An enticing blend of past, present and future, the colorful city of Denver began as a hub of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. The search for gold transformed a rough mining settlement into a thriving frontier town and eventually into the modern, environmentally conscious city it is today. Nestled against the snowy crests of the Rocky Mountains, Denver has been Colorado’s capital since statehood in 1876. Its feisty Old West reputation—shaped by corrupt officials and notorious figures like con artist Soapy Smith—has given way to a respected commercial center with a lively arts scene that still preserves a hint of authentic cowboy culture.
Known as the Mile High City because of its elevation, Denver sits on the plains along the Front Range of the Rockies and enjoys a mild, semi-arid climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons and averages around 50 degrees, though an occasional June snow is possible. Despite variable weather, Denverites spend a lot of time outdoors. The city fields teams in all eight major professional sports leagues, with state-of-the-art venues such as the Pepsi Center, Coors Field and Invesco Field at Mile High. Well-maintained parks host festivals and concerts, and easy access to world-class skiing makes Denver especially attractive to outdoor enthusiasts.
Denver’s strong environmental focus led to the citywide B-Cycle bike-share program, the first of its kind in the nation. Residents and visitors can pick up a three-speed Tetra bicycle at any of hundreds of stations around the city and drop it off at another station near their destination. Access is simple with credit-card activation; a 24-hour membership is inexpensive and includes a free first half-hour, encouraging short trips and sustainable transportation.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Lower Downtown (LoDo) recently earned LEED certification and received Gold status for sustainable, energy-efficient design that strengthens the connection between visitors and exhibits. LoDo itself spans more than 23 blocks of the original city and has evolved into a vibrant neighborhood of galleries, brewpubs, wine bars, clubs, restaurants and shops—many housed in historic buildings that once contained saloons and other frontier establishments. Union Station, a major light-rail hub, anchors the district.
Between 14th and 15th streets, Larimer Square—once Denver’s first post office site—has transformed into an upscale dining and shopping destination. The city takes dining seriously: chef-driven restaurants and award-winning culinary events have helped Denver earn national recognition. Annual festivals and competitions celebrate beer, wine and cuisine and draw food lovers from the region.
Denver is a sought-after convention city and has hosted the Democratic National Convention twice, in 1908 and 2008. The city also honors its Wild West roots with the annual Western Stock Show, one of the largest events of its kind. New cultural initiatives are expanding Denver’s international profile, including the Biennial of the Americas, a multiweek program of public dialogues, seminars and cultural programming that brings global thinkers to the city. Economic growth has brought new hotels and residential developments, including the construction of a major high-rise of private residences in the downtown theater district.
Art and culture flourish throughout the city. The Santa Fe Arts District features more than 60 galleries, and the Denver Art Museum—famed for the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, Daniel Libeskind’s first U.S. project—continues to expand. A new museum addition is underway to house the 2,400-piece Clyfford Still Collection, ensuring a broader presentation of Abstract Expressionist work.
Denver International Airport has drawn attention for a large-scale solar power installation that generates millions of kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, cutting carbon emissions significantly. The airport’s project is one of many initiatives that place Denver among the nation’s most sustainable cities. Green practices extend to the Denver Zoo, where a new Asian Tropics Exhibit is being built to LEED standards and will include an 18,000-square-foot elephant barn with both private and public spaces for the animals.
Infrastructure investments are creating jobs and improving access across the region. The light-rail expansion will connect Union Station to Denver International Airport and neighboring towns, with phased completion planned over the coming years. New stations, including one at the Colorado Convention Center, make travel between downtown hotels, attractions and meeting venues easier for visitors and locals alike.
When visiting downtown, look for the giant 40-foot “Blue Bear” outside the Colorado Convention Center. Officially titled I See What You Mean and created by artist Lawrence Argent, the sculpture playfully evokes regional wilderness themes and the legacy of local Indigenous tribes. Locals enjoy debating whether the bear is supporting the building or simply peering inside with curiosity.
Diversions
There’s plenty to keep you busy in Denver. Start at the Denver Botanic Gardens, where themed plantings and seasonal sculpture exhibits offer relaxing green space and inspiration. The garden’s café features a living green roof and a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients. Nearby, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science presents immersive exhibitions such as Gems & Minerals and Prehistoric Journey, with an impressive collection of dinosaurs, many found in the region. The adjacent Denver Zoo participates in numerous conservation programs and showcases wildlife from around the globe.
Back downtown, stroll the pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall or take a horse-and-carriage ride along its length. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at the historic Brown Palace Hotel, located near the mall’s southeast end. The Denver Art Museum often hosts special exhibitions and programming; seasonal highlights and traveling shows draw crowds throughout the year.
Explore the Museo de las Americas for exhibits celebrating ancient and contemporary Latin American art. Tours of the United States Mint are free with reservations and offer a behind-the-scenes look at coin production. For performing arts, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts ranks among the nation’s largest theater complexes, presenting a wide range of plays and concerts. Sports fans can catch an NHL Avalanche game at the Pepsi Center or see the Colorado Rockies play at Coors Field. For family fun and thrills, Elitch Gardens amusement park offers roller coasters and rides for all ages.
Lodging
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa
A city landmark open since 1892, the Brown Palace blends historic elegance with modern business amenities. 321 17th St., tel 303 297 3111, $$$$
Hotel Monaco Denver
A stylish Kimpton boutique housed in two historic downtown buildings, offering thoughtful touches and an easy walk to museums, the convention center and the 16th Street Mall. 1717 Champa St., tel 303 296 1717, $$$
Hotel Teatro
A historic luxury boutique across from the Center for the Performing Arts, combining romantic ambiance with modern conveniences for business travelers. 1100 14th St., tel 303 228 1100, $$$$
Dining
Fruition
A seasonal menu offering refined comfort food from chef Alex Seidel, recognized among Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs. Dinner nightly. 1313 E. 6th Ave., tel 303 831 1962, $$$
Mizuna
A contemporary French restaurant with a rotating menu; specialty dishes have included pan-roasted ostrich loin with walnut bouche from chef-owner Frank Bonanno. Dinner Tue.–Sat. 225 E. 7th Ave., tel 303 832 4778, $$$$
Rioja
Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a seasonal, local focus from chef Jen Jasinski. Open for dinner nightly, lunch midweek and weekend brunch. 1431 Larimer St., Larimer Square, tel 303 820 2282, $$$