Heading to Denver? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 3–4 days
- Best for: Outdoorsy urbanites, culture lovers, solo foodies, brewery hoppers
- Why visit: Walkable mix of arts, mountains, breweries, and solo-friendly nightlife
DENVER AT A GLANCE
- Population: 729,019 (city); 2.9M+ (metro area)
- History: Gold rush boomtown founded in 1858; the first building was a saloon!
- Famous for: Rocky Mountain views, vibrant art scene, breweries, music, legal cannabis
- Nicknames: The Mile High City, Queen City of the Plains, Wall Street of the West
- Solo vibes: Very safe, casual, and friendly—locals are used to out-of-towners exploring solo
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- 🗣 Language: English
- 🌦 Best time to visit: April-October (sunny, festivals, patios open), March for free museum days
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: RTD A Line train ($10 OW, reliable, every 15–30 mins)
- Other: Rideshare apps (~$30–$60), taxis, or shuttle buses
- 🧳 Safety: Walkable core, casual solo bar scene, just keep an eye on your stuff downtown
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: March offers many free museum and botanic garden days
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (Colorado vibes) or “Chef’s Table: BBQ” Denver episode
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Hostel Fish – Trendy hostel above Temple Nightclub; sociable common areas, secure, near Union Station
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood: LoDo (Lower Downtown) – Central for bars, Union Station, food, and easy transit links
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: RiNo (River North) – Street art, indie breweries, creative energy, youthful scene
- 💸 Budget option: Hostel Fish or Ember Hostel (Capitol Hill) – Social, clean, access to nightlife
- Tip: Skip Colfax Ave motels—historic but sketchy. Always check for lockers in dorms!
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Downtown and RiNo are super walkable, but distances between neighborhoods can be big
- 🚌 Bus/light rail (RTD): Standard ride $2.75 (buy via app or at kiosks); simple zone system
- 🚋 Rail: A Line (to airport) is reliable ($10), light rail elsewhere (R Line less punctual)
- 🚖 Taxis/rideshare: Lyft and Uber everywhere; taxis at main hotels/stations ($30–$60 from airport)
- 🚲 Bikes/scooters: Lime and Lyft (download app); tons of bike lanes—best rides around City Park, Cherry Creek
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Denver Art Museum – Late hours Tuesdays, wide-ranging collections; wander solo, food nearby
- 🌿 Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Epic rock formations, hiking, sunrise yoga; 15 miles from downtown, easily Uber-able
- 🧠 Denver Museum of Nature & Science – Dinosaurs, space, and quirky Colorado history—geek out all afternoon
- 🧭 Larimer Square to Union Station – Historic walk, streetlife, people-watching, pop into indie shops
- 🎨 Tattered Cover Book Store – Classic solo experience: browse, read, get lost in a huge, cozy bookshop
- 🔀 Wildcard: Denver Tool Library – Take a pottery or swordfighting class—make real friends fast!
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Molly Brown House: Crowded, tours too brief for the price unless you’re a mega-fan of Titanic or Victoriana
- ❌ 16th Street Mall: Mall vibe, mainly chain stores and tourist traps, not much local flavor
- ❌ Colfax dives: Fun history, but can be grungy/intimidating for first-timers alone at night
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: The Source Hotel & Market Hall – Indoor market, global eats, lively solo-counter-seating
- 🥃 Pub with character: Don’t miss Falling Rock Tap House (beer mecca, low-key, friendly staff)
- 🍽️ Try these locals: Green chili (El Taco de Mexico), bison ribs (Tocabe), Denver omelet (Sam’s No. 3)
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Vinh Xuong Bakery – Banh mi and sesame rolls under $10
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Watercourse Foods – Top veg comfort food in town
- 🍸 Cocktails/nightcap: Hudson Hill – Cozy sofas, craft cocktails, solo-friendly crowd
DENVER NIGHTLIFE (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🥳 Temple Nightclub: Different vibes in each room, connected to a hostel—easy to make pals
- 🎧 The Church Nightclub: Party in a deconsecrated church with wild lighting, open late
- 🎯 Punch Bowl Social/Flight Club: Games, karaoke, bowling—laid-back and open to singles
- 🎭 Comedy Works/Don’t Tell Comedy: Big laughs, easy place to chat up fellow fun-seekers after
BEST OF DENVER IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Watch the sunrise from City Park with coffee and killer mountain views
- Morning: Grab green chili breakfast burrito at El Taco de Mexico; wander the Art Museum
- Lunch: Eat at The Source Market Hall (stall-hop, sample local flavors)
- Afternoon: Book-browse at Tattered Cover, stroll LoDo, snap photos at Union Station
- Evening: Craft beer flight at a RiNo brewery; Denver Central Market for a snack
- Dinner: Bison ribs or fry bread at Tocabe; try a new local dish
- Night: Listen to live music in Five Points or join board game night at a brewery
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival: First Fridays Art Walks (monthly, Santa Fe Arts District) – Street parties, open galleries, mingle with locals
- 📍 Hidden gem: Forney Transportation Museum – Vintage cars and trains, usually uncrowded
- 📷 Photo spots: Civic Center Park (Capitol backdrop), Confluence Park, murals in RiNo
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Tip 15–20% in bars/restaurants; don’t call the city “Denver, Colorado”—locals just say Denver
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Day and night downtown are safe, but hydrate—altitude sneaks up!
- 👀 One last thing: Skip tourist chains, find a rooftop patio, and toast the Rockies solo—you’ll feel like a local in no time!