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Plan Your Trip to Denver: Best of Denver Tourism

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This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
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By AnnaV12

Denver, Colorado

If you only think of Denver as a stopover on your way to the Rocky Mountain ski slopes, it’s time to change your altitude and your attitude. Located at 5,280 feet, Denver delivers on big-city fun with four major sports teams, endless breweries, and Washington Park’s hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities. It’s also home to an innovative restaurant scene on Capitol Hill district’s Restaurant Row plus the celebrated Denver Art Museum. But the laidback city still thrives on craft beer and the occasional Rocky Mountain oyster. With so much to explore, Denver is a destination in its own right. Want more recs? We’ve got ‘em below.

Essential Denver

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How to do Denver in 3 days

Art museums, breweries, and magical outdoor concerts
Read on

How to get the most out of Denver with children

Denver is often celebrated as an adult playground, given its numerous craft breweries and outdoor adventures. But there's plenty to do with children, too. My six-year-old and nine-year-old adore diving into the art scene, eating massive slices of pizza, and getting their hands dirty at the many family-friendly museums.
L. Covington, Denver, CO
  • Denver Art Museum
    3,508
    The Denver Art Museum is filled with world-class art, but if you're travelling with children, the bonuses are the hands-on projects for all ages and the fact that children get in for free. Make sure to start your visit in the art studio, where visitors can see real artists working and try their hand at creating their own masterpieces that can be taken home as souvenirs.
  • Meow Wolf's Convergence Station
    477
    With endless spaces to explore, children and adults can visit this wild installation multiple times without ever getting sick of it. The setting is dense with art, interactive story-telling exhibits, and unexpected surprises. There's so much to see; it would be foolhardy to try and do it all in one go. Give yourself about three hours, let the children lead the way, and come back if you want a little more.
  • Sushi-Rama
    23
    There are a couple of Sushi-Rama locations around Denver, all owned by the same chef and all serving high-end fish via conveyor belt. Children are mesmerised by the tiny plates rolling by and their ability to just pluck a California roll or piece of toro from the lineup. Even if you don't like sushi, there's a separate menu you can order from with ramen, Japanese fried chicken, and other dishes.
  • Children's Museum of Denver
    600
    Even if your children are too young to explore the towering Adventure Forest or go climbing on the indoor jungle gym, there's plenty to do at this interactive museum. There's a secure baby and toddler area where littles can play without worry, and the bigger children can wear themselves out in the larger exhibits. The museum has an art studio, a cooking lab, a faux vet's office, and part of a real fire truck.
  • Atomic Cowboy
    159
    Imagine wowing the family with a pizza longer than your arm, with slices bigger than most adults' heads. That's what you get at this Colorado mini-chain, which boasts seven locations. The restaurant is a mash-up of two concepts: Denver Biscuit Company and Fat Sully's Pizza. You can get both fantastic biscuit brunch fare and a massive pizza in a very child-friendly space.
  • Denver Zoo
    4,123
    Zoos are always fun for children, but the Denver Zoo has enough going on that adults adore it, too, including a wild virtual reality gorilla trek. You can get a pint of local craft beer or wine to carry during your stroll through the heated Tropical Discovery area, which offers a respite during bad weather, and a chance to see poison dart frogs, capybaras, and bats. Children love Stingray Cove where you can touch and feed various sea creatures.
  • The Wizard's Chest
    5
    Have you ever walked into a toy store and felt so much nostalgia that you just wanted to get down on the floor and play? The Wizard's Chest is that kind of place. There's a reason it's been around for over four decades. Though it has moved locations over the years, the same games, stuffed animals, wooden toys, costumes, and magic make the space the kind of place you never want to leave.
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Denver travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, the Brown Palace and The Oxford are frequently recommended for their classic appeal and proximity to downtown attractions. The Brown Palace is suggested for its historical significance and central location, making it a popular choice for visitors wanting to stay in a landmark hotel. The Oxford is favored for its proximity to Union Station and easy access to dining and bars.

Considerations for Specific Needs

For travelers looking for boutique hotel experiences, The Ramble Hotel was highlighted. In the Cherry Creek area, the Moxy Hotel is recommended for its proximity to cafes and shops, offering a more upscale and cushy stay. Travelers have called out the Hyatt Regency for its familiar standards and great bar, although parking rates are about $50 per day.

Location and Accessibility

Some users suggested staying in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) or River North (RiNo) areas for those interested in exploring new cities, particularly if the interest includes breweries, food, and cultural activities like attending a Rockies game. These areas are noted for their vibrant nightlife and are conveniently located near major attractions.

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Outdoor Activities in Denver and Surrounding Areas

According to forum posts, Denver offers a variety of outdoor activities that appeal to nature lovers and adventure seekers. Hiking is popular, with the Flatirons in Boulder recommended for drier trails and lush greenery in May, while Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning mountain scenery, though higher trails may still have snow. The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is highlighted as a worthwhile destination, known for its remarkable rock formations.

Additional Outdoor Options

For those looking for structured outdoor activities, some travelers mentioned considering a Segway or jeep tour in Boulder or Colorado Springs. In Denver itself, City Park provides a scenic walking area, and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal was suggested for its proximity to the airport and natural beauty.

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Car Rental Companies and Fleet Options

According to forum posts, Denver Airport hosts a variety of major car rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Thrifty, Dollar, Avis, and Budget. Some travelers have recommended Mile High Car Rental specifically for their AWD and 4WD vehicles, which are suitable for winter driving conditions.

Customer Service and Programs

For many users, the experience with these companies varies, often depending on the staff encountered during the rental process. Programs like Alamo's Insiders Program are suggested for potential discounts. Joining loyalty programs of companies like National is also recommended for efficiency.

Vehicle Specifics and Availability

Travelers have called out that specific vehicle types, such as AWD or 4WD, are crucial for winter travel to places like Rocky Mountain National Park. Companies like Mile High specialize in these types of vehicles. Some companies, like Sixt and Enterprise, allow you to book these specific vehicle types, although availability may vary and prices can be high during peak seasons.

Accessibility and Location

The rental car locations are not directly at the airport terminal; a shuttle service is required to reach the rental facilities, which may take additional travel time, particularly noted by travelers to be around 10 minutes or more.

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Customs and Immigration

For travelers arriving internationally at Denver Airport, the process involves passing through U.S. Customs and Immigration. According to forum posts, after clearing customs, passengers recheck their baggage and proceed to TSA security screening before accessing their connecting flights.

Baggage Recheck and Security

Travelers have noted that there is a specific baggage recheck area for those with connecting flights immediately after customs. This prevents the need to go back to the main check-in area. After rechecking baggage, all passengers must go through TSA security screening again, as confirmed by multiple users.

Concourse Navigation

Most domestic United flights depart from Concourse B, while international arrivals typically come into Concourse A. Forum contributors have mentioned the availability of an underground train that connects the concourses, aiding passengers in quickly reaching their connecting flights.

Connection Time Considerations

Some travelers have expressed concerns about the sufficiency of connection times. Experiences shared suggest that while the customs process can be quick, the necessity of rechecking baggage and undergoing security screening again can be time-consuming. It's recommended to have at least a 2-hour connection window to accommodate potential delays and the walking distance between concourses.

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Popular Neighborhoods

According to forum posts, popular neighborhoods to stay in Denver include Cherry Creek, LoDo, and the area around Union Station. Some travelers said Cherry Creek offers good shopping and proximity to attractions like the Botanic Gardens and City Park. LoDo was recommended for its proximity to live music and nightlife, and the area around Union Station is praised for easy airport access and a variety of dining options.

Family-Friendly Options

For travelers with families, neighborhoods like Sloans Lake and LoHi are suggested. Sloans Lake is noted for its safety and proximity to parks and fireworks displays during the Fourth of July. LoHi is recommended for its excellent food options and relative safety, though it is on a hill, which may be less convenient for walking.

Considerations for Travelers

Some users mentioned that the choice of neighborhood might depend on personal preferences and specific needs such as walkability, access to public transportation, and proximity to dining and entertainment options.

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Shuttle Services

According to forum posts, shuttle services are a common transportation option from Denver to Breckenridge. Some travelers used companies like Epic and Summit Express, which offer scheduled rides from Denver airport directly to Breckenridge. The duration can be around 3 hours, and private shuttle options are also available, though more costly.

Public Transportation

For those preferring public transportation, the Bustang bus service has been mentioned. It operates routes from Denver to Breckenridge, providing an affordable alternative to shuttles. The service is reliable and drops passengers near major locations, making it convenient for travelers.

Uber and Car Rentals

Some travelers inquired about using Uber for this route, but the consensus suggests that the likelihood of finding an Uber willing to make the long trip is low due to the distance and reduced chance of securing a return fare. Renting a car is an alternative discussed, offering flexibility for travelers to manage their schedule and potentially explore the area.

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Luggage Storage Services

According to forum posts, Denver International Airport does not offer onsite luggage storage facilities due to strict regulations. Travelers have noted that the nearest storage option is at a location across from Union Station in downtown Denver, accessible via a free train ride from the airport.

Hotel Options for Luggage Storage

Some travelers mentioned that the Westin Hotel, which is attached to the airport, might provide luggage storage services but only to guests with a room reservation. This might not be a viable option for those not staying at the hotel.

Third-Party Luggage Services

Forum users have discussed third-party services like Bounce for luggage storage, with multiple drop-off points around the airport area. However, confusion exists regarding the exact locations within the airport, necessitating a call for clarification to the service provider.

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Train and Bus

According to forum posts, many users recommend taking the A Line train directly from Denver Airport to Union Station, which costs $10.50 and runs every 15 minutes. From Union Station, you can access the free MallRide shuttle for easy transportation around downtown Denver.

Ride Sharing and Taxi

Some travelers mentioned that while Uber and Lyft do not have a pickup stand directly at Union Station due to bike lanes and valet areas, these services can be easily accessed by walking a short distance to a nearby hotel such as the Oxford Hotel. Additionally, travelers advised that taxis accept cash, unlike Uber and Lyft, which require app-based payment.

Alternative Suggestions

For those considering other options, it was suggested to take a train to Union Station and then use a taxi or Uber/Lyft for the final leg of their journey. This method provides a balance between cost-efficiency and convenience, particularly for those with luggage.

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