Denver Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: US dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• Language: English.
• Time zone: Mountain Time (MST/MDT).
• Power outlets: Type A/B, 120V. The same plugs as elsewhere in the US.
• Tipping: 18-20% in restaurants and bars is customary and is not included in the bill.

When to go

Summer (June-August) is the best time for hiking, patios, and concerts at Red Rocks.

September and October bring cooler weather and golden aspens in the nearby mountains.

Winter is cold but often sunny, and ski areas in the Rockies are within a couple of hours' drive.

What to pack

• Sunscreen, a hat, and lip balm; the sun is intense at altitude.
• Layers - temperatures can swing a lot between day and night.
• A refillable water bottle, since the dry air and altitude can dehydrate you.
• Sturdy shoes for hikes, and a warm jacket for the mountains, even in summer.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 25 miles from downtown. The A Line train reaches Union Station in roughly 35-40 minutes.
• Light rail and buses: RTD runs light rail and buses across the metro area, and a free shuttle runs along the 16th Street Mall.
• Rideshare and taxis: These are useful for neighborhoods such as RiNo and for late nights.
• Rental car: A car is the easiest way to reach Red Rocks and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Good to know before you go

• Denver sits about a mile above sea level. Take it easy on your first day and drink plenty of water.
• Rocky Mountain National Park may require a timed-entry reservation in peak season, so check before you go.
• Red Rocks is a venue for concerts, so it can be closed to visitors on event days.
• Tap water is safe to drink, and the city is generally safe for visitors.

Neighborhoods to know

• LoDo and Union Station: The historic downtown, with restaurants, bars, and Larimer Square.
• RiNo: The River North Art District, with murals, taprooms, and food halls.
• Capitol Hill: A residential district with the State Capitol and the Molly Brown House.

Don't miss in Denver

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre: A natural sandstone venue west of the city.
• Denver Art Museum: Libeskind's angular building and a major Indigenous art collection.
• Denver Botanic Gardens: Themed gardens and summer concerts.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Alpine scenery and wildlife about 90 minutes away.