Denver holidays

Breathe in more than just mountain air on a holiday to Denver. With its kilometres of bike paths and hectares of parkland, Denver earns its reputation for healthy living and outdoor adventure. But you’ll discover that art and music are as much a part of this lively metropolis’s beating heart as ball games and hiking.

Denver holiday highlights

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Art scene

The arts scene is alive and thriving in Denver. Visit galleries in the Santa Fe, Westward and River North art districts to see what contemporary artists are doing. Head over to the Kirkland Museum to admire works from Colorado artists past and present. Pro tip — time your holiday to Denver for the first Friday of the month, when many galleries and studios have open houses.

Outdoor adventures

Enjoy a cheap holiday to Denver by making the most of the city’s free or low-cost outdoor adventures. Hike the unique formations on the Red Rocks Trading Post Trail. Or try to spot a bald eagle at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Paddle down the rapids at Confluence Park, or try a zipline ride at the Colorado Adventure Center.

Sports haven

Denverites love their sports — catch one of the Mile High City’s professional sports teams in action while you’re here. The Colorado Rockies play baseball at Coors Field (May to September), and the Denver Broncos play American football at Empower Field at Mile High (September to December). The Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche have games at Ball Arena in the heart of Downtown.

Denver: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Denver

Weather in Denver

March – May: March is often Denver’s snowiest month. April brings a mix of warm sunshine and rain — plus the occasional snowstorm.

June – August: Denver’s warm summers are full of sunshine. The low humidity can make high temperatures more tolerable, but make sure you stay hydrated.

September – November: Autumn is usually crisp and sunny. Like spring, expect quick changes in temperature and occasional storms.

December – February: While the Rockies see lots of snow, the city’s relatively mild winters mean that it doesn’t stick around for long. Daily highs are usually around 8°C, but temperatures can plummet well below freezing. So prepare with plenty of warm layers.

Events in Denver

Denver March Powwow (March): Powwow dancers from nearly 100 tribes gather for this showcase of Indigenous arts and culture. Enjoy storytelling, singing and traditional foods.

Juneteenth (June): Denver’s Juneteenth celebration marks the beginning of African American emancipation. Celebrate Black culture with a weekend of events, including a parade, music festival and performances across the city.

Denver Oktoberfest (September): Denver’s take on this German harvest tradition features live music, a stein hoisting competition and loads of freshly poured beer.

Denver Arts Week (November): Experience the best of the city’s arts and culture scene with more than a week of events. Don’t miss guided art walks and free admission to museums.

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The best neighbourhoods in Denver

Lower Downtown

Old meets new in walkable ‘LoDo’ (Lower Downtown). This is the best neighbourhood to stay in Denver for local history and modern living. Browse boutique shops and enjoy global cuisines in the Victorian and Beaux-Arts buildings of Union Station and Larimer Square. Find your new favourite book at Tattered Cover bookstore, a Denver institution. Or catch a game at Coors Field or Ball Arena.

Good for: Historical buildings, dining, shopping

Five Points

Music is the heart and soul of historic Five Points. Time your visit with the annual Jazz Festival in May. Or go to one of the area’s many independent live music venues year-round. African American history is a vital part of Five Points’ cultural scene. Alongside the craft breweries and restaurants, you’ll find museums and institutes celebrating the contributions of Black Americans to history and culture.

Good for: Live music, culture, breweries

Capitol Hill

If you’re looking for cool museums, great food and open space, Capitol Hill is the best area to stay in Denver. Visit the Colorado State Capitol building — don’t forget to take your photo by the Mile High marker on the 13th step. Grab lunch at Broadway Market food hall, or head to Civic Center Park (Tuesdays – Thursdays, May – October) for food trucks. And enjoy Rocky Mountain plant life at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Good for: Museums and galleries, food, nature

Things to do in Denver

Family friendly things to do

Travelling with kids? Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station is a walk-through art experience that’s out of this world. Stop by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and enjoy a show at the Infinity Theater with giant 2D and 3D film screenings. From May through August, rest tired feet and learn about Denver’s history from the gold rush to today on the open-air Denver Trolley.

Shopping

From mega malls to independent boutiques, the shopping in Denver has it all. Lose a day at the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian retail promenade. Hunt for vintage treasures at the shops on Antique Row, and find everything from second-hand furniture to sporting goods in the South Broadway shopping district.

Take in the culture

Discover history and art at the museums in Denver. Dive into Denver’s past with the interactive exhibits at the History Colorado Center, or see over 70 historic planes at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. For a unique exhibition experience, why not visit the Money Museum at the Denver Federal Reserve Bank Branch.

Beaches

Cool off from the summer heat at beaches near Denver. Locals flock to the Dillon Reservoir to sunbathe, kayak and enjoy views of nearby Swan Mountain. Swim in an uncrowded, natural setting at the Aurora Reservoir. Confluence Park, in LoDo, has a small urban beach. Swimming is not recommended, but you can still enjoy sunbathing and dipping your toes in.

Places to eat

Find local treats and global flavours at the restaurants in Denver. Explore the city’s food truck scene along Federal Boulevard or near City and Civic Center Parks. Sample local dishes at the eateries along the 16th Street Mall. Or order anything from sushi to spaghetti at the many restaurants around the Cherry Creek area.

Free things to do

Time your vacation to take advantage of the best free activities in Denver. Join one of the ‘First Friday’ art walks through Denver’s art districts, or book a complimentary tour of the Colorado State Capitol building. If you’re visiting during summertime, catch free jazz concerts at City Park. Hike around the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, stopping at the free music museum in the visitors’ centre.

Plan your holiday to Denver

Budget

With so much stunning scenery and free outdoor recreation, a cheap holiday in Denver can still be full of excitement. Try one of the city’s many craft breweries, where you can get a beer for under eight US dollars ($). A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around $21. But you can usually find cheaper options at one of the food trucks around the city.

Day trips from Denver

No trip to Denver would be complete without a day trip into the Rocky Mountains. In historic Georgetown, hop on the narrow gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad for a scenic mountain tour past former gold mines. Some 40 minutes northwest of the city, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado. You’ll also find plenty of cute shops, restaurants and hiking trails.

Getting around Denver

Get around Denver on the light rail system, home to ten lines and more than 50 stations. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers daily and monthly passes at train stations and via the MyRide mobile app. Denver also has extensive paved bike lanes around the city. If you’re hoping to explore the surrounding mountains, it’s best to hire a car.

FAQs about Denver holidays

Two or three days allows you to experience the culture and attractions in Denver. Stay for four days if you want to include outdoor adventures.
July is the hottest month in Denver, with temperatures reaching highs of 32ºC (90ºF).
The airline you fly with, where you leave from, and when you go can influence the cost of a city break in Denver. Prices for Denver flights and hotels can differ greatly, but planning in advance and keeping your travel dates flexible can help you bag savings.
English is what you'll hear in most conversations. From everyday greetings to colourful local sayings, you'll probably add a few new words to your vocabulary during your city break in Denver.
January brings the coolest conditions for a Denver holiday. Go during this time and you'll experience lows of -9ºC (16ºF).
The official currency in Denver is the United States dollar (USD). It's helpful to bring some cash during your trip to Denver, but digital payments and cards are typically accepted in most places.
Denver is safe if you take normal travel precautions. Travel in groups and stay in crowded areas at night. Denver is 5,000 ft above sea level, so drink lots of water and account for the high elevation during strenuous activities.
The wettest month is May, which receives an average rainfall of 10 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Denver trip — there's still loads to do indoors like shopping for unique finds, exploring museums, or hanging out in cafes.
September and October’s cooler weather makes these months the best time to visit for outdoor activities. You’ll also often find the best deals on flights and hotels to Denver during this time. January to March are good for skiing. The arts, music and festival calendar is busiest from June through August.
With endless things to do in Denver, this popular city will keep you coming back for more. Start your sightseeing at must-visit attractions like Denver Art Museum and Union Station.