Denver, US

1. How far away is city center from the airport, and what's the easiest way to get there?

The airport is about a 45 to 50 minute drive outside of Denver. There is a train and a metro that goes from the airport straight into downtown Denver. The metro has a 10 USD ticket, so it’s the most effective and convenient way to travel into the city. But if you have luggage and a lot of stuff, it would be cumbersome because you’d be on a train. So in that case, there’s Uber and cabs. The cost of a cab is about 150 USD one way. Now if you have four people, there would be an added passenger cost to that.

There are Uber and Lyft too, and those have specific pickup locations at the airport, so it’s very convenient to find. The airport staff are very friendly, and they give you exact directions on how to get to the Uber and Lyft designated pickup locations. You might only have to wait about 5 to 10 minutes before you have a driver show up.

2. What are some good places to visit nearby?

About 45 minutes outside of Denver is Central City, an old mining town. In the front range of the Rocky Mountains (also known as the Rockies) and going up into the high part of the Rockies, the main industry used to be gold and silver mining. When you visit, you’re really slipping back into time. It also has an old opera house from the 1800s. To get there, the road goes into the Rockies and into these beautiful canyons. It’s a perfect place to drive to. You can go there and have lunch and go beyond your normal, big city kinds of opportunities.

You can also go to Estes Park. Stephen King, the author, wrote a book called “"The Shining,”“ and it was turned into a horror film with Jack Nicholson. The place that it was written about is called The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. You can stay at this haunted hotel with ghost tours and seances right at the entrance of Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is about an hour outside of Denver, so it’s very easy and a fun kind of a day trip.

3. What's the most affordable way for tourists to get around the city?

If you had a set itinerary, just take an Uber. While there is a bus system, and you have a pass that you could buy for that, there’s no direct route that would take you to certain things. It’s more for getting from one part of the city to another. You would have to walk to the actual location.

There is a free trolley that goes in the triangle area, which is the theater district, the financial district, and the sports district. It’s a free trolley that goes to the 16th Street Mall, but it’s only in that area that is downtown Denver. If you wanted to go out of it, then you would have to rent a cab.

The trolley goes up and down. It’s 24 hours. During the day, it runs more frequently, probably about every seven minutes. They’re air conditioned and handicap accessible too.

4. Are there any travel passes or cards available for tourists to help save on transportation costs?

Yes, there are day passes, week passes, and month passes available for the bus system. These can be purchased at Union Station in downtown Denver.

5. Can visitors rent a car easily, and do they need an international driving permit for Denver?

Yes, visitors can rent a car easily at the airport and within the city. You will find all the big car rental places that are nationally known, such as Hertz, Enterprise, etc. Take a shuttle to the car rental place, which is not close to the airport. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to get to the location where all the car rentals are.

The companies are very, very efficient. They speak multiple languages, and they all take credit cards. When you walk into the lot, you can choose a certain type of car, such as a mid-size economy car. You can also choose the color.

No special driving permit is required; a valid driver’s license and passport are sufficient.

6. What are some of the safest and cheapest ride sharing apps travelers can install on their phone?

Compared to Uber, Lyft is easier to use, and you can call the driver from the app. It’s just more user-friendly. You can hook it up to your credit card, and you can add the tip before you leave the car and it goes directly to the driver.

1. What are some of the best local food to try in Denver?

If you were coming to this area and you wanted to try a local dish, try bison. They have bison steak and bison burgers. It is a very tender, kind of a sweeter meat. It’s very popular, and American restaurants are the ones that would specifically offer bison.

2. What are some of the best food markets and popular restaurants in Denver?

Larimer Square in downtown Denver is known for its great variety of cuisines, including steak, fish, sushi, Korean BBQ, and Italian. It’s a beautiful area with lights, flowers, and a lively atmosphere.

3. Are there any convenience stores in the city to buy snacks and essentials?

Convenience stores are all over downtown. One example is CVS, which is also a pharmacy. It has snacks, water, and other non-alcoholic drinks. Most of them are open 24 hours, and they’re on every other block.

4. Which food delivery apps are popular in Denver?

Common food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, Nosh Delivery, and DoorDash are popular in Denver.

5. Are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free food easily available?

Yes, every restaurant in Denver offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Gluten-free dishes are noted on the menu, but you can ask the waiter too.

6. Can you drink tap water in Denver?

Yes, most water in the United States is clean and fresh.

7. Are there any pet-friendly or kid-friendly restaurants in Denver that you'd recommend?

Well, I would say because Denver is a tourist town that all restaurants are kid and pet friendly. However, the, the pets need to be outside. So it’s outdoor seating. So it would be these restaurants and it would be an outdoor situation and kids are welcome at all restaurants. It’s just that usually some restaurants, it’s like self selected.

If it’s a very high menu and a high cuisine, you usually don’t see kids and pets in these restaurants. Okay. Yeah. You know, but and if the pet has on its, its service jacket, if it’s a service dog, then they can go inside the restaurant. Okay.

8. Should you make reservations in advance for popular restaurants in Denver? If so, how can you typically book a table?

Making reservations in advance is recommended for popular restaurants. You can go online, find the restaurant’s number, and call them. Apps like OpenTable can be used to book a table too. You just select the day, the time, the amount of people and put your email in, then you’ll get confirmation back. It can give you the directions to the hotel as well.

1. What healthcare facilities are available for tourists/foreigners in Denver?

Denver has many fine hospitals like the National Jewish Health Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. It is a big state of the art hospital. But if a traveler had an emergency, they could just call 911 and they would be taken to the closest hospital.

There are also urgent care centers populated all throughout the city that you can search for online. Some of them are open 24 hours, but note that they sometimes ask for medical insurance.

2. Are simple painkillers and flu medicines available without a prescription?

If you go to CVS, you’ll be able to get them over the counter. But if you need antihistamines with a heavier dose, you will have to ask the pharmacist.

In the United States, most pharmacies have all of their inventory behind lock and key, so you would have to get a salesperson to come and open up the case. That’s a common thing.

1. Should travelers consider getting a local SIM card? If so, would it be cheaper to grab one at the airport upon arrival or wait and buy one at a local shop in the city?

Travelers can consider getting a local SIM card if their phones still take physical SIM cards. Some newer phones only use digital SIM cards. They should get it at the airport for convenience and a greater selection. CVS also offers them, but I’m not sure what they would have available.

Another option is to talk to your carrier about an international plan for the month, but this might only be possible for texting and not data use.

2. Do most public areas, restaurants, and accommodations offer Wi-Fi access in Denver?

Wi-Fi is widely available in restaurants, hotels, and sometimes even on the street. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi in the rooms, though some may charge for in-room access but provide it for free in the lobby.

If you go to a restaurant, you will need to ask for the Wi-Fi, and they will provide you with the password.

1. Where can you usually find the best exchange rate in Denver?

Credit card is better because you get the correct pricing. If you’re using cash and you’re not sure of the exchange rate, you’re not sure if you’re getting the right money back. With a credit card, you would have a record of your purchases, and some cards do not have an international transaction fee.

Cash is less commonly used but still accepted in some places.

2. What works better for local transactions - cash or credit cards?

You won’t find a foreign currency exchange place that is just specific for that. You can go to a Bank of America or Wells Fargo branch. Any of those Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) banks would be able to give you the best rates.

1. Are there any medications or items travelers should avoid bringing into the country?

Illegal drugs, of course, but if you have prescription drugs, it is recommended to keep them in the original bottles with the original labels.

For a more comprehensive list of restricted items, read through the list provided by the US Customs and Border Patrol: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items

2. What are some common scams tourists should be aware of in Denver?

Like in every big city, there are people that want to sell you something, like a CD with hip-hop music, for a dollar and then there’s nothing on there. There are also people that may be dressed in some funny costume, such as the iconic blue bear from Denver, that want you to take a picture with them. Then, they will ask you to pay for that picture. My advice is to just smile, say “no, thank you,” and keep walking.

In addition, there are pickpockets in high tourist areas. It would be best to have a cross-body bag, not a shoulder bag or backpack, to keep in front of you.

3. Is Denver safe for solo and female travelers?

Yes, but it’s important to be aware and avoid starting your day too late at night. Keep watching your feet, watch around you, keep your head up. Keep in mind where your phone and your wallet are.

4. Do some attractions or transportation options recommend buying passes in advance?

For high-demand attractions such as the Denver Botanic Gardens or Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, it’s advisable to book timed entries in advance, especially during high seasons. You can go online, make a reservation, and pay for it. On the day of your appointment, just hold your phone up and scan your tickets to enter.

Book your reservations before you get to the city because on the day itself, it might be too late.

5. Are there any other important things to note about the area?

When you’re in Denver, remember that you are at altitude. You’re be 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) high because you’re on the Colorado plateau. For people that fly in, dehydration and altitude sickness are a real thing. The first couple of days, you need to take it kind of slow. Travelers should hydrate not just with water but with something that has electrolytes.

1. Are there any dress codes to follow when visiting religious sites or monuments in Denver?

Denver is very casual, even for religious places or theaters. Dressing up is encouraged if desired, but not required.

2. What are some places that both tourists and locals love to visit?

There is an outdoor amphitheater called Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. It is where you can see many different kinds of musical groups. Sometimes there are opera, rock and roll, stand-up comedians—a whole variety of performers. It seats about 3,000 people, and it’s between two ginormous Red Rock cliffs. The seats are carved out of the stone, and you will have the stars above you.

They have a lot of fundraisers there too, so a lot of locals go. It’s also a destination that people from all over the United States and sometimes around the world come to as a performance experience so they can see their favorite band perform. It is beautiful to go there during the day or at night, 365 days of the year. During the day, they have yoga classes. They have Olympic training and skiing team trainings too. You can also have dinner there.

The website has the whole schedule, information on buying tickets, and the history. Parking is very, very good, and they have shuttles that go specifically to Red Rocks and then take you back to your hotel.

3. What hidden gems in Denver do you recommend outside of the usual tourist spots?

One of the main attractions for people that are from different parts of the country are the medical cannabis establishments. There are a lot of stores like this that are kind of an attraction.

4. What activities or attractions would be perfect for families with young kids in Denver?

There’s a park downtown called Elitch Gardens. It’s got roller coasters and all kinds of games and amusement rides. It’s good for kids from ages 3 to 16. Some of the roller coasters are kind of scary but okay for little children too. They have the lakes there too, so you can rent a swan paddle boat.

5. Are there any activities or attractions suitable for senior citizens?

It depends upon their activity level. Some seniors are able to deal with the ladders and stairs going into Cliff Palace, but there are also museums, such as Denver Museum of Nature & Science. There’s another museum that’s called the Molly Brown House Museum. She was one of the people that was on the Titanic that sank. She lived, and she helped save people. She lived in Denver. Seniors like to go there for a bit of history. There are a lot of mansions that are around there too.

More options are the city tours where you hop on and hop off a vehicle and go to a district that is full of murals. All the buildings have painted murals from artists from all different kinds of sectors. Then, you will go over to the mansion area where a particular kind of architecture was prevalent during the 20s and 30s.

The United States Mint is also in downtown Denver, where money is made. People could do a tour there for free. They just have to make a reservation and stand in line.

6. What are some of the adventurous things to do in Denver for thrill-seekers?

If you’ve never done rock climbing, there are rock climbing walls that you can go and learn and practice on before you have a guide take you rock climbing.

Right outside Boulder, which is a city that’s kind of a college town less than an hour from Denver, there are tons of rock climbing and mountain biking trails. During the summer months, you can expect a lot of fishing and swimming, hiking, and trails. You can get bike maps and trail maps at the airport.

This goes for the entire state of Colorado. The bike paths are very clearly marked. You can go from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak, it’s a peak to peak ride that goes from 10 to 14,000 feet (3 to 4,267.2 meters). If you’re an extreme cyclist, you can go into Rocky Mountain National Park and see cyclists going all the way up to Alpine. There’s a bike path from Denver if you want to go over Loveland Pass. But if you’re coming from a part of the world that isn’t at altitude, I don’t think I would recommend doing something like that because it’s extremely strenuous.

1. Where are the best places to find souvenirs in Denver?

The downtown area is the hub for souvenirs. It goes beyond tourists and souvenirs like T-shirts. It has arts and crafts too.

2. What are some unique or must-have souvenirs to buy in Denver?

If you’re into clothes, there are types of vests, gloves, and shirts with super UV protection for places high in altitude. You can also find some beautiful books that show the Rocky Mountains. A lot of artists here also do artwork, wood-burning crafts, wood carvings, leaded glass (little panes of leaded glass that have been handcrafted). Many crafters sell knitted things and quilts.

There are also Rocky Mountain baseball caps and cowboy hats because this is cowboy country. You’ll see a lot of horses and cowboy rodeos, so you can buy cowboy types of stuff, such as cowboy belts and buckles that are very interesting.

3. Is bargaining common in the local markets of Denver? Any tips for tourists who want to try it?

People usually don’t haggle in the Denver area. There are a lot of tribes, natives, and reservations around here. Tribes have their own artwork, such as jewelry, necklaces, and paintings. Sometimes people try to haggle, but this is their art. It’s not a mass production where they’re making 50,000 pairs of socks, so I tell people not to haggle because this the artist’s sole income.

4. What are the best shopping malls or outlet malls in Denver for brand lovers?

Downtown has the big stores with all the sporting equipment. There are some malls and a couple of stores that have really good bargains too. An example is T.J. Maxx.

There aren’t any outlet malls in Denver.

1. What's the best time to travel to Denver weather-wise? Are there any seasons to avoid?

The weather is unpredictable because Denver’s in the mountains. In June, the weather is supposed to be nice, then suddenly there’s a blizzard.

In the spring and fall, the rates are usually better, and there might be less people. In the spring, come with caution because the weather could be really wet or icy. Fall would be beautiful because, when the leaves change in the mountains, you’ve got spectacular colors. There’s no fall foliage here, but the colors are magnificent. The aspen trees turn golden, bright yellow, and orange, and the scrub oak are brilliant red. Then, you’ve got the pine trees that are deep, deep green.

2. How long is the ideal duration for travelers to spend in Denver?

If you’re coming to Denver and you also want to see some of the things that are outside of the city since it’s the gateway to the Rockies, I would say three to five days. You will get the real full experience of the city and of the mountains and nature.

3. What are some essential items travelers should pack?

They can bring broken-in hiking boots, good wool socks, and several layers of clothing. If you have any kind of altitude sickness or motion sickness, consider a band with a magnet on your wrist. Also bring sticks—walking sticks, mountain sticks, hiking sticks—that collapse down. Those are very good for all ages in case you need extra support on certain terrains.

1. Which neighborhoods in Denver have the best nightlife scene and events?

Downtown Denver holds everything, including nightlife, clubbing spots, and comedy clubs.

2. Which neighborhoods offer the best shopping spots in Denver?

Along the lot where the train goes to downtown is the main mall with all kinds of stores, such as specialty outdoor shops, and high-end fashion.

3. Which neighborhoods offer the best food spots in Denver?

Larimer Square is about four blocks long in downtown Denver. It’s known for its great variety of cuisines, including steak, fish, sushi, Korean barbecue, and Italian food. It’s a beautiful area with lights, flowers, and a lively atmosphere. It also has a beautifully romantic energy, and some restaurants have a view from the rooftop dining area. You’ll have the mountains on one side and the plains on the other.

4. What area would be the best place to stay for families, solo travelers, or couples?

Downtown Denver had a major renovation about 20 years ago. They started to infuse it with condos. They upgraded the baseball stadium, the amusement park, museums, theaters, and walking malls. Now, there’s artwork all over the city. You can just walk by a beautiful picture with sound art. For example, tap dancing is a soundscape that is embedded in the sidewalk. No matter where you go, there are all these wonderful things that are happening.

A lot of the restaurants along the free train area are very kid-friendly as well. There’s also a Meow Wolf there. It’s an interactive museum performance art space that is very visual. There are art projects that are immersive, music programs, and theater performances.

5. What's your favorite place to stay in Denver, and why do you recommend it?

It’s called The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection. It’s a little pricey, but it’s historic and fantastic.

I also stay at the Marriott. There are several that are down there, and most of them are new, modern, and have roof gardens and restaurants.

1. Are there any annual festivals or special events in Denver or nearby cities that tourists shouldn't miss?

It depends on the season. There are festivals all the time. There’s Denver Oktoberfest (a beer festival), a Scottish Festival, yoga festivals, and a Renaissance Festival. The summer and the fall have major festivals in Denver and the surrounding area close to Denver. There are also some winter festivals in the ski areas on the other side of the Rockies.

1. Is tipping a common norm? If so, what's the usual tipping amount?

Yes. For every service, a tip is expected. The minimum is 18%, but I recommend leaving a tip between 20% and 25%.