Denver sits at exactly 5,280 feet, where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The city has transformed from a cow town into a craft beer capital, with more breweries than almost anywhere in America. Add in 300 days of sunshine, easy access to world-class skiing, and a progressive, outdoorsy culture. Denver offers excellent value for a gateway city. Hotels are reasonable, food is affordable, and the mountains are just an hour away. Flight deals to DEN are common since it's a major hub. Come for the beer, stay for the altitude.
Best Time to Fly to Denver
Peak Season
Ski season (December to March) and summer (June to August) bring the most visitors. January has the Great American Beer Festival aftermath.
Off Season (Best Deals)
April to May and October to November are pleasant shoulder seasons. March can be snowy but has good ski deals.
Denver has 300+ days of sunshine. Summer (June to August) is warm at 80-95°F with afternoon thunderstorms. Fall (September to October) is perfect at 60-75°F. Winter (November to March) varies from 30-50°F with occasional snow. Spring (April to May) is variable.
💡Book ski season 2-3 months ahead. Summer and shoulder season deals appear frequently.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Denver
Cheapest Months
April, May, November
Most Expensive
December, January, July
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Must-Try Foods in Denver
Craft Beer
Denver has 100+ breweries in the metro area. Great Divide, Ratio, and Our Mutual Friend are local favorites. RiNo (River North) has the highest concentration. Take a brewery tour or just bar hop. This is beer paradise.
$6-8
Green Chile
Denver's signature flavor is Pueblo green chiles smothered on everything. Breakfast burritos, burgers, and Mexican food all feature green chile. Santiago's and dozens of local spots serve it proudly. Expect heat.
$10-18
Rocky Mountain Oysters
Yes, they're bull testicles. Yes, they're a Colorado tradition. Buckhorn Exchange has served them since 1893. Fried and served with cocktail sauce, they taste like chewy calamari. Try them once.
$15-25
Top Attractions in Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The natural rock amphitheater 15 miles west of Denver offers incredible concerts with stunning acoustics. Check the concert schedule or hike the venue for free during the day. Sunrise yoga sessions are popular.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Just 90 minutes from Denver, the park has elk, alpine lakes, and Trail Ridge Road (the highest paved road in America). Timed entry reservations required in summer. Fall offers elk rut viewing. A Colorado essential.
Union Station & LoDo
The beautifully restored train station anchors Lower Downtown (LoDo). Restaurants, bars, and the Oxford Hotel fill the beaux-arts building. Walk to Coors Field and the surrounding historic district.
Daily Costs in Denver
Denver offers good value. Hotels and food are cheaper than coastal cities. Beer is affordable and plentiful. Ski trips add significant costs. Budget $100-140 per day in the city.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$80-130
Mid-Range
$140-220
Airbnb
$100-170
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$10-18
Restaurant
$20-40
Coffee
$4-6
Transport
Local Transport
$3-6/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$100-150
Getting Around Denver
From the Airport
The A Line train runs from DEN to Union Station in 37 minutes for $10.50. It's the easiest option. Rideshares cost $40-60.
Getting Around
Denver has light rail connecting the airport to downtown. The city is spread out; rideshares are useful. Rent a car for mountain day trips. The 16th Street Mall shuttle is free.
Tips
- •Take the A Line from the airport. It's cheaper, faster in traffic, and drops you downtown.
- •Rent a car for mountain day trips. You can skip it for city-only visits.
Where to Stay in Denver
LoDo / Union Station
Lower Downtown has historic buildings, easy transit, and walkable streets. Union Station, Coors Field, and Larimer Square are all here. The best home base for first-time visitors.
RiNo (River North)
The arts district has the highest brewery concentration, street art, and converted warehouse restaurants. Industrial chic with excellent food and drink. Denver's most creative neighborhood after dark.
Capitol Hill
Denver's oldest neighborhood has Victorian mansions, the Molly Brown House, and a diverse population. Bookstores, vintage shops, and local restaurants line the streets. More residential and authentic.
Smart Travel Tips for Denver
FAQs About Flights to Denver
Denver is moderate, cheaper than coastal cities. Budget $100-140 per day. Ski trips add significant costs. Beer is affordable. Hotels are reasonable except during major events.
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