Denver is also a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Be sure to leave time in your visit to explore the independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants nestled in areas outside the vibrant downtown. With a diverse population, there is something for everyone.
Three diverse commercial districts make Highlands Denver's largest neighborhood, and this community with its distinct Hispanic heritage has been featured in Travel + Leisure Magazine as well as National Geographic Traveler. Just south of downtown is The Art District on Santa Fe, showcasing the largest concentration of art galleries in Colorado, and the nearby Antique Row is a popular haunt on South Broadway. There is a wealth of Asian culture and food throughout the city.
Denver's premier shopping and dining neighborhood is Cherry Creek North, with 320 independently owned shops, galleries, boutiques, and spas. The spectacular new wing of the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Public Library are just two of the many architectural marvels located in an area of the city known as the Golden Triangle Museum District. A vibrant mix of urban culture, Capitol Hill and Congress Park's historic mansions share space with newer condos and apartments, resulting in an eclectic young community.
Elitch Gardens Amusement Park, the Children's Museum, and Downtown Aquarium highlight the Riverfront, a neighborhood bordering the South Platte River. In recent years, LoDo has been reborn as one of the city's liveliest areas, with shopping, nightlife and dining options galore. Larimer Square is Denver's trendiest block, with upscale shops and boutiques. Uptown is packed with hip stores and dramatic views of downtown and the mountains. Just north of Downtown, you'll find the River North Art District (RiNo), with a host of art galleries, cafes and creative types.
A short drive northwest from Denver is the quaint town of Golden, home of Buffalo Bill's grave, while a quick trip to the southeast lands visitors in Historic Downtown Littleton, featuring a charming "Main Street" America, lined with turn-of-the-century buildings that now house some of the metro area's most unique, independently owned businesses. Visitors will also be charmed by Olde Town Arvada.
Denver's newest neighborhood, Stapleton, offers a diverse mix of dining and retail. In all, Denver's neighborhoods boast a diverse collection of local eateries, sidewalk cafes, art galleries, wine bars, neighborhood pubs, and independent shops, adding flavor and charm to the Mile High City. Don't miss Belmar, Lakewood's exciting new downtown, a vibrant entertainment, shopping and dining district.
West Denver Things to Do
From museums built just for kids to nightclubs built just for adults, Denver has no shortage of things to do. Set your sights on local wildlife at the zoo or aquarium, throw caution to the wind at the only downtown amusement park in the country, or spend an afternoon at a Front Range winery or brewery. Denver's attractions are sure to fill you with a wide range of sights, sounds and experiences you can take back home with you. And remember, when you're out in the city, stop in at one of the city's conveniently located Visitor Information Centers for brochures, coupons and attractions info.
16th Street Mall - Pedestrian Mall
Built in 1982, the mall is a tree-lined, pedestrian promenade of red-and-gray granite that runs through the center of downtown. Lined with outdoor cafes, renovated historic office buildings, sparkling glass-walled skyscrapers, shops, restaurants and department stores. Numerous fountains and plazas offer a variety of daily special events and entertainers. Free shuttle buses cruise the mile-long Mall every 90 seconds. Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center is located at 16th & California on the 16th Street Mall.
Banjo Billy's Bus Tour
Banjo Billy's Bus Tour ain't no typical 90 minute tour. Hear ghost stories, crime tales, and the history of Denver. Sit on couch, recliner or saddle while ambling through town on a shack on wheels. This more than information, this is infotainment! Yeee Haaa!
Black American West Museum
Preserves the history and culture of those African American men and women who helped settle and develop the American West. Located in the former home of Dr. Justina Ford, the first Black woman doctor in Denver. Exhibits on African American cowboys including Bill Pickett. Call for hours and admission info.
Byers-Evans House Museum
Italianate house built in 1883 and restored to the 1912-1924 period. This Denver landmark reflects the character of two early and important Colorado pioneer families. Closed Mon. Buses welcome with reservation.
Ceramics in the City
A hip and fun paint-your-own pottery and mosaic studio. No experience necessary --come create your masterpiece with the help of our friendly staff. Take home a reminder of your time in Denver! A great team building experience.
Children's Museum of Denver
Discover The Children's Museum of Denver, where interactive Playscapes, programs, and special events all make learning fun by engaging children, infant through age 8, to play, learn and explore. It is a place that ignites and fosters a love of learning that children will carry with them throughout life.
Colorado Ballet
In 2007-2008, Colorado Ballet celebrates its 48th season of bringing world-class quality dance to Denver at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. As one of Colorado's oldest and most successful arts institutions, Colorado Ballet is the only organization of its size and stature to produce classical ballet in the state. Tickets available up to one hour before the show.
Colorado Avalanche
The NHL Colorado Avalanche, 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup Champions, play their home games at Pepsi Center. Their regular season runs October through April.
Denver Art Museum
Visit Denver's newest landmark. The Denver Art Museum's Hamilton Building is an architectural work of art. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, it will change the way you experience art and architecture. Explore the Museum's galleries showcasing a world-famous American Indian art collection, as well as art from around the world. Family programs, traveling special exhibitions, Museum Shop, on-site restaurants and spectacular event spaces. Tue., Wed., Thu., Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Fri. 10 am-10 pm, Sun. Noon-5 pm. Closed Mondays.
Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Part of Denver's Theatres & Arenas Division, the Buell Theatre is located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex and is the venue of choice for traveling Broadway shows. The Buell is ideal for musicals, plays and comedy acts, and consistently ranks as a top-grossing theatre for its size nationally.
Downtown Aquarium
This world-class aquarium immerses visitors on two journeys, from the Continental Divide in Colorado to Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the other from an Indonesian rain forest to the Pacific Ocean. From Colorado's state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout, to swimming Sumatran tigers, visitors experience a variety of fish, mammals and birds that all rely upon water.
Getting to Denver
Whether on foot, by car or by light rail, Denver is an easy city to get around. Downtown is very pedestrian friendly, but you can also hop on the free shuttle that runs along the 16th Street Mall.
The Light Rail connects downtown to the suburbs; buses and taxis offer convenient transport. Denver's grid-like design makes most routes easy to navigate by car using a map, and numerous options are available for disabled travelers.
The city is accessible via a number of highways, including E-470, a toll highway that runs along the eastern perimeter of the Denver metropolitan area. A portion of Interstate 25 (I-25) is reserved for high occupancy vehicles and EXpressToll customers.
Five rental car companies have created a system that allows non-stop tolling, therefore these customers can travel on the roads as if they are an EXpressToll customer.
And remember, when you're out in the city, you can always stop in at one of Denver's conveniently located Visitor Information Centers for guidance.
Shopping
The Mile High City isn't all outdoor adventure and art museums. Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods offer an array of retail excursions making Denver the shopping capital of the Rocky Mountain West. From tree-lined streets filled with independent boutiques to convenient malls and outlet centers, from designer duds to sporting goods, Denver is ready to cater to your shopping wishes.
+ Gallery
+ Gallery is an intimate exhibition space that features some of the cities most relevant and progressive artists. The gallery represents both emerging and established national artists, including some of Colorado's most influential and provocative.
16th Street Mall - Pedestrian Mall
Built in 1982, the mall is a tree-lined, pedestrian promenade of red-and-gray granite that runs through the center of downtown. Lined with outdoor cafes, renovated historic office buildings, sparkling glass-walled skyscrapers, shops, restaurants and department stores. Numerous fountains and plazas offer a variety of daily special events and entertainers. Free shuttle buses cruise the mile-long Mall every 90 seconds. Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center is located at 16th & California on the 16th Street Mall.
3240 Design
Laura features both art and antiques in her 5000 sq. ft. space. Her art gallery is an impressive mix of both known and new artists. The antique gallery, "North Larimer Antiques," showcases a full line of American antiques and collectibles and the rear serves as a studio for her found art sculpture and collages.
A la Carte Gifts and Baskets
"Thinking outside the basket"--Distinctive gift giving that makes you look good! This year A la Carte celebrates 12 years of custom-designed gifts and baskets for any occasion--all created to fit your budget and desired results.
Art District on Santa Fe
This multicultural neighborhood, just minutes from downtown, features the largest concentration of art galleries in Denver. The galleries in the district are dedicated to promoting public awareness of Santa Fe Drive as a unique art and cultural district, and furthering the arts and art education in the Denver metropolitan community. Free monthly events showcase the variety of art in the district- First Friday Art Walk (5-9 pm monthly) and Second Saturdays on Santa Fe (1-4 pm monthly). Maps and calendar events available.
Camera Obscura Gallery
Across from the Denver Art Museum. Vintage and contemporary photographs: Howard Bond, Edward S. Curtis, Wm. H. Jackson, Sebastiao Salgado, Jerry Uelsmann, etc. Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun. 1- 5 p.m. Closed Monday.
Brianna Martray Gallery
The Brianna Martray Gallery features the work of local abstract painter Brianna Martray. Brianna's work is bright and unique and sure to liven up any home or office. Commissions available.
Special Events
Martin Luther King Marade (March & Parade)
January 21
Denver March Powwow
March 21 - March 23
Colorado Rockies Home Opener
April 4
Tesoro 8th Annual Indian Market and Powwow
May 17 - May 18
La Piazza dell'Arte
June 7 - June 8
Denver PrideFest
June 21 - June 22
Capitol Hill People's Fair
June 7 - June 8
Cherry Blossom Festival
June 28 - June 29
Denver Black Arts Festival
July 10 - July 13
1st Annual Mile High Music Festival
July 19 - July 20
18th Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival
July 4 - July 6
14th Annual Colorado Irish Festival
July 11 - July 13
45th Annual Colorado Scottish Festival & Rocky Mountain Highland Games
August 9 - August 10
A Taste of Colorado
August 29 - September 1
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
September 4 - September 7
Oktoberfest
September 19 - September 28
Chatfield's Annual Corn Maze
October 3 - November 1
Great American Beer Festival
October 9 - October 11
Annual Pumpkin Festival
October 11 - October 12
Denver International Wine Festival
October 29 - November 1
Chatfield's Annual Corn Maze
October 3 - November 1
Denver International Wine Festival
October 29 - November 1
Mile High Holidays
November 1 - January 31
31st Annual Starz Denver Film Festival
November 13 - November 23