fields women's, developmental men's, and youth teams, some of which play as the Glendale Merlins. Also of note: In 2018, Infinity Park became home to the USA Women's Sevens, a tournament in the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series for national teams in rugby sevens, a variant of union with 7 players per side instead of 15, with halves of 7 minutes instead of 40.
- 26 Denver Barbarians Rugby Club, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City. The lower-profile but more successful of Denver's two rugby union teams, competing in the U.S. Rugby Super League since 1967 with three championships to their name.
In the realm of college sports, the main draw in Denver is...
- 27 Denver Pioneers, Ritchie Center, 2240 E. Buchtel Blvd, ☏ +1 303-871-2336, [email protected]. The University of Denver (DU), which plays NCAA Division I sports, mostly in the Summit League. With no football program, the highest-profile sports are men's basketball, men's ice hockey (in which it is a traditional powerhouse, playing in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference), and men's lacrosse (an emerging national power in the Big East Conference).
There are also many disc golf (i.e., golf using a flying disc) courses that bring hours of entertainment for free, as well as numerous golf courses.
Brewery tours
[edit]Among the most popular tours in Denver are those of the many local breweries. Note that the most famous brewery in the area, the Coors Brewery, is located in Golden, about 15 miles west in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
- 28 Great Divide Brewing Company, 2201 Arapahoe St, ☏ +1 303-296-9460. This celebrated local microbrewery is helping make Denver an international destination for beer-lovers. Learn firsthand how they do it. Tours happen Monday-Saturday. Free.
- Denver Microbrew Tour, Denver Downtown (Tour Starts at Great Divide Brewing Company), ☏ +1 303-578-9548, [email protected]. Year round, F-Su 3PM-5:15PM. Guided walking tour in downtown Denver’s historic LODO (lower downtown) area. The tour includes a brewery tour, beer samplings at several microbreweries, everything you want to know about beer, and local Denver history. $40+.
- 29 Let's Roam Denver Brewery Tour, 2201 Arapahoe St (Tour Starts at Great Divide Brewing Company), ☏ +1 833-202-7626, [email protected]. 365 days a year, starts at 6 PM. Guided walking tour in downtown Denver's famed Brewery district LoDO. The tour is a fun pub brawl crawl combined brewery tour. $15/person.
Buy
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Districts
[edit]There are a number of shopping areas in Denver.
- The 16th Street Mall runs the near entire length of 16th St in downtown Denver. It is home to a number of chain stores, as well as novelty shops. It is dominated by the 1 Denver Pavilions, an "urban mall," on the southeast end of the street.
- The Cherry Creek Shopping District sits southeast of downtown Denver, and hosts some of the most expensive stores in the metropolitan area. The 2 Cherry Creek Shopping Mall is the epicenter of this district.
- 3 LoDo (Lower Downtown) is immediately west of the Financial District of Denver and is connected directly to Larimer Square. Like Larimer, it is home to rich old architecture (as well as a few modern pieces). It is anchored by the Tattered Cover (see below) and hosts a ton of shops, mostly in fashion, furniture, and big chains like OfficeMax.
- 4 Larimer Square offers some of the best shopping districts in the city and was one of the first urban shopping concepts, dating back to the 1960s. The area is full of all kinds of stuff from clothing to furniture. Check out the district's rich history, as well. The main part is along Larimer Street between 14th and 16th Streets.
- Colfax Avenue and Capitol Hill offer some of the most eclectic retailers including 5 Capitol Hill Books
Specific retailers
[edit]- 6 Angelo's CDs & More, 1959 S. Broadway, ☏ +1 303-798-6378. Eclectic record store offering thousands of new and used vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs.
- The Tattered Cover, ☏ +1 303-322-7727. The area's largest and best-known bookstore, selling new and used books. The bookstore hosts author readings and other educational programs at their two downtown locations.
- 7 The Tattered Cover, Colfax Avenue, 2526 E Colfax Ave (intersection of Elizabeth St.; free parking in garages on Elizabeth or Columbine Sts.), ☏ +1 303-322-7727. M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 10AM-6PM.
- 8 The Tattered Cover, Lodo, 1628 16th St (intersection of 16th & Wynkoop Sts. near Union Station), ☏ +1 303-436-1070. M-F 6:30AM-9PM, Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 10AM-6PM.
- 9 The Wizard's Chest, 230 Fillmore St, ☏