
An Ultimate Guide to Denver
Updated: Aug 6, 2021
Denver has been my home for over 4 years now. I feel like for the most part when people hear Colorado they think of the mountains, but after exploring Denver I think you'll find it has a lot to offer. Here is my ultimate guide to this evolving city.
Places to Stay
The Source
The Brown Palace
The Maven Hotel
The ART
Gaylord Rockies Resort
The Curtis Park Club
AC Hotel
Warwick Denver
The Crawford Hotel
NATIV Hotel
Ember Hostel
the Curtis Denver
Things to Do
Look at murals in RiNo Art District
Grab food in the Dairy Block
Check out the Santa Fe Art District
Explore 16th Street Mall
Hang out at Cheeseman Park
Look around Union Station
Go dancing at Milk Bar
Ride some rides at Elitch Gardens
Walk around Washington Park
Get donuts at Voodoo donuts
Line dance at The Grizzly Rose
Catch a Rockies game at Coors Field
Go to a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater
Take pictures at Denver Selfie Museum
Watch cliff divers at Casa Bonita (tip: only order sopaipillas)
Visit the International Church of Cannabis
Have fun at Punch Bowl Social
What to Eat
Necio Mexican Kitchen (Mexican)
Snooze Eatery (Brunch)
Cheba Hut (Sandwiches)
Carbon Cafe & Bar (Coffeehouse)
Little Man Ice Cream (Ice Cream Shop)
Denver Biscuit Co.(Southern)
Smok Barbecue (Barbecue)
Sushi Den (Japanese)
The Molecule Effect (Coffeehouse)
Punch Bowl Social (American)
Linger (Eclectic)
Voodoo Donuts (Novelty Donuts)
Acorn (American)
Blackbird Public House (American)
Hopdoddy Burger Bar (Burger Joint)
Gaetano's (Italian)
Uncle (Japanese)
Transportation
Renting a car is the safest option since public transportation in Colorado is much to be desired. The RTD system is still pretty small, and there aren't a lot of stops. Although, if you are staying downtown, there are shuttles that take you around the city as well as lots of e-scooters.
When to Visit
Hands down, late spring in Colorado is my favorite time of year. It's comfortably warm, everything blossoms, and the grass is green. Summer is very hot with little activities that cool you down. Both fall and winter are cold and most things are dead so unless you plan on going to the mountains- I would hold off on visiting till spring. Having said that, this state is truly awesome and it is almost always sunny.
What to Pack
No matter what time of year you visit, layers are a must. The weather fluctuates a lot throughout the day. Even in cold weather, the sun seems to make things warmer than you might expect. Nights in Colorado tend to be colder than during the day so having a jacket accessible is nice. I would also pack sunglasses or a hat due to the sunlight, and of course a pair of sneakers.
Tips
Stay hydrated -- especially if Denver's high altitude is something new to you.
If you are of age, go on a brewery tour or even visit a marijuana dispensary
Don't be afraid to walk!! Walking is the best way to get a full experience of the city.
If you have the time, venture out of the city and head up the mountains for a day trip.