As the big city of Colorado, Denver plays host to most of the urban appeal of this recreation-happy, mountainous state. Its downtown core, LoDo, is packed with cool 19th-century brick buildings, pedestrian streets, and leafy public parks. Between its craft breweries, sports bars, and upscale steak houses, it's easy to create an entertaining night out here. But the real appeal of the Mile High City is its easy access to Rocky Mountain ski resorts, national parks, and cool Victorian-era mining towns. You can hit the ski slopes and still be back in historic Larimer Square for a cold beer before the sun goes down if you base yourself in Denver.
Key attractions
The redbrick heart of Denver revolves around LoDo and Larimer Square, adjoining soul mates of fun and old-West ambiance. Be sure to have a few drinks at the amazing Wynkoop Brewing Company across from Union Station after catching a Rockies baseball game at Coors Field. Denver locals love sports but there is a cultural side to this city, evident in the striking Denver Art Museum and range of performance arts institutions, such as the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Colorado Ballet. Explore the mining-era heritage of Colorado in the Molly Brown House Museum or spend a day basking in the alpine sun at any one of the 200 city parks or the fun Denver Zoo.
Having fun
Denver is well-known in the American West for its laid-back nightlife that resonates the mountain cool of the Rockies. Live music is a real highlight here, whether in historic theaters like the Paramount and Fillmore or in gorgeous natural outdoor venues such as the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Almost any night in LoDo or Larimer Square you can find a good crowd of festive drinking and quality dining. From its delicious craft breweries like Wynkoop to rowdy sports bars showing the current Colorado pro sports team, this city loves to go out after dark. The gourmet side of the city manifests itself in trendy neighborhoods like Cherry Creek.
Shopping
The shopping scene in Denver is as eclectic and laid-back as its residents. On a sunny day, there is no better place to stroll around than the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long stretch of downtown shops and eateries which is surrounded by several other hot spots, like the Denver Pavilions and Writer Square. Another fantastic place to look for interesting local goods is the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. South Broadway, better known as Antique Row, offers a string of quirky stores focusing on second-hand knick-knacks as much as Victorian-era treasures. If you need some swish outdoor gear, all the big labels like Patagonia have outlets tucked into the redbrick streets of downtown Denver.
Nearby
What makes Denver such an awesome travel destination is its easy access to the natural and recreational wonders of the Colorado Rockies. Simply hop on Interstate 70 and within an hour you can be skiing at Loveland, Winter Park, or Keystone. Venture just a bit farther and Victorian towns like Breckenridge showcase both epic skiing and that vintage Colorado mining town vibe. All these ski resorts are equally fun in summer and winter. State parks like Golden Gate and Cherry Creek offer thousands of acres of mountain terrain to explore just 45 minutes from the city.
Our recommendations in Denver

Grand Hyatt Denver
Located in Denver, Grand Hyatt Denver is in the city center and near a metro station. 16th Street Mall and Union Station are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Denver Botanic Gardens and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Check out an event or a game at Coors Field, and consider making time for Denver Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.

Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center
Located in Denver, Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center is in the business district and near a metro station. Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Denver Art Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Park Meadows Mall and Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Check out an event or a game at Pepsi Center, and consider making time for Denver Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.

Renaissance Denver Central Park Hotel
In the business district and near a train station, Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel is in an area with great shopping. 16th Street Mall and Union Station are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Denver Zoo and Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Check out an event or a game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and consider making time for Lakeside Amusement Park, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
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Ramada by Wyndham Denver Downtown
In the city center and near theme parks, Ramada by Wyndham Denver Downtown is in an area with good airport proximity. 16th Street Mall and Union Station are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Denver Botanic Gardens and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Check out an event or a game at Coors Field, and consider making time for Denver Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.

Best Western Plus Executive Residency Denver-Central Park Hotel
In the business district, Best Western Plus Executive Residency Denver-Stapleton Hotel is in an area with good airport proximity and shopping. Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Denver Art Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Denver Zoo and Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Dick's Sporting Goods Park or Denver Coliseum.

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver International Airport
Located in Denver, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver International Airport is in an area with good airport proximity. Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Aurora History Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Denver Zoo and Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park or Denver Coliseum.

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
In the city center and near a metro station, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is in an area with good shopping. Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature and Science are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Denver Zoo and Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Check out an event or a game at Coors Field, and consider making time for Lakeside Amusement Park, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.

Hilton Garden Inn Denver/Cherry Creek
Located in Denver, Hilton Garden Inn Denver/Cherry Creek is in the business district and near theme parks. 16th Street Mall and Union Station are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Denver Botanic Gardens and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Pepsi Center or Coors Field.

Clarion Hotel Denver Central
Located in Denver, Clarion Hotel Denver Central is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and Denver Botanic Gardens, while Lakeside Amusement Park and Elitch Gardens Theme Park are popular area attractions. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Denver Zoo, or check out an event or a game at Coors Field. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.

Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Located in Denver, Four Seasons Hotel Denver is in the city center and near a metro station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Denver Botanic Gardens and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, while Elitch Gardens Theme Park and Denver Zoo are popular area attractions. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Lakeside Amusement Park and Water World.

Warwick Denver
Located in Denver, Warwick Denver is in the city center and near a metro station. Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature and Science are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit 16th Street Mall and Union Station. Denver Zoo and Elitch Gardens Theme Park are not to be missed.

Quality Inn & Suites Denver International Airport
In the city center, Quality Inn & Suites Denver International Airport is in an area with good airport proximity. Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Ogden Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Buffalo Run Golf Course and Centre Hills Disc Golf Course. Denver Zoo and Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park are also worth visiting.

Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport
Near a metro station, Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport is in an area with good airport proximity. Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Ogden Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Denver Zoo and Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park or Denver Coliseum.

Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown/Convention Center
In the city center and near a metro station, Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown/Convention Center is in an area with good shopping. Denver Art Museum and Buell Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Denver Zoo and Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Lakeside Amusement Park and Water World are not to be missed.