Multi-city editor Jessalin here. 👋 I was born and raised in Denver and it’s genuinely one of the best cities to visit. Some quick tips for those who’ve never dealt with the altitude: Drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, take it easy on the substances until you acclimate, and pack chapstick.
Whether you’re looking for a mountain getaway or a hang in the city, Denver, Colorado has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Why go?
- The Mile High City is nestled near the Rocky Mountains and has perfect access to skiing + hiking as well as a bustling arts and culture scene.
- Explore the Denver Art Museum, which is one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast. It houses multiple global collections as well as modern and local art.
- Or check out Meow Wolf, an exhibition featuring large-scale interactive and immersive art installations.
- Catch a Broncos game at the Empower Field at Mile High, which also hosts big acts like Ed Sheeran and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
- For a concert experience you won’t forget, make the 30-minute drive to Red Rocks Amphitheater. Take a hike and then experience live outdoor music in the venue Billboard Magazine’s named the best-attended and top-grossing venue in the world for 2021.
Act like a local:
- Food: Denver takes its breakfast burritos seriously — every October, we celebrate “Breakfast Burrito Day” — so plan on enjoying potato-stuffed Illegal Pete’s burritos every morning during your visit. Pro tip: Order it “Colorado style” and get chorizo, hatch green chilis, and queso.
- Drink: If you’re going to Denver, you must try a local beer. Wynkoop Brewing Company kicked off the craft scene, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t send you to Great Divide Brewing Company — become a believer and order the Yeti Imperial Stout.
- Family: Take the family to Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park. Get your thrills on the Mind Eraser or keep it classic with the wooden roller coaster, Twister II.
- Art: While the Denver Art Museum is Denver’s hub for art, don’t sleep on the Clyfford Still Museum located right across the street. This intimate museum displays approximately 3,125 works of the abstract expressionist for which its named.
- Listen: Denver has some excellent vinyl shops. Visit Twist and Shout Records (located near East High School — actor Don Cheadle’s alma mater) or Wax Trax Records (where Multi-City Editor Jessalin once found a signed Dire Straits album for her father).
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: Luxury in Lodo, an apartment within walking distance of the historic and bustling Union Station. (~$105/night)*
- Splurge hotel: The Crawford Hotel, located inside Union Station. (~$450/night)
- Save hotel: Catbird Hotel, don’t sacrifice style for savings. (~$200/night)
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