Welcome to Denver
A city unlike any other where urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure
Denver is one of the most beautiful areas in the state and possibly the country. It sits between the High Plains and the Rocky Mountains, treating residents and visitors to panoramic mountain vistas and natural beauty.
Its beauty has inspired many artists, including Katharine Lee Bates, who wrote "America the Beautiful" sitting atop Pikes Peak in 1893. It is nicknamed the "Mile-High City" because it is officially one mile above sea level.
Denver is the largest city in Colorado, comprising over 70 neighborhoods. Generally, as you get closer to the center of the city, the buildings are historic in nature, while those away from the city center are more modern in materials and styles.
What to Love
- Amazing year-round weather
- Beautiful city with breathtaking scenes and natural and artificial attractions
- Unique neighborhoods with different personalities
- Numerous activities
Local Lifestyle
Denver can be described as where city sophistication meets the great outdoors, with its hustle and bustle lifestyle, 300 days of sunshine every year (more than Miami and San Diego), proximity to the Rocky Mountains, and several natural attractions. It is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers.
The vibe of the city depends on the neighborhood. For example, River North Arts District has a rich art and music scene; Cherry Creek is a mix of residential and commercial, offering some of the best restaurants and shopping in the State. Just to the east of Cherry Creek is another hidden gem called Park Hill, another well-established neighborhood with old and new homes alike.
In Denver, it is easy to get around. While most people have cars, you will find bike lanes on the majority of streets. The walkability score is high in almost every neighborhood. Many residents spend the holidays and weekends in the mountains, skiing, climbing, kayaking, and camping.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Denver has vibrant dining, entertainment, and shopping scenes. In Lower Downtown (LoDo), tons of great clubs, pubs, and bars dot every corner. Drop by
Milk Bar on Broadway for a true underground club experience or
The Shag Lounge on 15th street to enjoy the night on a heated outdoor patio.
The beverage scene is quite vibrant, with several different breweries on almost every corner of the city. It is second to Portland in the number of microbreweries in the country and is nicknamed Napa Valley of Beer. Drop by
First Draft to try dozens of local microbrews and
Black Shirt Brewing Company for live music performances to accompany your beer.
Denver is one of the best foodie cities, popular for its delicious Mexican cuisine and traditional foods like Rocky Mountain Oysters.
Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen in Larimer Square and
Mizuna are perfect for an exclusive dining experience and fine wines in intimate spaces.
The Capital Grille is ideal for classic American fare with its clubby, refined setting. Don't miss
Denver Restaurant Week, a week-long festival celebrating dining in the Mile High City. If it's your first time in Denver, try the green and red Chile sauce, which locals put on almost everything.
You can shop at the
Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and
Denver Pavilions.
Denver Milk Market and
The Denver Central Market are good for groceries, fruits, and other fresh foods.
Things to Do
Denver is a very active city and an excellent place to explore the best outdoor attractions in Colorado, most of which are a short drive away.
Rocky Mountain National Park,
Garden of the Gods, and the
Flatirons in Boulder are just a few. You can visit them for activities like biking, camping, hiking, and exploration. For a challenging hike with a rewarding destination, hike up Mount Evans, which offers some of the best views in Colorado.
If you don't want to get out of the city to enjoy nature and activities, Denver has over 200 parks. Some are secluded and quiet, and others, like
Washington Park, have lakes where you can kayak or paddle a boat.
Most of the football, lacrosse, rugby, basketball, baseball, and hockey stadiums are within downtown Denver so you can catch a game every week if you're into sports. If you are a music fan, you will love the concert calendar at
Ball Arena and the infamous
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. You can also attend several events and festivals, such as the
Great American Beer Festival; a true experience for the craft beer aficionado. And it wouldn’t be Colorado without the endless year-round activities in the mountains.9
