9 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Denver
What Not to Do in Denver on Your First Visit
Avoiding these mistakes people make when visiting Denver will help you make the most of your trip and stay on the good side of the locals. Like any other destination around the world, Colorado’s capital city has certain quirks and customs that could be vastly different from what you’re used to back home.
If you’re visiting Denver for the first time, it’s worth knowing these rather common misconceptions about the city (and its residents). We’ve also included some ways to sidestep the tourist traps so that you can truly experience the city’s local charm.
9 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Denver
- Underestimating the city’s altitude
- Only staying in Downtown Denver
- Getting around Denver by car
- Visiting Denver just for the snow
- Forgetting to pack for all seasons
- Driving to the Rockies on a weekend/vacation
- Failing to plan a trip to Colorado’s state parks
- Missing out on Denver ’s food halls
- Skipping microbreweries
1. Underestimating the city’s altitude
There’s a reason why it’s called “Mile High City”
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Denver sits at 5,280 ft in elevation, which means you’re closer to the sun than in most cities in the USA. Out-of-towners need some time to acclimatize to the city’s altitude. Note that you might experience headaches, dehydration, sunburns, and even nosebleeds if you’re not careful. If you are planning a ski or hiking trip into the Rocky Mountains (where elevations easily exceed 9,000–14,000 ft), don’t go straight to the mountains from the airport but spend one or two nights sleeping in Denver first.
Always carry water and sunscreen when you’re exploring Denver, especially in summer. So, pace yourself when enjoying outdoor activities in Denver, even if you’re used to an active lifestyle.
Underestimating the city's altitude
2. Only staying in Downtown Denver
You’ll find local culture in the city’s coolest neighborhoods
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Downtown Denver is a good place to stay if you want a central location, but you shouldn’t overlook the city’s many other trendy neighborhoods.
Enjoy a vibrant jazz scene in historic Five Points, luxury shopping strips in Cherry Creek, or leafy parks and 20th-century bungalows in Sloan’s Lake. Best of all, just about every Denver neighborhood has excellent hotels, iconic landmarks, and local culture to discover. If you’re traveling with family, check out Washington Park’s large playgrounds, picturesque lakes, walking paths, tennis courts, and paddleboard rentals. Or book a stay in Highlands, a quaint neighborhood surrounded by Victorian homes, parks, gardens, independent shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Only staying in Downtown Denver
3. Getting around Denver by car
Denver is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the USA
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Renting a car in Denver is unnecessary unless you’re planning to head for the mountains. Traffic congestion is pretty much inevitable if you’re driving, ridesharing, taking a cab, or riding a bus to reach your destination.
If you’re able, cycling is one of the best ways to get around Denver. The city has miles of protected bike lanes and neighborhood bikeways that can lead you to lush parks, historic landmarks, and excellent shopping areas. Use the Denver B-cycle bike-share system, with stations throughout downtown, Cherry Creek, RiNo, and other popular visitor areas for short trips between attractions. If you want to spend a day riding and exploring neighborhoods, opt for more traditional full-day or multi-day rentals.
Getting around Denver by car
4. Visiting Denver just for the snow
The city is enjoyable in all four seasons
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Denver is usually busiest in winter, thanks to its proximity to several world-class ski resorts. However, the city is beautiful any time of the year, making it a great base for journeying out into Colorado’s diverse and magnificent landscape.
Springtime skiing is possible in the Arapahoe Basin, while hiking is a must-do at the 700-acre Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. Back in the city of Denver, music festivals, outdoor movie theaters, and farmers’ markets take place in spring and summer. In fall, the summer crowds thin out, temperatures are usually comfortable, the nearby mountains turn brilliant gold with aspen leaves, and outdoor activities remain accessible before winter arrives. Come in October to enjoy the Halloween vibes.
Visiting Denver just for the snow
5. Forgetting to pack for all seasons
Dressing in layers is the way to go
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The weather in Denver is notoriously changeable due to its high altitude, so do pack for all seasons, especially in summer. You can expect extreme temperatures, sometimes far over 90°F, as well as heavy downpours. Follow the locals’ fashion style by wearing layers and comfortable footwear. It’s quite easy to get sunburnt in Denver, so wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when you’re out and about in summer.
If you’re visiting in spring, a sunny 20°C afternoon can follow a near-freezing morning and late snowstorms are still possible, especially in March and April. Winters in Denver are usually milder than many first-timers expect, but temperatures can fluctuate throughout your stay. Bring warm layers, especially if you’re heading for the mountains.
Forgetting to pack for all seasons
6. Driving to the Rockies on a weekend or holiday
A weekday trip means less traffic and smaller crowds
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The Rockies is an outdoor lover’s dream destination, and it’s no surprise that Denver residents make their way to the mountains on weekends and public holidays. That means heavy traffic on Interstate 70, usually from 10 am on Saturdays.
Consider planning a weekday visit to the Rocky Mountains if you want to avoid traffic congestion (and time wasted on the roads instead of in the great outdoors). Weekday visitors also have a much better chance of finding parking close to attractions. You can expect quieter trails, better opportunities for wildlife spotting, and fewer people at viewpoints. Spend Monday through Thursday in the mountains and return to the city for a weekend getaway.
Driving to the Rockies on a weekend or holiday
7. Failing to plan a trip to Colorado’s state parks
Some are less than 1 hour from Downtown Denver
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Colorado has 42 state parks, all of which are just as beautiful and vast as the iconic Rocky Mountains National Park. The state’s diverse landscape is made up of rocky cliffs, lush meadows, glacial valleys, and snow-capped peaks.
Some of Colorado’s state parks are within 1 hour from Denver, making it easy to spend time in nature. The Golden Gate Canyon State Park has over 35 miles of hiking trails and 150 campgrounds, while Chatfield State Park offers scenic campgrounds and water sports on the Chatfield Reservoir. If you prefer wildlife watching, head over to Barr Lake State Park which is one of the area’s best birdwatching destinations.
Failing to plan a trip to Colorado's state parks
8. Missing out on Denver’s food halls
Where foodies can dine like locals
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Ever since The Source was established as Denver’s first dedicated food hall in 2013, more than a dozen similar dining concepts have populated the city over the years. Food halls in Denver mostly host mom-and-pop businesses, attracting both locals and tourists with their affordability and diversity.
A popular option in the RiNo Art District, the Denver Central Market hosts an artisan bakery, coffee shop, fish market, butcher, chocolate shop, ice cream parlor, wood-fired pizza restaurant, salad bar, and a cocktail bar. Other standout food halls in Denver include Avanti, Edgewater Public Market, and Zeppelin Station.
Missing out on Denver's food halls
9. Skipping microbreweries
Denver has a thriving craft beer scene
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There are around 150 microbreweries in Denver alone, so beer connoisseurs have a lot to choose from. Coors Brewery and Breckenridge Brewery Golden are some of Colorado’s most popular brands, but it’s quite easy to find their products in your local grocery store.
A good place to discover Denver’s craft beer scene is RiNo (River North). The district has over a dozen microbreweries, brewpubs, and taprooms offering their own takes on IPAs, lagers, and pilsners. Be sure to check out River North Brewery and its barrel-aged beers.
Skipping microbreweries
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