5 Must-See Denver Neighborhoods
The Mile High City is home to dozens of historic communities, each with their own character and charm.
Credit: VISIT Denver/GNAR Creative Division
Welcome to Denver—a city in the foreground of the Rocky Mountains whose cultural charm, urban city center and picturesque views are a mile above the rest.
From the city, which sits at exactly 5,280 feet, a panoramic view of 200 named peaks stretches 140 miles. Within the city, one of the nation’s most walkable downtowns awaits, inviting exploration, discovery and plenty of things to do.
Denver is divided into 78 official neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. As you familiarize yourself with the city, here are five must-see neighborhoods.
Platt Park
Platt Park is a mile northwest of the University of Denver campus. The vibrant, tree-filled neighborhood is a perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern flair. This walkable neighborhood has trendy shops and open greenspaces, giving it a true small-town feel.
Places to Go:
South Pearl Street: South Pearl Street hosts plenty of events from First Friday art experiences to Sunday farmers markets. The historical shopping district describes itself as the “antidote to the modern mega-mall.” The area is home to shops, boutiques, restaurants and events.
South Broadway: South Broadway is a five-mile corridor, crossing into various neighborhoods, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, clothing stores, antique stores and live music venues.
Highland
Highland is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. In fact, it used to be its own city in 1875. Situated just west of downtown, this area is known for its trendy atmosphere and stunning views of the city.
Places to Go:
Avanti Food and Beverage: Do you crave a variety of culinary options? Is it hard to just pick one? Stop by this unique food hall with lots of options and hard-to-beat rooftop views.
Bug Theatre: Known as Denver’s most unique live theatre and film screening venue, Bug Theatre was created by a team of local independent artists. The Bug hosts live performances, classes and film showcases.
Sloan’s Lake Park: Sloan’s Lake is 177 acres, making it Denver’s biggest lake. While you can’t swim here, you can kayak, paddle or canoe. You can also walk on the 2.8- mile path that surrounds the lake. Nearby, you’ll find shops, restaurants and more.
RiNo
RiNo—yes, pronounced like the animal—is the city’s epicenter of creativity and innovation. The River North Art District, which maintains remnants of its industrial past, has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood filled with art galleries, breweries and ever-changing street art.
Places to Go:
Self-Guided Art Walk: Discover street-art murals with a unique self-guided tour on your smartphone.
Arkins Promenade: For a different perspective, take a walk on Arkins Promenade adjacent to RiNo ArtPark. The three-block, 40-foot-high structure overlooks the South Platte River.
Forney Museum of Transportation: This one-of-a-kind collection has more than 600 artifacts relating to historical transportation.
Mission Ballroom: This concert venue holds nearly 4,000 patrons and hosts some of the nation’s biggest acts.
RiNo Country Club: Anyone can be a country club member. For $10, you’ll get lifetime access to the coveted nine-hole miniature golf course (Must be 21+).
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill boasts some of Denver’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colorado State Capitol building and the Golden Triangle Creative District—home to some of the city’s biggest museums. Cap Hill is Denver’s most densely populated neighborhood, with most of its residents between the ages of 25 and 40.
Places to Go:
Denver Art Museum: With more than 700,000 works of art in 12 collections, the Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast. Students with a valid ID receive discounted admission at $15.
The 5,280 Step at the Capitol: Grab a photo on the 13th step of the State Capitol building, which officially marks 5,280 feet above sea level. While it’s not Rocky Balboa’s ascent up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it’s still an Instagrammable moment.
Civic Center Park: This 12-acre green space is home to some of the biggest events in Denver. The park, which is steeped in history, contains the largest collection of public art in the city and structures over 100 years old.
LoDo
LoDo, short for Lower Downtown, is Denver’s oldest neighborhood. In 1858, at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, prospectors struck gold. The area is now home to nearly 100 restaurants, shops, art galleries and more.
Places to Go:
Union Station: Once a portal to the West, this beautifully restored train station now serves as a hub of activity featuring chef-owned restaurants, shops and the 112-room Crawford Hotel. While far past its heyday, Union Station is still the transportation hub for the city, servicing Amtrak and the Regional Transportation District (RTD).
Larimer Square: Denver’s oldest and most historic block is draped with Colorado flags and string lights, which perfectly illuminate the Victorian-era buildings that are home to chic boutiques and trendy restaurants.
Coors Field: Home to the Colorado Rockies, this stadium is among the best in Major League Baseball. Whether you’re there to cheer on the Rockies or perhaps your favorite visiting team, there’s no better place to watch baseball and gather with friends. With affordable tickets and spectacular views, Coors Field has something for everyone.
Confluence Park: This popular park is an urban oasis where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River. The expansive green spaces are perfect for a picnic and relaxing by the water. From Confluence Park, you can access miles of paths for walking, jogging and biking.
