Essential Tips for Exploring Denver
When I first moved to Denver, I came on a whim; my only experience of the city was a brief weekend during a cross-country road trip. However, after bouncing from coast to coast and across the southern border for years, I figured Denver would be a good place for a short-term stint.
Almost 15 years later, I’m still here, and I have no plans to move. What I’ve found in Denver is an unexpected urban gem: a fast-growing city of locals and newcomers, revitalized neighborhoods, and a rich cultural landscape.
The sunny days and outdoorsy ethos are an integral part of life here—people walk and cycle around the city, and green spaces dot the landscape. Moreover, those mountains overlooking it all offer spectacular views. Here’s what I think is most important for you to know about Denver before your visit.
1. Plan on a Long Weekend
Colorado’s biggest city buzzes with activity—it has a good mix of museums, theaters and sports arenas, plus a hopping restaurant and nightlife scene. Choose a couple of things to do each day, including time to wander, and a long weekend should be plenty of time to get a sense of the city; it will leave you wanting to come back for more.
2. Pack Layers
Though Denver’s weather is relatively mild year-round, it can change on a dime. Snow melts quickly, and summer evenings can become downright chilly. Therefore, bring layers, including a fleece and a warm hat, to stay comfortable. A pair of closed-toe shoes is advisable too.
3. Experience the City on Foot, Bike, and Bus
Denver’s traffic can be onerous, and parking can be expensive, especially downtown. Skip the rental car and navigate the city by foot, bike or public transportation. Most of the city’s sights are within a few miles of each other, making riding a bike or taking the bus easy.
They’re affordable too—day passes on Denver’s RTD bus lines are just $6 per day (free for kids under five), and Lime bikes cost a dollar to unlock and then run at $0.15 per minute.
4. Expect Extra Restaurant Fees
Since Covid hit, Denver restaurants have increasingly added a pre-tax “cost-of-living fee” to diners’ bills to supplement staff wages. Often, it’s directed to non-tipped kitchen staff but sometimes it’s split among everyone. If the fee is 12% or less, a gratuity is still expected and appreciated.
5. Get Sporting Event Tickets in Advance
Denverites take their big sports seriously, with five professional teams calling it home. Tickets aren’t cheap and can sell out quickly, especially to the Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche. Purchase your tickets as soon as you know you’re headed to town.
6. Ditto for Big Hit Shows
Major shows come to the impressive Red Rocks Amphitheater and Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) every year, and seats go fast. Peruse their websites before you arrive; if there’s a show you don’t want to miss, snag tickets early. Conversely, you can sometimes find last-minute tickets, especially for weeknight performances.
7. Budget Extra Time at the Airport
One of the largest airports in the world, Denver International Airport (DIA) takes extra time to navigate. A multi-year, billion-dollar upgrade to its main terminal means navigating construction. Allow for more time than your local airport, especially on outbound flights until construction completes in 2028.
8. No Need to Dress Up
Casual dress rules in Denver—a T-shirt, jeans and puffy jacket are the unofficial uniform. If you want to dress things up, a button-down shirt and your nicest sneakers will suffice. There’s no pressure though!
9. Drink Local Brew
With over 150 craft breweries in the Denver metro area, local beer is the go-to drink, often sipped and savored like wine. So, if you enjoy beer, join the craft crowd. If you must drink a mass-produced brew, make it a Coors; it’ll sting locals a little less.
10. Enjoy Happy Hour Eats
Denverites take happy hour eats seriously, with many high-end restaurants offering incredible deals on small plates—an affordable way to eat gourmet. Go early for a table, typically around 4pm Monday to Thursday.
11. Tread Lightly When Talking About Politics
Coloradans value courtesy but can have strong opinions if pushed, especially on their home turf. While Denver is one of the state’s liberal hubs, opinions can vary widely in this purple state. Be respectful and don’t assume people share your views.
12. Yes, You Can Smoke Weed… But There Are Rules
The skunky-sweet smell of weed is commonplace in Denver since recreational marijuana was legalized in 2012. As long as you’re over 21, it’s easy to partake—just follow the rules:
13. Acclimate to the Elevation
Sitting 5280 feet above sea level, it’s common for visitors to experience altitude sickness. Symptoms can be mild but may include light-headedness, slight headaches, and fatigue. Take it easy for the first couple of days to acclimatize; staying hydrated helps as well. If you experience severe nausea or dizziness, consult a doctor.
14. The Sun is No Joke
Denver enjoys about 300 days of sunshine each year. Coupled with high elevation, it increases the sun’s intensity. Cover up, slather on sunscreen, and consider wearing a billed hat. When exercising or walking a lot, carry a refillable water bottle to save cash and stay hydrated.
15. In Summer, Beware of the Hail
Colorado’s Front Range lies in “Hail Alley,” where the highest number of hailstorms occur. Take cover if caught in one! Past storms caused significant damages in a matter of minutes.
16. Tent Cities Are a Thing
Tent cities or collections of makeshift shelters are common in and around downtown Denver, reflecting the city’s homelessness crisis. While these communities might seem concerning, they do not pose significant safety issues to passersby; however, the individuals living there are vulnerable to various challenges.
