Denver

Do Plan Spending Plenty of Time.Colorado’s biggest city buzzes with activity – it has a good mix of museums, theaters and sports arenas plus a hopping restaurant and nightlife scene. Choose a couple of things to do each day, including time to wander, and a long weekend should be plenty of time to get a sense of the city; it'll also leave you wanting to come back for more.

Don’t Underestimate the Elevation.Sitting 5280 feet above sea level, it’s common for visitors to the Mile High City to experience altitude sickness. Symptoms are typically mild but can include light-headedness, slight headaches, dehydration, fatigue and even nosebleeds if you’re not careful. Take it easy the first couple days to give yourself time to acclimatize to the elevation; staying hydrated helps too. If you experience severe nausea, dizziness and continued headaches, consult a doctor and/or get to a lower altitude.

Do Pack LayersThough Denver’s weather is relatively mild year-round, it can change on a dime…snow melts quickly and summer evenings can become downright chilly. Bring layers, including a fleece and a warm hat, to stay comfortable. A pair of closed-toe shoes is a good idea too.

Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen.Denver is one of the sunniest cities in the county, enjoying about 300 days of sunshine each year. Add to that the high elevation (which enhances the sun’s intensity) and you’ve got a recipe for a nasty sunburn. Cover up, slather on sunscreen, and consider wearing a billed hat. Always carry water, especially in summer. It’s also a good idea to pace yourself when enjoying outdoor activities like hiking in Denver, even if you lead a rather active lifestyle.

Do Experience the City on Foot, Bike, and Bus.Denver’s traffic can be onerous and parking can be expensive, especially downtown. Skip the rental car and navigate the city by foot, bike or public transportation. Most of the city’s sights are within a few miles of each other, which makes riding a bike or taking the bus easy. They’re affordable too – day passes on Denver’s RTD bus lines are just $6 per day (free for kids under five) and Lime bikes cost a dollar to unlock and then run at $0.15 per minute.

Don’t Just Stay Downtown.Downtown Denver is a good place to stay if you want a central location, but you shouldn’t overlook the city’s many cool neighbourhoods. 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 neighbourhood has excellent hotels, iconic landmarks, and local culture to discover.

Do Expect Extra Restaurant Fees.
Since Covid hit, Denver restaurants have increasingly added a pre-tax "cost-of-living fee" to diners’ bills to supplement staff wages. Often, it’s directed to non-tipped kitchen staff but sometimes it’s split amongst everyone. So should you still tip? In general, if the fee is 12% or less, a gratuity is still expected and very much appreciated.

Don’t Dress Up, Even When Out on the Town.Casual dress rules in Denver – a T-shirt, jeans and puffy jacket are the unofficial uniform. If you want to dress things up, wear a button down shirt and your nicest sneakers. No pressure though!

Do Drink The Local Brew.
With over 150 craft breweries in the Denver metro area, local beer is pretty much the go-to drink, often sipped and savored like wine. So, if you enjoy beer, join the craft crowd. And if you must drink a mass-produced brew, make it a Coors. It’ll sting locals a little less.

Do Enjoy Happy Hour Eats
Denverites take happy hour eats seriously and many high-end restaurants comply by offering incredible deals on small plates, an affordable way to eat gourmet. Go early to get a table – typically around 4pm Monday to Thursday.