Are you thinking about visiting Denver, Colorado? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Denver worth visiting?
Denver is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. We first visited in 2008 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its convenience as a base to many national parks. For many travelers, Denver serves as an arrival or departure point for their national park and Rocky Mountain trips. The city is relatively large and sprawling with a handful of museums that you can visit. The city also offers access to several of the ski resorts that are nearby.
Denver, Colorado
Reasons to Visit Denver
Skiing
Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.
Nightlife
The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.
Hiking
The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.
Shopping
The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.
Authenticity
Denver has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Denver
Museums: Denver isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.
Food: Denver doesn't top the list for most foodies. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Denver might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Denver here or see if Denver is expensive here.
Related
What is Denver most famous for?
Denver is most famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. The city is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as sprawling, park-filled, suburban, and accessible.
What is the most famous sight in Denver?
The most popular sight in Denver is Red Rocks Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Denver on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Red Rocks Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Denver? Is it a popular city to visit?
Denver is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Explore the Colorado Rockies with an Adventure Photographer: $159
- Rock-Climbing Adventure in Colorado's Front Range: $140
- Gluten Free Food & Brew Tours: $75
- Strike it Rich! Puzzle Room Experience: $30
- Historical Walking Tour Of Denver With A Haunting Twist: $30
- Denver's Best Guided EBike Tour - all the highlights of the Mile High City: $105
- Puzzle Pirates Puzzle Room Experience For Kids: $25
- Private Jeep Tour in Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak: $245
How long should I spend in Denver?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Denver is two to three days. Since Denver has activities such as skiing, nightlife, and hiking, most people visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Denver? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Denver?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.