Denver Basics: Where to stay, eat, and go
Before You Arrive:
Where to Stay:
Denver has many neighborhoods and each has its unique pockets. These options are for travelers who want to feel like they are a part of the city during their stay.
RiNo: Artsy
For an artsy urban experience, RiNo (River North) is the place to be. If you stay within walking distance of Larimer Street and Walnut Street between 25th and Downing, you will always be a stone's throw away from beautiful murals, cafés, breweries, exquisite foods, and art galleries.
Cap Hill, the Highlands & LoHi: Urban
For the potentially more cost effective option, Cap Hill (Capitol Hill), the Highlands and LoHi (Lower Highlands) both offer walkable neighborhoods with high-quality, close food and drink options. However, they are slightly more removed from key Denver attractions.
LoDo: Urban, Most Central
For the most urban experience, the LoDO (Lower Downtown) neighborhood centers around Union Station is an excellent place to stay. It is in the heart of Denver's downtown and within walking distance of many excellent restaurants, bars, and iconic Denver locations.
Where to Eat:
RiNo:
Barcelona Wine Bar
$$ - Traditional Spanish Food - Reservations STRONGLY encouraged -Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
The Denver Central Market
$-$$ - Airy Marketplace - Great for groups needing multiple options - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Dio Mio
$$ - Rich, Authentic Italian - Reservations encouraged - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Los Chingones (Multiple locations)
$-$$ - Vibrant Mexican Food - Unbeatable Happy Hour and views - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Sushi-Rama
$-$$ - Conveyor Belt Sushi - Happy Hour and Daily Drink Deals
LoDo:
Bao Brewhouse
$$ - Immersive Dining - Excellent atmosphere, even better food! - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Osteria Marco
$$ - Delicious, Casual Italian - Great experience, reasonable price - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Mercantile Dining and Provision
$$-$$$ - Fresh, Seasonal, and Healthy Fare - Delightful after travel - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Tamayo
$$ - Innovative Mexican - Great patio, rooftop deck, and Happy Hour
Ultreia
$$ - Spanish Tapas - Delightful patio for tapas and drinks.
Highlands & LoHi:
Avanti
$-$$ - Food Vendors & Views Galore! - Something for everyone - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Happy Camper
$$ - Pizza & Pictures - Equally delicious and Instagram-able - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
My Neighbor Felix (Multiple Locations)
$$ - Pan-Mexican - Culinary traditions from all parts of Mexico - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Sassafras
$$ - New Orleans & Southern Comfort Food - Excellent for brunch - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Uncle (Two Locations)
$$ - Japanese Ramen & Cuisine - Delicious!
Breakfast:
Call Your Mother Deli
$-$$ - Satisfying Bagel Sandwiches - Originally from DC, worth the wait - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Denver Biscuit Company (Multiple Locations)
$$ - Massive Biscuits - Stacked biscuits and hearty breakfast - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Devil's Food Bakery
$-$$- Quaint Bakery - Pop in for a quick coffee or pastry - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Rise and Shine Biscuit Kitchen (Three Locations)
$ - North Carolina Biscuits - Try the biscuit of the day!!! - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Santiagos (Multiple Locations)
$ - Local's Go-To - Known for fresh and delicious breakfast burritos
Snooze, an A.M Eatery (Multiple Locations)
$$ - A Denver Classic - VERY popular American diner experience - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
The Cookery at Myrtle Hill
$$ - Fusion of Seasonal and Local - A flavorful and filling brunch - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
The Weathervane Cafe
$ - Fun and Funky - Excellent food in a space that invites a break - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Ice Cream:
Bonnie Brae
$ - Timeless Local Ice Cream - The line moves quickly. - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Little Man (Multiple Locations)
$ - Most Famous Denver Ice Cream Joint - Expect a long line and wait
Also try the other locations: Sweet Cooies, DANG, and More - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
Sweet Cow (Two Locations)
$ - Incredibly Underrated - Innovative flavors and textures - Vegetarian Friendly 🌱
What to Do
There is something for everyone in Denver and activities for every interest. Below are a couple of things that you won't want to miss and one thing that is worth skipping.
Classic Tourist Activities:
Coors Field
An evening game at Coors Field is a delightful way to experience the city, Rocky Mountains, and energy of the stadium, even for a lukewarm sports fan like me. Money saving tip, Rock Pile tickets only $11 and are practically a steal.
Denver Union Station
Convenient for travel to and from the airport, Denver's Union Station also warrants a top for food, drinks, and pictures.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
10/10 recommend attending a concert, but the nearby hikes are great for those who want to get outside but don't want the concert experience.
16th Street Mall
If you want an experience, shops, and restaurants that you can find in any touristy city, head to 16th Street Mall. In other words, I highly recommend skipping it.
Looking for something more?
Specialized Denver Guides:
Individualized Consultation:
If you would like a consultation for specific trips (ex. adventure, bachelorette, family, winter, summer, etc.) please feel free to schedule a consultation below!
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