Denver Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

In my 8 years of living in Denver, I’ve learned to navigate the city, visited the top attractions, and explored many nearby destinations. Follow these Denver travel tips to blend right in with the locals!

Be sure to read the entire article, as these suggestions will save you time and money. Plus, they’ll help you make the most of your trip — and trust me, there’s tons in the Mile High you won’t want to miss.

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13 Travel Tips for Denver

Pack for Varying Weather

Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver experiences a wide range of weather. To be prepared for all conditions, follow our Colorado packing guide.

Overall, one of my top tips is to dress in layers. Don’t be surprised to start the day in a sweater and by afternoon, find yourself comfortable in a t-shirt! 

👉 Traveling to Denver, Colorado? Be sure to download our Colorado packing list so you don’t miss any of the essentials!

Know How to Get Around Denver

Getting around Denver is easy, with or without a car. From the airport, you can take the SkyRide bus or RTD light rail directly to Union Station. Of course, ride shares and car rentals are available, too. You can also explore the downtown area by walking, biking, and scootering.

Be sure to take advantage of the free MallRide and MetroRide. This public transportation provides access to attractions like 16th Street Mall and Civic Center Park, some of the best free attractions in the city. The route also passes the Denver Art Museum, Molly Brown House Museum, and Denver Performing Arts Complex. 

Choose Where to Stay

When you visit, you’ll have no trouble finding a hotel that suits your needs and preferences. There are several great neighborhoods, and our guide on where to stay in Denver will help you decide what area is best for you. 

Every type of traveler will find suitable lodging in the area, from budget stays to luxurious suites. See our guide on Denver hotels for our top recommendations!

Eat Like a Local

Denver has a rich culinary scene, highlighting global cuisines with varying price points and ambiance. Many restaurants in Denver feature local ingredients like green chiles, Palisade peaches, Colorado lamb, and bison. Rocky Mountain oysters are a famed dish! But note, this appetizer is not seafood… rather, deep-fried bull testicles. Yum! 

Locals’ favorite restaurants include Hop Alley and Sushi Den, serving up great Asian cuisine. The Edible Beats group is highly popular, creators of El Five (Mediterranean tapas) and Vital Root (vegan). LeRoux, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, and Fruition are personal favorites for date nights! 

For more tips on eating out in the city, see my guide to finding the best food in Denver.

Cheer on Denver’s Sport Teams

Of all US cities to have professional teams in the four major sports, Denver is the smallest. This fun fact speaks to how important sports are to Colorado locals. That, and the loud excitement from the crowd at every game! 

Come cheer on the Denver Broncos from Empower Field at Mile High, one of the best stadiums in the city. I also highly recommend watching the Rockies play at Coors Field. At Ball Arena, you can enjoy games from both the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets. 

Don’t Miss Denver’s Highlights

Your trip should include highlights in and outside the city limits. Visit top museums near Capitol Hill and the Denver Botanic Gardens in Cheesman Park. Explore boutique shops in Washington Park and the Denver Zoo in City Park. 

Outside the city, consider seeing a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Take a drive up the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, one of the best road trips in Colorado. Or enjoy a wildlife safari through Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

Take a Day Trip from Denver

There are so many incredible day trips from Denver! One of those destinations is Boulder, featuring Pearl Street Mall, beautiful hikes, and more fun activities. It’s a great option for those without a car, accessible from Denver via the Flatiron Flyer bus service. 

Those with a vehicle should consider a day trip to Colorado Springs. Here, you can visit Garden of the Gods and take one of the best train tours to the summit of Pikes Peak! Many nearby mountain towns are worth exploring, too. 

Explore the Outdoors

You can’t visit Denver without exploring the Colorado Rockies! More nearby destinations include Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park. Visit here, Idaho Springs, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness for some of the best hikes around. 

Aside from hiking, Denver is close to world-class ski resorts and natural hot springs. You can also find a variety of outdoor experience tours close by, such as whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and off-road motorsports. 

Be Respectful of Nature

Colorado takes efforts to preserve its wild spaces for years to come. Whether visiting Denver or one of the state’s small towns, please follow outdoor etiquette. 

Dispose of waste properly and leave what you find. Respect wildlife and never feed animals. Be conscious of wildfire risks in all Colorado destinations. Pay mind to where you park (avoid dry grass) and start fires only in permitted areas and conditions. Your support is appreciated by locals like me! 

Avoid Altitude Sickness

Denver, Colorado is often referred to as the Mile High City given its location at 5,280 feet elevation. If you’ve ever visited, you’ve likely heard concerns about altitude sickness. While some don’t experience symptoms, others may face discomfort upon arrival or when in the mountains.

The #1 tip to avoid sickness: drink plenty of water. Also, get rest and moderate your intake of alcohol and cannabis, as inebriating effects are stronger at higher altitudes. 

Visit a Craft Brewery

Despite its high altitude, Colorado’s capital city loves to drink! Downtown is famed for its craft beer scene, and stops at the best local breweries are essential.

With nearly 100 options throughout the city, consider a tour of Lower Downtown breweries. It visits some of my personal favorites, like Westbound & Down and Wynkoop Brewery.

Check out a Legal Dispensary

As one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, Denver is also known for its cannabis culture. Flower is the most popular way to consume. Discreet products like vape pens and edibles are also available at dispensaries.  

Protect Your Trip With Travel Insurance 

Safety is one of the most important things to know about Denver. Like any metropolitan city, it has risks of crime and accidents. Many point out downtown’s increasing homeless population and urban camping. In addition, natural disasters such as wildfires occur. But overall, Denver is a safe city. 

However, it’s always wise to purchase travel insurance, especially these days. When illness, theft, natural disaster, or injury occurs, you’ll be glad if you purchased insurance that covers you.

Note that if you’re planning “risky” activities like climbing or skiing, a more comprehensive policy may be needed, so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. 

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Hopefully, these 13 travel tips have you feeling more prepared and confident for your Denver visit. You can also check out our list of Colorado travel tips. Have a great vacation and safe travels!