United States

Denver

Mile-high city where the Rockies meet a lively downtown.

Local time
UTC-7
Population
0.71M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $72 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $154 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $11.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇺🇸 USD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

DENDenver International AirportMain hub, about 30 km east-northeast of the centre.
HowCostTime
RTD A Line trainUnion Station$10.5035-40 min
Cheapest reliable option; buy ticket before boarding.
RTD busDowntown$10.5060-75 min
Slower; check schedules.
TaxiDowntown$55-7035-50 min
Flat-ish airport rates; traffic can add time.
Uber / LyftDowntown$45-6535-50 min
Pickup at designated rideshare zones.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Denver

Getting around

Walk downtown and use RTD light rail or buses; use ride apps for late nights and spots outside the core.

  • Metro ★RTD light rail and commuter rail link downtown, suburbs and the airport. Check fares and schedules on the day.
  • BusRTD buses cost $2.75 cash with a 3-hour transfer; day passes about $5.50.
  • Taxi / ride appsTaxis are metered; Uber and Lyft both work well in Denver.
  • Rental carA car is handy outside downtown; toll roads are cashless, so check rental billing.
  • Walking ★Downtown is walkable; bikes and scooters are common in summer.
  • FerryNo ferry service; the city is landlocked.
Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: Union Station, LoDo, the State Capitol and one museum fill a day, so skip mountain drives on a short stop.

Best for
  • NatureRed Rocks, foothills trails and mountain views.
  • FoodGreen chile, food halls and brewery taps.

Weather by month

5°-10°Jan🌧 5d
6°-10°Feb🌧 6d
11°-5°Mar🌧 8d
16°0°Apr🌧 8d
20°5°May🌧 13d
28°12°Jun🌧 7d
31°16°Jul🌧 7d
30°15°Aug🌧 7d
28°11°Sep🌧 4d
19°3°Oct🌧 5d
11°-3°Nov🌧 5d
7°-7°Dec🌧 4d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

High-altitude, semi-arid climate: sunny much of the year, cold winters, warm summers and quick afternoon storms in summer.

  • Best time: June to SeptemberWarm, mostly dry days with highs around 28–31°C. Ideal for trails and outdoor sights.
  • Winter is cold (December to February)Highs near 5–7°C and lows around -10°C. Snow and ice are possible; bring a warm coat and boots.
  • Summer afternoon stormsJuly and August often bring afternoon thunderstorms. Hike early and be off exposed ridges by midday.
  • Wettest in springMay has the most rain days (about 13). Carry a light rain jacket in spring.
  • High altitudeDenver sits about a mile high. Take it easy on day one, drink water and use sunscreen.
  • What to packLayers year-round, a warm jacket for winter, sun protection in summer and sturdy shoes for trails.

Landmarks 11

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    A dramatic open-air venue set between towering red sandstone rocks, famous for its acoustics and scenery. It is a must-see even without a show; go early morning for a free walk or check the concert calendar and book tickets well in advance.

  2. 2

    Denver Art Museum

    Home to a striking collection of Indigenous and Western American art, plus a renowned architecture and design department. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds; tickets are timed, so book online.

  3. 3

    Denver Botanic Gardens

    A lush 24-acre oasis with themed gardens and a conservatory, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Go in spring or early summer for peak blooms; arrive by 10am for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

  4. 4

    Colorado State Capitol

    A gold-domed landmark offering free guided tours and a mile-high marker on its steps. Tours run on weekdays; dress comfortably for the walk up to the dome.

  5. 5

    Union Station

    A beautifully restored Beaux-Arts terminal that now houses shops, restaurants, and a lively bar scene. It is a great starting point for exploring downtown; stop by for a coffee or an evening drink.

  6. 6

    16th Street Mall

    A mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with shops and cafes, ideal for a casual walk. The free MallRide shuttle runs its length, making it easy to hop on and off.

  7. 7

    Coors Brewery

    Take a free tour of one of the world's largest breweries in nearby Golden and sample fresh beer. Tours fill up quickly, so reserve online; bring ID for the tasting.

  8. 8

    Elitch Gardens

    A downtown amusement park with roller coasters and family rides, open seasonally. Check the website for opening dates and buy tickets online for discounts.

1Red Rocks Amphitheatre2Denver Art Museum3Denver Botanic Gardens4Colorado State Capitol5Union Station616th Street Mall7Coors Brewery8Elitch Gardens

Cultural

Urban Hub 1

University 1

Palace 1

Museum 1

Garden 1

Modern History 1

Activities

Brewery 1

Amusement Park 3

Theater 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Denver

    Boulder · 45 min by bus

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 45 km from Denver

    Best way: The Flatiron Flyer bus runs directly from Union Station to downtown Boulder in about 45 minutes, faster than the 40-minute drive once parking is factored in.

    Take the RTD FF1/Flatiron Flyer bus from downtown Denver Union Station or Boulder-bound stops directly to downtown Boulder in about an hour; no rail connection exists.

    • Bus ★45 min
    • Car40 min · taxi ≈ $90

    What to see

    • Pearl Street Mall
    • Chautauqua Park trailheads
    • NCAR mesa views
    • University of Colorado campus

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Buses run frequently throughout the day from Union Station
    • Pearl Street Mall and the Flatirons trails are walkable from downtown
    • Mountain weather can change quickly, so bring layers

    Golden · 25 min by road

    ★★★★☆ · Half day · 25 km from Denver

    Best way: The W Line light rail connects downtown Denver to Golden station with a short walk to the historic downtown, avoiding traffic and parking.

    RTD W Line light rail runs from downtown Denver to Golden station, with a short walk or local bus to the historic downtown and Clear Creek.

    • Bus54 min
    • Car25 min · taxi ≈ $50

    What to see

    • Coors Brewery tour
    • Clear Creek trail and tubing
    • Golden History Museum
    • Lookout Mountain views

    2 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Coors Brewery tours require booking ahead
    • Clear Creek and the historic downtown are a short walk from the station
    • Summer weekends are busiest

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Denver rewards visitors with mountain views, a walkable core and a booming food and beer scene. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    1 night · Nature ★ Recommended length

    Red Rocks at sunrise, then parks and gardens across the city.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ USD 0
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ USD 100
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Red Rocks early, then city green space

    Tickets ≈ USD 0 pp · taxis ≈ USD 85
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      07:00–09:30 · Park entry free · concert tickets vary by show

      Red Rocks Amphitheatre Landmark quest

      About 30 minutes by car. Go early for cooler air and quieter trails. Check the day for event closures.

      Open Park open daily roughly 05:00–23:00 · check on the day for event closures · Source

    2. Taxi · 26 km · ≈ 1 h 7 min · ≈ USD 55
    3. 2

      11:30–12:15 · Free

      Confluence Park

      Back in town. Walk the river paths. Bring water.

      Open Always open

    4. Taxi · 475 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ USD 15
    5. 3

      12:30–13:30 · Free to enter

      Denver Union Station

      Lunch inside the station hall.

      Open Building open daily · shops and bars have their own hours · Source

    6. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ USD 15
    7. 4

      14:30–16:30 · Adult ticket roughly USD 15–20 · check on the day

      Denver Botanic Gardens

      Outdoor gardens. Last entry is usually well before closing, so arrive early afternoon.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–17:00 · longer in summer · Source

    Day 2

    City Park morning, then fly

    Tickets ≈ USD 0 pp · taxis ≈ USD 15
    12
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      08:30–10:00 · Park free · zoo and museum charge separately

      City Park and Denver Zoo area

      Flat loop with mountain views on clear days. The zoo is next door if you have more time.

      Open Park always open

    2. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ USD 15
    3. 2

      10:30–11:15 · Free

      16th Street Mall walk

      Easy walk back toward downtown hotels.

      Open Always open

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day in the mountains: Boulder or Golden are short drives or bus rides from Denver; check current schedules.
    • Swap a city afternoon for Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre; check whether a show or event is on.
    • Museum lovers can spend a half day at the Denver Art Museum or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

    Getting around

    • RTD light rail and commuter rail link downtown, suburbs and the airport.
    • RTD buses cost $2.75 cash with a 3-hour transfer; day passes about $5.50.
    • Taxis are metered; Uber and Lyft both work well in Denver.
    • A car is handy outside downtown; toll roads are cashless, so check rental billing.
    • Downtown is walkable; bikes and scooters are common in summer.
    • No ferry service; the city is landlocked.

    Where to stay

    • LoDo · ≈ USD 180–380 a night
      Historic core by Union Station. Walk to Coors Field, the river and most of downtown. Best first-timer base.
    • Downtown CBD · ≈ USD 150–320 a night
      Central, close to the 16th Street Mall and light rail. Quieter at weekends when offices empty.
    • Capitol Hill · ≈ USD 120–260 a night
      Cheaper, leafy streets near museums and Cheesman Park. Good cafés and nightlife on nearby Colfax.
    • RiNo · ≈ USD 160–340 a night
      Mural-covered warehouse district with breweries and food halls. Lively, a short ride from downtown.

    Food & drink

    • Try a green chile dish: smothered burritos and breakfast burritos are a local staple. Ask about heat level.
    • Denver has many breweries and taprooms. RiNo and LoDo are the easiest clusters to walk between.
    • Food halls are handy for groups: look for one downtown or in RiNo and check current opening hours.
    • Rocky Mountain oysters and bison appear on menus; try them if you are curious.
    • High altitude can affect you: drink water, go easy on alcohol on day one, and eat a proper meal before a big hike.

    Tips

    1. Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol on your first day to acclimate to the 'Mile High' altitude
    2. The weather can change rapidly, dropping 30 degrees and snowing within hours
    3. It is one of the premier craft beer cities in the US, with dozens of local microbreweries
    4. Renting a car is recommended if you plan to explore the nearby Rocky Mountains
    5. Downtown is walkable, but the broader metro area sprawls significantly
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    16th Street Mall
    Colorado State Capitol
    Union Station
    • See downtown Denver's main sights with a guide
    • Learn the city's history and secret spots
    • 518 reviews · 4.8 rating
    City highlightsHighly rated

    Bus Tour of City Highlights, Views & Secret Spots

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (518)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    • Visit the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    • Explore the surrounding foothills scenery
    • 134 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Guided tourScenic views

    Red Rocks Amphitheater and Beyond Guided Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (134)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    • Guided day trip into Rocky Mountain National Park
    • Scenic mountain views and wildlife
    • 455 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Full-day tripMountain scenery

    Rocky Mountain National Park Guided Tour - From Denver

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (455)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    16th Street Mall
    • Walk downtown after dark with a storyteller
    • Hear Denver's spooky local legends
    • 112 reviews · 4.5 rating
    Evening tourGhost stories

    Gaslights, Graves, & Gold: Terrors of Denver Ghost Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (112)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    • Visit Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods
    • See dramatic red rock formations
    • 81 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Full-day tripIconic scenery

    Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Guided Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (81)

    Souvenirs

    Leopold Bros. Whiskey

    USD 45–80700–750 ml · estimate

    A whiskey made by Leopold Bros., a distillery in Colorado. It is a local spirit that shows the state's craft distilling scene.

    Where: Leopold Bros. distillery shop
    Check the shop's opening hours and book a tour in advance, since availability can change.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Denver hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for DenverStay connected in United States from day one · Airalo
    Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in DenverDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce