Denver, Colorado’s Must-See Neighborhoods

The Mile High City is the mountain west’s largest city and home to an array of attractions and experiences. If you’re planning a visit to Denver, it is essential to know where to go. Fortunately, this guide presents the top ten neighborhoods to explore in Denver and highlights activities available in each area.

Baker/South Broadway (SoBo)

Baker and South Broadway (SoBo) have flourished recently, showcasing a vibrant arts and culture scene. This neighborhood offers a broad range of activities. If you seek entertainment with friends, the famous Punch Bowl Social combines food, drinks, and games in one lively location. Gourmet culinary experiences, breweries, and various venues are available to suit your interests.

For art lovers, Baker is particularly intriguing, especially for antique enthusiasts. Baker/SoBo is home to Antique Row, housing nearly 100 distinctive antique shops. Coupled with art galleries, thrift shops, vintage clothing stores, and craft boutiques, it creates a vintage shopper’s paradise.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is home to the stunning Colorado State Capitol Building and boasts much more than just this historical site. The neighborhood features an array of nightlife, dining options, and breweries. Visitors can explore the lively Colfax Avenue, a street that has seen its share of famous authors like Jack Kerouac over the years.

Colfax Avenue is colorful and packed with locally-owned cafes, as well as unique shops like Twist and Shout record store. While Capitol Hill is family-friendly during the day, it may not be suited for small children at night.

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is a haven for shoppers, with two distinct areas: the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North. The Shopping Center features high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus and Restoration Hardware among others. Meanwhile, Cherry Creek North offers chains such as North Face and Orvis, along with a plethora of locally-owned artisan shops.

If shopping gives you an appetite, you can find more than thirty restaurants and pubs in Cherry Creek North. The neighborhood boasts diverse art, clothing, jewelry options, and an incredible array of cuisines ranging from Indian to classic American fare. For indulgence, set your sights on Cherry Creek.

City Park

City Park, situated in the heart of Denver, serves as a centerpiece for outdoor activities. With miles of trails, expansive green lawns, beach volleyball courts, and lakes, the park hosts several events and concerts throughout the year. Additionally, the City Park area houses many of Denver’s key attractions, including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where you can explore exhibits along with an IMAX theater.

The Denver Zoo is also a highlight where you can observe memorable wildlife, including lions, tigers, and bears. For dining, City Park offers various locally-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes that make it an excellent starting point for your adventures in the Mile High City.

Washington Park (Wash Park)

Known simply as Wash Park, Washington Park is one of Denver’s most sought-after neighborhoods, both as a residential area and a visitor destination. The park itself provides numerous recreational opportunities, from fishing and jogging to biking and volleyball. Visitors can also rent paddleboats during the summer to enjoy on the park’s main lake.

The surrounding Gaylord Street District offers excellent dining, shopping, and more. Wash Park encourages visitors to relax, dine, and savor the atmosphere at their leisure.

Lower Downtown (LoDo)

Lower Downtown, or LoDo, is situated close to the heart of Denver. The neighborhood is vibrant with nightlife options, offering a plethora of pubs, restaurants, clubs, and live music venues. If you’re looking to experience Denver’s nightlife, LoDo is the place to be, complete with many options for rooftop dining that provide spectacular views of the city.

Historic Larimer Square should not be missed; it is packed with phenomenal restaurants, breweries, and even a comedy club. In the summer, head to 20th and Blake to catch a home game of the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Santa Fe Arts District

If cultural experiences are what you seek, the Santa Fe Arts District is an essential stop in Denver. The district is home to numerous independent studios, galleries, and unique shops, showcasing everything from southwestern folk art to contemporary sculpture.

The Santa Fe Arts District honors its Hispanic roots through its flavorful cuisine, including famous establishments like El Noa. This area is also home to the Museo De Las Americas, a museum dedicated to Hispanic art. Whiskey enthusiasts can visit Colorado’s Stranahan’s Whiskey for tastings and tours.

River North Arts District (RiNo)

The River North Arts District, or RiNo, is a captivating neighborhood that has evolved from its industrial roots to become a cultural and artistic hub. Known for its vibrant street art, RiNo hosts galleries and breweries that attract both locals and visitors alike.

With the motto “Where Art is Made,” RiNo features a mix of established galleries and dynamic street art. First Fridays, held on the first Friday of each month, invite visitors to explore various gallery events. Moreover, RiNo has cultivated a lively nightlife scene, allowing one to enjoy diverse activities from morning until midnight.

Highlands

The Highlands neighborhood is one of Denver’s oldest, recently revitalized and transformed into a must-visit destination. It is divided into three main areas known as Highlands Square, Tennyson Street, and Lower Highland (LoHi). Each district boasts a unique atmosphere and offers various entertainment options, including restaurants, shops, live events, and more.

Explore charming Victorian homes and the distinctive architecture found in LoHi or take a stroll through the Tennyson Street Cultural District, known for its antique arts. Additionally, visit REI’s flagship store, housed in a repurposed train station along the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, providing an outstanding selection of outdoor gear and expertise.

Diverse culinary options, like the Asian-inspired Uncle and the gastro-haven Highland Tavern, cater to all diners. In the Highlands neighborhood, whatever you crave, you can find it.

Congress Park

Congress Park is primarily a residential neighborhood, yet it features several notable Denver attractions, including the Denver Botanic Gardens, which host unique events year-round and a summer concert series. The sprawling Cheeseman Park is ideal for leisurely relaxation amidst lush green lawns and picturesque views.

On Colorado Boulevard and the surrounding streets of Cheeseman Park, visitors will discover an array of dining options and bars. If you are fortunate to be in Congress Park during autumn, consider taking part in a haunted tour of Cheeseman Park.

Denver is home to many unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and activities. Consider exploring this guide to find the neighborhood that best fits your travel itinerary and interests in the Mile High City.