Plan Your Denver Trip
Your complete guide to visiting Denver, Colorado. Hotels, transportation, events, restaurants, sports, outdoor adventures, and everything you need for the perfect trip.
5,280 ft
Mile High City
300+
Sunny Days/Yr
4 Teams
Pro Sports
70+
Craft Breweries
Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and for good reason. The Mile High City combines world-class dining, professional sports, a legendary music scene (anchored by Red Rocks Amphitheatre), 300+ days of sunshine, and easy access to the Rocky Mountains. Whether you're here for a Broncos game, a ski trip, or a summer of festivals, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.
When to Visit Denver
Spring (Mar-May)
40-65°FMild weather, fewer crowds, spring training. Denver Restaurant Week in March. Unpredictable weather — can snow one day and be 70°F the next.
Best for: Budget travelers, foodies
Summer (Jun-Aug)
60-95°FPeak season. Red Rocks concerts, outdoor festivals, craft beer patios, hiking season. Book hotels 2-3 months ahead. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but brief.
Best for: Concert-goers, outdoor enthusiasts
Fall (Sep-Nov)
35-75°FBest season for many locals. Golden aspens in the mountains, Broncos season kicks off, Great American Beer Festival (October), comfortable hiking weather.
Best for: Leaf peepers, sports fans, hikers
Winter (Dec-Feb)
15-45°FSki season at its peak. Denver gets 300+ days of sunshine so cold days are often clear and bright. Nuggets and Avalanche games. Holiday markets and events downtown.
Best for: Skiers, sports fans, holiday travelers
Where to Stay
Downtown Denver (LoDo) is the best base for first-time visitors — walkable to Union Station, Coors Field, and the 16th Street Mall. RiNo is best for nightlife and food. Capitol Hill has the most character and lowest prices. Cherry Creek for upscale shopping.
Getting Around
RTD light rail connects the airport to downtown ($10.50, 37 min). Rent a car for mountain trips and Red Rocks. Rideshare is easy downtown. The free MetroRide shuttle runs along the 16th Street Mall.
Things to Do
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must. Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo, and Denver Botanic Gardens are top attractions. RiNo has the best street art and breweries. Take a day trip to Boulder or Rocky Mountain National Park.
Where to Eat
Denver’s food scene has exploded. RiNo and LoHi are the hottest dining neighborhoods. Green chile is the local staple — try it on a breakfast burrito. Denver is also a top-5 craft beer city with 70+ breweries in the metro area.
Denver Sports
Denver is one of only 13 US cities with teams in all four major sports: Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Avalanche (NHL), and Rockies (MLB). Game day experiences are a huge part of Denver culture.
Outdoor Adventures
Colorado has 58 14ers (peaks above 14,000 ft) and hundreds of hiking trails within an hour of Denver. Red Rocks Park, Lookout Mountain, and Chatfield State Park are close-in options. Ski resorts are 90 minutes west on I-70.
Cannabis Tourism
Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis (2014). Denver has 500+ dispensaries, consumption lounges, cannabis-paired dining, and 420 events. Adults 21+ can purchase up to 1 ounce with valid ID.
Events & Nightlife
Denver has live events every night of the week. From Red Rocks to Ball Arena to intimate venues in RiNo, the music and events scene is world-class. Colfax and South Broadway are the best strips for bar-hopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Denver?
September and October are widely considered the best months to visit Denver. The weather is warm and dry (60-75°F), fall foliage is stunning in the mountains, crowds thin after Labor Day, and hotel prices drop from summer peaks. Summer (June-August) is peak season for Red Rocks concerts and outdoor activities but is also the most crowded and expensive.
How many days do you need in Denver?
3-4 days is ideal for a first visit. Day 1: downtown Denver (Union Station, LoDo, 16th Street Mall). Day 2: Red Rocks + brewery tour. Day 3: mountain day trip (Rocky Mountain National Park or ski resort). Day 4: RiNo neighborhood + Denver Art Museum. Add more days for skiing, hiking, or exploring Boulder and Colorado Springs.
Is Denver expensive to visit?
Denver is moderately priced compared to coastal cities. Budget travelers can get by on $100-150/day (hostel/budget hotel, RTD transit, casual dining). Mid-range is $200-350/day (3-star hotel, rental car, sit-down restaurants). Hotels average $150-250/night downtown, though summer weekends and event nights run higher.
What should I know about Denver altitude?
Denver sits at 5,280 feet (1 mile above sea level). Most visitors feel fine, but some experience mild altitude effects: quicker intoxication from alcohol, faster dehydration, shortness of breath during exercise, and occasionally headaches. Drink extra water (at least 8-10 glasses/day), limit alcohol on day one, and apply sunscreen — UV rays are 25% stronger at altitude.
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