DENVER

With the Rocky Mountains on its outskirts and a vibrant mosaic of cultural hot spots within, Denver marries rustic mountain adventure with urban sophistication. The Mile High City offers visitors a mountain getaway with both rugged outdoor activities to enjoy and a vibrant, eclectic arts and cultural scene to explore. Embrace nature in Rocky Mountain National Park, stop in one of the city’s famous microbreweries for a pint, check out the Denver Mint to see how money is made and then shop the 16 blocks of the 16th Street Mall, the city’s famed tree-lined, pedestrian promenade.

GETTING THERE

Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 23 miles from downtown. Taxi service to the city center takes about 45 minutes and fares run $30–50. The city’s public transportation system, Regional Transportation District (RTD), also known as The Ride, operates five bus routes under the frequent airport express bus service called SkyRide. Fares start from $9.

GETTING AROUND

Visitors can explore the city with ease by using its wide array of public transportation. RTD operates three bus routes and a lightrail system throughout the city and its suburbs. A one-way ticket costs $2.25, and a day pass is priced from $6.75. RTD also offers a free shuttle bus service between the Civic Center and Market Street from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays, from 5:30 a.m. on Saturdays and from 6:30 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. Or you can opt to navigate the city by foot, as Denver is hailed as one of the most walkable cities in the United States.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Denver Art Museum
One of the largest museum collections between Chicago and the West Coast, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) exhibits more than 68,000 pieces of Native American, Asian, pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial art. The site is a work of art itself, with one building designed as a fortress-like structure and the other resembling a titanium crystal with peaks and shards. The museum is also a great spot for families, with many hands-on exhibits and video corners.

Denver Botanic Gardens
This 23-acre urban oasis features 45 different gardens with more than 33,000 plants, an excellent conservatory and a children’s garden where kids can learn about different species and go on scavenger hunts. The site keeps visitors coming back with its changing events and exhibits and free WiFi. Open daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Larimer Square
The city’s oldest and most historic block, Larimer Square is a diverse, bustling stretch of Victorian buildings housing one-of-a-kind stores, chic restaurants and trendy nightclubs. Follow the walking tour on its website to discover the birth and early years of Denver through its historic buildings. Stores are open Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday noon–5 p.m.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
One of Colorado’s premier cultural events, this three-day festival held during the first weekend of July celebrates the visual, culinary and performing arts with special art exhibits, art and culinary demonstrations and interactive family activities. Free admission.

Denver Arts Week
A weeklong festival held in November, Denver Arts Week features more than 300 events in its galleries, theaters, museums and performing arts venues. Admission to events is free or heavily discounted, allowing art lovers to fully access the city’s arts and cultural scene.

Denver Chalk Art Festival
More than 150 professional and amateur artists spend hours turning Larimer Square into a colorful street museum with their chalk creations during the Denver Chalk Art Festival. The two-day annual street chalking contest is in June.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit denver.org