Tips for travelers: Things to know before visiting Denver, US
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These insightful tips are shared by our experienced Denver tour guide(s), Stephanie
Getting Around In Denver
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.
Local Food
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.
Healthcare
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.
Staying Connected
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.
Money Matters
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.
Important Travel Info
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
Attractions
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.
What To Buy
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.
Climate Tips
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.
Area Guide
Which neighborhoods in Denver have the best nightlife scene and events?
Downtown Denver holds everything, including nightlife, clubbing spots, and comedy clubs.
Local Events
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.
Cultural Etiquettes
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%.
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