Many visitors stop briefly in Denver on their way to Colorado’s ski resorts and wilderness areas. But with abundant sunshine, mountain air, great restaurants and green spaces everywhere, Denver’s a delightful destination on its own.

Just remember to prepare for the city’s extremes of elevation and weather. Altitude sickness can sneak up on you, causing nausea, fatigue and headaches. Only about 8-10 percent of visitors to Denver experience altitude sickness; it’s more common when people head out to the Rockies.ⁱ Remember, too, to pack lots of layers! In the spring and fall, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to plunge 20 degrees in an hour when a cold front rolls in.ⁱⁱ

Here’s a quick travel guide that covers the basics: what to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Denver, Colorado.

Five Fun Things to Do in Denver

1. Rock out. Denver is home to the iconic Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, an open-air venue where naturally formed sandstone monoliths create ideal acoustics. Even if you don’t see a show during your Denver trip, Red Rocks is worth a visit to explore the hiking, biking and horseback trails.
2. Crawl the craft breweries. Every city has a beer scene now, but Denver is arguably the godfather of brewing, having hosted the Great American Beer Festival since 1984. Taste this rich heritage by joining a hosted brewery tour, which takes you around by bus or on foot.
3. Drive up Mount Evans. A trip to Denver is a great opportunity to get high (no, not like that). Sixty miles west of the city is 14,264-foot Mount Evans, accessed by the highest paved road in North America. Enjoy spectacular views as you cruise up the mountain, then walk a short distance to the summit. The road is typically closed between Labor Day and Memorial Day; check the Forest Service’s latest updates before you go.
4. Stroll the 16^th Street Mall. Built in 1982, this mile-long pedestrian mall can feel a little touristy but is still worth a visit for the huge array of dining and shopping options. Favorite destinations include the Tattered Cover bookshop; Cry Baby Ranch, home of designer Western wear and jewelry; Frinje for resort wear and home décor; and I Heart Denver for gifts made by local artisans.
5. Catch a Rockies game. Even if you’re not an ardent baseball fan, spending a summer evening at Coors Field is one of the most fun things to do in Denver. The seats are cheap (as little as $4 for the Rockpile bleachers) and the food is interesting (green chile waffle fries or elk bratwurst, anyone?) Coors Field tours are available, too.

Four of the Best Boutique Hotels in Denver

The Maven Hotel is an art-filled jewel box in Denver’s Dairy Block, a new, high-end shopping and dining micro-district. There’s no shortage of places to eat nearby; Milk Market, a food hall by Denver chef Frank Bonanno, features 16 restaurants and bars. The Maven charges a $20/night amenities fee in exchange for a slew of perks: in-room pour-over coffee, dining discounts, gym access, and a free happy-hour drink.

Halcyon calls itself a “non-hotel,” as it aims to make guests feel like they’re staying with friends. Awesome friends who have a rooftop pool, an espresso maker and a talent for baking, that is! The Halcyon’s best feature is the Gear Garage, a collection of cool stuff — Piaggio scooters, cruiser bikes, longboards, snowshoes, sleds and GoPros — guests can borrow for free. 

The Castle Marne bed-and-breakfast is as romantic as its name. Stay in one of nine luxurious rooms (or the carriage house, which is pet-friendly) in an 1889 stone mansion in Denver’s City Park neighborhood. Some even have private hot tubs. The rates aren’t cheap, but Castle Marne offers a 20 percent discount for all active and retired U.S. military, veterans, first responders, and teachers.

Has your dog always dreamed of seeing the Rockies? The Hotel Teatro is one of the best boutique hotels in Denver that’s also pet friendly. Dogs are welcome for no additional fee; a “pawdicure” or canine massage can also be arranged. Beyond that, the Teatro is notable for its chic décor, 24-hour room service, complimentary transportation to nearby destinations, and central downtown location.

Three of the Top Restaurants in Denver

Unlike other cities (like New Orleans or Miami, for instance), Denver doesn’t have a single, iconic cuisine. What it does have is a diverse and delicious array of restaurants — here are just a few favorites.

The Buckhorn Exchange opened in 1893 and still feels like a Wild West saloon, complete with swinging doors and hundreds of taxidermy trophies. (We should mention this is not a place for vegans.) The Buckhorn is famous for its Rocky Mountain oysters, elk, bison, quail and “The Big Steak,” a slab of beef that serves up to five people. 

For Mexican food, one of Denver’s top restaurants is Los Chingones, which serves playful and creative dishes: guacamole with rattlesnake chorizo, tacos made with jalapeño poppers or lamb neck, and flights of homemade salsa.

Rioja, a Mediterranean restaurant in Denver’s historic Larimer Square, is the perfect destination for a romantic dinner out. Owner Jennifer Jasinski, whom you might recognize from “Top Chef Masters,” offers handmade pastas — like garlic-squid ink bigoli and artichoke tortelloni — and a superb Spanish wine collection.

Planning a Denver vacation? Many travelers overlook travel insurance for domestic trips, but it can be invaluable if you experience flight delays, lost luggage, a covered trip cancellation or other travel mishaps. Find the plan that’s right for you!

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