Denver - The Mile High City

Want to explore Denver? This vibrant city is full of unique attractions, from the Rocky Mountains to the Denver Zoo to its vibrant nightlife. Denver has something for everyone and is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

Denver attractions

Are you planning a visit to Denver? Don't miss these five attractions in the capital of the US state of Colorado.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

In the town of Morrison, located a short distance from Denver, you'll find the breathtaking Red Rocks Amphitheater, where you can regularly attend the region's most iconic festivals, concerts, and celebrations while enjoying breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Some of the most legendary artists in music history have played here, from the Beatles to U2.

Built in 1906, Red Rocks is especially known for its natural rock formations that allow for excellent acoustics. The venue is also surrounded by a beautiful park, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum, located in the heart of the city, is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. It impresses with an extensive collection of more than 70,000 exhibits, ranging from Native American art to contemporary art.

In addition, the Denver Art Museum offers a variety of educational programs and events where you can learn more about fine art.

Union Station

Union Station is Denver's vibrant transportation hub and serves as the main station for Amtrak and Colorado Rail System trains. Built in 1881, the station in the LoDo neighborhood is also a beautiful historic building in the Romanesque Revival style.

Restored to its original grandeur in the 2010s, Union Station offers a variety of restaurants, stores, and entertainment options in addition to rail service.

Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions, welcoming more than two million visitors each year. Located in City Park, the zoo is home to more than 550 species, including lions, tigers, polar bears, elephants, and flamingos.

You'll also find very old trees, numerous sculptures, and man-made rock formations and ponds on the expansive grounds of the Denver Zoo, which was named the "greenest zoo in the world" in 2012. A visit to the Gates Wildlife Conservation Education Center and the petting zoo complete your leisure program.

Denver Botanic Gardens

You'll discover that Denver is a very green city when you stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens, one of the city's most beautiful sights. In the 93,000 m2 park, you will find not only North America's largest collection of plants from the cold temperate climate zones of the world but also plants from the arid West and the Mediterranean, a greenhouse, and a Japanese garden. The Botanical Garden's amphitheater hosts a variety of concerts during the summer.

Sights in Denver

Getting around Denver

Driving is one of the most popular forms of transportation in Denver. The city has an extensive network of highways and streets that make it easy to get from one part of the city to another.

Most highways and streets have a speed limit of 55 miles per hour, although some have speed limits as low as 25 miles per hour. Parking in Denver can be difficult and expensive. Use parking apps to find the best rates and availability.

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The Regional Transportation District operates buses and trains in the Denver metro area. Trains and buses run regularly throughout the day, and fares are relatively inexpensive. Download the RTD Trip Planner app to plan your route and arrive on time.

Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also widely available in Denver. They are a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

The history of Denver

The history of Denver, Colorado, dates back to 1858, when the city was founded as a mining camp during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Named for James W. Denver, a former governor of the Kansas Territory, the city grew rapidly as prospectors flocked to the region in search of gold.

Denver became a major transportation hub as the railroad connected the city to the rest of the United States. In the 1920s, Denver became a major banking and financial center and remains an important economic center today. During this time, large-scale urbanization projects with the construction of high-rise buildings and new infrastructure significantly changed the cityscape.

In the 1950s, Denver experienced a population boom as people from all over the country moved to the city in search of new opportunities. This influx of new residents led to Denver becoming a multicultural melting pot, home to people from all walks of life and cultures.

In the 1970s, Denver became a major political center. The Democratic National Convention was held here in 1976, and the city has been a major site for presidential elections ever since. Denver is also home to several professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Avalanche, which have enjoyed great success over the past two decades.

Today, Denver is a thriving and vibrant city. It is considered one of the most livable cities in the United States, with a thriving economy, diverse population, and many attractions. From a rich cultural heritage to modern amenities, Denver has something for everyone.

Skyline of Denver

Denver fun facts

Chances are you didn't know these fun facts about Denver:

  • The mountain panorama visible from Denver is about 225 km long. About 200 mountain peaks are visible from the city, 32 of which reach an altitude of 4,000 m or more.
  • Denver enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year and more hours of sunshine than San Diego or Miami.
  • Denver is a sports-loving city: with six professional sports teams; it is represented in all four major US sports leagues, as well as in soccer and lacrosse. In addition, there is the famous “National Western Stock Show” rodeo event and 90 golf courses.
  • Denver has a vibrant street art scene. Most of the works are gathered in the River North Arts District, also known as "RiNo."
  • In terms of its surface area, Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States and the second largest in the world. By the way, it is often referred to as "America's strangest airport": because of its maze-like underground tunnel system, disturbing murals and statues, and mysterious incidents. Numerous conspiracy theories revolve around Denver International Airport.

Your trip to Denver

Whether you want to hike, climb or just enjoy the view, Denver is a great place to experience the Rocky Mountains and the beauty of Colorado. Hike or bike the Cherry Creek Trail for breathtaking views of the city and mountains.

Try some local cuisine, too! Denver has a great dining scene with a mix of classic American and international cuisine. From steakhouses to taco trucks, there's something for everyone.

If you're looking for an exciting city to explore, Denver is a great choice. With so much to see and do, you'll never run out of things to do in Denver. So why wait? Explore the Mile High City and make unforgettable memories!

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