Curator’s statement
As a Denver resident, I've watched our city climb its way to the top—quite literally and figuratively. While some critics claim Denver lacks a vibrant food and culture scene, I'm here to prove them wrong. With Michelin-rated dining, multigenerational cultural enclaves woven throughout our neighborhoods, and the Rocky Mountains as our backyard playground, Denver has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination. Whether you're planning your first visit or a local staycation, I've curated a comprehensive save-to-splurge guide for exploring the Mile High City.
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Where to stay in Denver
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Stay at Hotel Catbird, a charming boutique property in the trendy RiNo neighborhood featuring exceptionally comfortable beds. For dining, don't miss happy hour at Fish and Beer—their $8 fish and chips are so fresh you'll forget you're in a landlocked state. Experience handmade pasta at Dio Mio, which recently earned Michelin recognition. Catch live jazz at Nocturne or major acts at The Mission Ballroom, then explore RiNo on foot to admire vibrant street murals, browse local shops, and grab exceptional coffee at Crema.
Mid-range
Book The Crawford Hotel, housed within the beautifully renovated Union Station and accessible via direct light rail from Denver International Airport. Dine downstairs at Mercantile, helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Alex Seidel and recently Michelin-recommended for its local, seasonal cuisine. Alternatively, explore The Dairy Block's activated alley filled with shops, restaurants, and Instagram-worthy backdrops. Take advantage of the hotel's prime location for easy transport to legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Splurge
Indulge at the Four Seasons, Denver's most iconic hotel offering stunning city and mountain views. Experience Colorado's only restaurant with two Michelin Stars and a Green Star for sustainability: The Wolf's Tailor, where their seven-course tasting menu celebrates seasonal preservation through innovative fermentation techniques. Complete your luxury experience at Ode to Perfume, Colorado's premier niche fragrance boutique, where you can craft your own signature scent.
Need to know
Denver shines as a year-round destination with over 300 days of sunshine annually, creating the perfect backdrop for world-class dining, rich cultural experiences, and unparalleled outdoor adventures. The Mile High City seamlessly blends urban sophistication with mountain accessibility—you can enjoy a Michelin-Starred dinner and hit world-renowned ski slopes on the same day.
Whether you're planning a corporate convention, destination wedding, multi-generational family vacation, bachelorette celebration, or solo adventure, Denver delivers. The city's compact downtown and excellent public transit make it easy to navigate, while diverse neighborhoods offer distinct personalities to explore. From the trendy arts district of RiNo to the historic charm of LoDo, there's something for every traveler.
Denver's unique altitude and location provide four distinct seasons of activities: summer hiking and rooftop dining, fall foliage in nearby aspen groves, winter skiing just an hour away, and spring brewery hopping as patios reopen. Plus, with Denver International Airport serving as a major hub, the city is easily accessible from anywhere in the country, making it an ideal central meeting point for groups coming from different locations.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Denver page.
Travel Advisor
Jennifer Essex
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