Visiting & Getting Around in Denver

Denver, Colorado, is a thriving capital city that sits exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (hence its nickname: the Mile High City). Denver is a place that blends modern sophistication with easy access to outdoor adventure, attracting visitors from around the world for its thriving craft beer scene, professional sports teams, mountain proximity, and 300 days of annual sunshine.

If you’re planning to visit soon, this guide will answer all your questions about getting around in Denver and how to make the most of your time and budget while there.

Where to Stay in Denver?

Denver is home to distinct neighborhoods that cater to visitors, each with its hotels loaded with character. Where you stay may or may not coincide with your itinerary, so it’s a good idea to learn about these areas so you can map your trip out properly.

Here’s an overview of the main areas where travelers typically stay when visiting Denver:

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

LoDo is Denver’s historic district and the heart of downtown activity. This 23-block area puts you within walking distance of Union Station, Coors Field (home of the Colorado Rockies), and countless breweries, restaurants, and rooftop bars housed in renovated brick warehouses.

The area offers hotels ranging from luxury boutiques to mid-range options, all centrally located with direct access to the A Line train from Denver International Airport. If you want to be in the center of the action with easy access to nightlife, sports venues, and major attractions, LoDo is where you want to be.

RiNo (River North Art District)

RiNo is Denver’s creative hub, located just northeast of downtown. This former industrial neighborhood now showcases massive street murals, art galleries, working studios, craft breweries, and innovative restaurants within converted warehouses.

It’s walkable to downtown and offers a more local, artistic vibe than the more tourist-focused areas. So, if you’re drawn to street art, craft beer culture, and want to experience Denver’s creative scene, RiNo will be your Rocky Mountain paradise.

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is Denver’s upscale neighborhood, offering luxury shopping, fine dining, and polished accommodations. The area features the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North, combined offering over 300 stores, 75 cafes and restaurants, and numerous spas and salons.

This neighborhood provides a more refined atmosphere with tree-lined streets and proximity to the Cherry Creek Trail for outdoor activities. If you prefer sophisticated surroundings with high-end shopping and dining, Cherry Creek is the spot for you.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill blends historic Victorian architecture with eclectic, bohemian energy. This diverse neighborhood sits just east of downtown, offering more tree-lined streets, independent coffee shops, vintage boutiques, and a booming music scene.

This area also offers budget-friendly accommodations alongside mid-range hotels and puts you close to City Park, the Denver Zoo, and the Museum of Nature & Science. If you want an authentic Denver neighborhood experience with character and affordability, Capitol Hill is ideal.

How Far is the Airport From My Hotel in Denver?

Denver International Airport (DIA) is located approximately 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver. If you’re coming from DIA, here’s how far you can expect to travel from the airport to each major area:

• To LoDo/Downtown: The airport is a 37-minute A Line train ride away, or approximately 35-40 minutes by car with no traffic
• To RiNo: Expect 30-35 minutes by car, or take the A Line to 38th & Blake Station (approximately 30 minutes)
• To Cherry Creek: The distance is about 30 miles, taking approximately 40-45 minutes by taxi or rideshare
• To Capitol Hill: Expect 35-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your exact location

Transportation options from the airport include the RTD A Line train (the most affordable and often fastest option), rental cars (available at the airport’s Rental Car Center), taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, hotel shuttles, and private car services. The A Line has a station at the airport that connects directly to Union Station in downtown Denver, offering the quickest and least expensive way to get to and from the airport.

Is There Public Transportation in Denver?

Denver’s public transportation is operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), which provides bus and rail service throughout the metropolitan area, including 10 light rail and commuter rail lines covering 113 miles of track.

These are your public transportation options in Denver:

• RTD Light Rail: Multiple lines (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, L, R, W) serve downtown and surrounding areas. The A Line connects Denver International Airport to Union Station. Trains operate from approximately 5:00 am to 2:00 am daily, arriving every 15-30 minutes depending on the line and time. Local fares are $2.75 for a 3-hour pass and $5.50 for a day pass.
• Airport Service: The A Line to/from DIA requires a special fare of $10 one way. The train takes approximately 37 minutes from Union Station to the airport, departing every 15 minutes during peak hours (5:00 am-8:00 pm) and every 30 minutes outside those hours.
• RTD Bus: Over 100 bus routes provide broader coverage than rail, serving suburbs and neighborhoods throughout the metro area. Buses operate from approximately 5:00 am to 1:00 am daily. Local fares are $2.75 for a 3-hour pass and $5.50 for a day pass.
• 16th Street MallRide: Free shuttle buses run every few minutes along the 16th Street pedestrian mall in downtown Denver from 5:00 am to 2:00 am daily, connecting Union Station to Civic Center Station.
• Shared Bike and Scooter Programs: Denver has licensing agreements with Lime and Bird to operate the city’s bike and scooter-share program. Users can locate and unlock bikes and scooters via the respective apps. Pricing typically starts around $1 to unlock, plus $0.30-0.32 per minute.
• Uber and Lyft: Available throughout the city for point-to-point travel. Costs vary by distance and demand.
• Taxis: Available at hotels and major attractions, can be hailed on busy streets. Major companies include Metro Taxi and Yellow Cab. Metered rates start at approximately $2.60 base fare plus $2.96 per mile.

Note: For frequent travelers, RTD offers multi-day passes that provide unlimited rides on both rail and bus: 3-Hour Pass ($2.75), Day Pass ($5.50), and Monthly Pass ($88). Discount fares are available for seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, and Medicare recipients. Youth aged 19 and under ride free on all RTD services. 

You can download the RTD MyRide App to make purchasing and using passes easier.

Is Denver a Walkable City?

Denver’s walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. While the city as a whole is somewhat car-dependent, several central areas offer excellent pedestrian experiences and easy access to attractions.

Denver’s most walkable areas include:

• LoDo: Lower Downtown is highly walkable, with Union Station, Coors Field, countless restaurants, bars, and shops all within easy walking distance. The neighborhood’s grid layout and pedestrian-friendly streets make exploring on foot straightforward and enjoyable.
• 16th Street Mall: This mile-long pedestrian promenade runs through downtown Denver, connecting Union Station to Civic Center Station. Lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers, it’s completely walkable and serviced by free shuttle buses.
• RiNo: The River North Art District is walkable within itself, with galleries, breweries, and murals concentrated in a several-block radius. However, you’ll need transportation to reach RiNo from other neighborhoods.
• Cherry Creek: The Cherry Creek shopping district is walkable, with the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North offering pedestrian-friendly streets connecting shops and restaurants.
• Capitol Hill: This neighborhood features tree-lined streets perfect for walking, with shops, cafes, and restaurants concentrated along Colfax Avenue and throughout the residential blocks.

Downtown Denver and LoDo benefit from excellent public transit connections via RTD light rail and buses, making it easy to navigate between walkable districts without a car. The 16th Street MallRide provides free transportation along downtown’s main corridor. Outside these core neighborhoods, having a car or using rideshare services becomes more necessary for reaching attractions, restaurants, and outdoor recreation areas.

Is Denver Safe?

Denver is generally safe for visitors, particularly in the main tourist districts and neighborhoods where travelers typically stay. Areas like LoDo, Cherry Creek, RiNo, and Capitol Hill are considered safe for visitors during both day and night hours.

Like any major city, standard safety precautions apply to Denver. Some areas in northeast and southwest Denver experience higher crime rates and are best avoided, especially after dark. The areas around Five Points and certain blocks along East Colfax Avenue can also be unpredictable, particularly late at night. 

For detailed, up-to-date crime information, refer to the Denver Police Department’s Interactive Crime Map.

Safety Tips for Visiting Denver:

• Vehicle safety is essential: Car break-ins occur throughout Denver, including in popular areas. Never leave valuables visible in your rental car and always be sure to lock your doors, hide all belongings before arriving at your destination, and keep the vehicle in well-lit, secure areas or parking garages.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your environment, especially when walking alone or at night in unfamiliar areas. Keep phones and valuables secured and out of sight.
• Stick to well-lit, populated streets: When exploring on foot after dark, stay on main streets with good lighting and other pedestrians. Travel in groups when possible during evening hours.
• Use rideshare for late-night transportation: Rather than walking long distances at night, use Uber, Lyft, or taxis to get back to your hotel safely.
• RTD is generally safe: Denver’s public transportation system is reliable, with its own transit police force. Exercise standard urban caution during evening hours, particularly at less-busy stations.

What to Do in Denver

Denver offers a wide range of activities for visitors, from world-class museums and craft breweries to professional sports venues and easy access to Rocky Mountain adventures. Visitors typically spend their time exploring attractions like the Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the 16th Street Mall, catching games at Coors Field or Ball Arena, and using Denver as a gateway to nearby mountain recreation. The city also offers plenty of free things to do for budget-conscious travelers.

These are some of the most accessible things to do while in Denver:

• Union Station: This beautifully renovated 1914 Beaux-Arts building serves as Denver’s main transit hub and features restaurants, bars, shops, and a boutique hotel. The Great Hall offers comfortable seating and is a popular meeting spot for locals. Entry is free.
• Denver Art Museum: This architectural landmark houses an impressive collection spanning ancient to contemporary art, with particularly strong holdings in American Indian art and Western American art. General admission costs $16-24 for adults.
• Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: Located 15 miles west of downtown, this natural outdoor amphitheatre carved into red rock formations hosts concerts and offers stunning views. The park is free to visit when no events are scheduled, and hiking trails surround the venue.
• Larimer Square: Denver’s oldest and most historic block features Victorian buildings housing boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The block is beautifully lit in the evenings and free to explore.
• Coors Field: Home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team, located in LoDo. Even if you don’t attend a game, the surrounding area offers sports bars and a pre-game atmosphere during baseball season.

You can also check out the city’s events calendar to see what’s happening while you’re there.

Where to Eat in Denver

Denver is renowned for its craft beer scene and Rocky Mountain cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients including bison, elk, and trout alongside traditional comfort foods elevated with regional ingredients. The city has become a culinary destination, with numerous restaurants earning national recognition and the state’s first Michelin Guide recognizing several Denver establishments.

Iconic spots include Sam’s No. 3 (serving classic diner fare since 1927), Buckhorn Exchange (Colorado’s oldest restaurant, opened in 1893, known for wild game), and The Cherry Cricket (famous for burgers since 1945). Denver’s craft brewery scene is also legendary, with more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city, offering everything from traditional German-style beers to innovative experimental brews.

Most major areas — LoDo, RiNo, Cherry Creek, and Capitol Hill — feature restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes within walking distance of hotels, making it easy to find great Denver dining wherever you stay.

What’s the Weather Like in Denver?

Denver has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C).

• Summer (June-August): July is the warmest month, with average highs around 89°F (32°C). Summers are warm with low humidity, making hot days comfortable. Temperatures occasionally reach 100°F (38°C) but typically cool to the 50s°F (10-15°C) at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually brief.
• Winter (December-February): January is the coldest month, with average highs around 46°F (8°C) and lows around 18°F (-8°C). Winters bring snow, with an average annual snowfall of 57 inches, though snow often melts quickly under the strong sun. Days reaching 60°F (16°C) in winter are not uncommon due to chinook winds from the mountains.
• Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November): These transitional seasons offer mild temperatures, with spring warming from the mid-50s°F (12-15°C) to low 70s°F (21-23°C) and fall cooling from the 70s°F (21-23°C) to the 40s°F (4-9°C). Spring can be unpredictable, with sunny days alternating with late snowstorms. Fall brings beautiful weather with comfortable temperatures and golden aspen leaves in nearby mountains.

Best time to visit: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October), when the weather is most pleasant with mild temperatures, low humidity, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities without extreme heat or cold.

What to Know Before Visiting Denver

Before coming to Denver, here are a few things to keep in mind so there are no surprises:

• Altitude Adjustment: Denver sits exactly one mile above sea level, and the altitude often affects first-time visitors. Drink extra water, limit alcohol consumption for the first day or two, take it easy with physical activity initially, and allow your body time to adjust. Altitude sickness symptoms typically include headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

• Sun Protection: The sun is significantly stronger at high altitude. Wear sunscreen (even in winter), bring sunglasses, and stay hydrated. You can get sunburned quickly, even on cloudy days.
• Weather Changes Rapidly: Denver’s weather can shift dramatically within hours. Mornings may be cold, while afternoons are warm. Always dress in layers and be prepared for sudden temperature changes. The saying goes: “If you don’t like the weather in Denver, wait five minutes.”
• Dry Climate: Denver receives only 15 inches of precipitation annually. The dry air can cause dehydration, chapped lips, and dry skin. Bring moisturizer and lip balm, and drink more water than you normally would.
• Game Days Impact Traffic: Denver is passionate about its sports teams—the Broncos (NFL), Rockies (MLB), Nuggets (NBA), and Avalanche (NHL). Game days significantly impact traffic around stadiums and can fill hotels and restaurants, so check the sports calendar when planning your visit.

For quick and easy access to citywide information on getting around in Denver and where to go, download the Denver Travel Guide Offline app.

Visiting Denver Soon?

Denver welcomes millions of visitors each year with its unique combination of urban culture, outdoor recreation access, craft beer scene, and Rocky Mountain sunshine. With this guide, you’ll be equipped to navigate the Mile High City efficiently and make the most of your visit to Colorado’s capital.

Have you booked a hotel for your stay in Denver yet? Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, HotelsOne makes it easy to narrow down your options and find unique stays at discounted rates. Find and book your Denver hotel today!

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