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Whether spring, summer, fall, or winter, Denver is more than just a jumping-off point—it’s a destination all its own. From Latin American-inspired chef’s tasting tables to hole-in-the-wall eateries serving Eastern European fare, the city’s ever-evolving food scene is peaking with global cuisines. Meanwhile, cutting-edge hotel concepts are following suit, and expanding into emerging neighborhoods like Cherry Creek and Lower Highlands.
Yet while Denver is attracting Gen Z globe-trotters with swanky speakeasies and lifestyle hotels, this Mile High City hasn’t lost sight of its local community. Through a bespoke membership club built to connect artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives to restaurants run by first-generation families, Denver is growing from within.
It would also be remiss to talk up Denver without mentioning the city’s natural neighbors, the Rocky Mountains. With world-class ski resorts like Breckenridge, Vail, and Winter Park just a few hours away, the adrenaline-inducing possibilities are endless. So, whether you’re making a pit stop on your way to the fresh powder or planning a dedicated trip, here’s where you should stay, eat, and visit in the Colorado capital.
Where to Stay
Ideally situated in the center of the city, the Thompson Denver channels sophistication and style. Wake up to panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains with the convenience of being a short walk from the city’s most sought-after attractions. For a cozy evening, enjoy fine French cuisine at Chez Maggy before heading up to Reynard Social for cocktails overlooking the skyline.
The design here will make you feel right at home, with comfy beds, factory-paned windows, wide-plank hickory flooring, antique Persian rugs, and perfectly curated mini-bars outfitted with local Colorado snacks and libations. Not that you’ll be spending too much time in your room—mixology icon Death Co. opened up their first location outside of Manhattan in the Ramble’s lobby, offering not only their brilliant cocktails, but also a full-fledged restaurant serving equally inventive seasonal, local cuisine.
Nestled in the heart of Cherry Creek, this multifaceted property is part hotel and part members club. Designed to curate a community of art-driven clientele, The Clayton carefully combines work and play. The suites are adorned with thoughtful designs like a moveable work desk and spacious armoires that allow guests to unpack and unwind with ease. From the buzzy rooftop pool to the sleek underground speakeasy, The Clayton takes the art of entertaining seriously.
The Lower Highlands or LoHi has finally found a home for tourists with the opening of the neighborhood’s first hotel. With outposts in posh hot spots like Nantucket, Palm Springs, and the Berkshires, Life House brings its effortlessly cool vibe to a quaint corner of Denver. Inside, the 16-room property features decadent Victorian accents like velvet drapes, cowhide throws, and Louis XVI Bergère chairs, while the unassuming exterior blends into the street’s industrialist landscape.
Head over to the Halcyon to experience leisure and luxury at every corner. One of my favorite amenities is their gear garage, which offers guests complimentary access to seasonal equipment like bikes and scooters in the summer and sleds and snowshoes in the winter. Did I mention that every room is outfitted with a unique collection of records and a vinyl record player? And, yes, pets are welcomed with open arms and a stash of treats at the front desk. This winter, make sure to stop by their rooftop skating rink for breathtaking views of the Mile High City and a cup of hot cocoa.
This hotel is a breath of fresh air. The hotel’s design evokes both Scandinavian and Japanese vibes, with lots of Baltic birch casework, high ceilings, and polished concrete floors. Two on-site market halls totaling 45,000 square feet bring together an exciting offering of the city’s best artisans and makers—there’s a barber, a florist, a brewery, an art gallery, and even a taqueria all within steps of your room.
Where To Eat
Bakery by morning and bistro by night, Noisette wants you to start your day with a flakey croissant and end it with foie gras. From dawn to dusk, Noisette invites guests to enjoy life the French way. Here, you can indulge in an array of delectable pastries, buttery fish dishes, a decadent duck breast, and don’t forget to order a bottle of Bordeaux. Bon appétit!
By popular demand, this Vietnamese pop-up opened a full-time restaurant back in June. Helmed by husband-and-wife team, Ni and Anna Nguyen, the menu features classic dishes with a contemporary flair. From the hamachi crudo with tiger’s milk and turmeric to the charred cabbage topped with a traditional egg yolk sauce, you can’t go wrong with ordering one of everything.
Pull up a chair to this 15-seat chef’s counter for an intimate dining experience unlike anything else. The omakase-style tasting menu combines earthy Latin American flavors with local ingredients like flour, masa, and corn that are all milled onsite.
Paying homage to Denver’s historic Chinatown, Hop Alley serves up modern takes on traditional Sichuan fare in a stylish space. Test your spice tolerance by diving into their notoriously hot fried chicken thighs, or play it cool with the chilled tofu dressed in a sesame sauce. There is no such thing as a wrong order here since everything hits just right.
For a delicious journey through Israel’s expansive cuisine, Safta is the right choice. The menu draws inspiration from traditional dishes through a modern lens. The cheese bourekas, duck matzo ball soup, and pomegranate braised lamb shank are a few of the fan favorites. If you can’t stop by for dinner, make sure to snag a brunch reservation.
Not even a year old, Molotov has quickly become one of the hardest reservations to get in town. While the hearty Eastern European dishes with modern twists tend to draw big appetites, the intimate dining experience adds to the constant buzz around this hot spot.
After nine years at a different location in town, this icon of Italian cuisine reopened in 2017 right in the heart of RiNo, acting as a vote of confidence for the neighborhood’s culinary potential. Chef and owner Andrea Frizzi made sure to keep with the area’s artistic roots—the impressive marble bar is from the same quarry as Michaelangelo’s David, and the largest Bocci chandelier in the world illuminates the space.
Where To Drink
Inspired by the legendary 1920s socialite Milly Parker, this upscale cocktail bar is not your average speakeasy. The plush banquettes, hand-painted De Gournay wallpaper, and highly curated local art collection are a feast for the eyes, while the rotating menu offers guests innovative craft cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Situated just a stone s throw from Lower Highlands, this is the perfect spot to grab a drink before exploring LoHi.
The little sister to Boulder’s Michelin-starred Frasca Food and Wine, Sunday Vinyl doesn’t fall short of meeting every (high!) expectation. The eclectic collection of records spins on a state-of-the-art, three-turntable sound system, and the expansive wine selection is equally exciting. Make sure to save room for a few of the fancy light bites like lobster and smoked salmon canapés, wagyu beef tartare, and truffle butter risotto.
This subterranean watering hole is Dairy Block’s best-kept secret. From seasonal cocktails to vintage spirits, this cozy cocktail lair serves creative concoctions in an understated setting. Pop by for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap with friends.
Nestled in a beautifully restored warehouse, this late-night jazz bar is one not to miss. There’s live music every single night, in addition to one of the area’s more creative cocktail lists—with such newfangled offerings as the “Dreaming Dangerously,” a potent blend of rum, Manzanilla sherry, walnut liqueur, maple syrup, oat milk, and fig.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Colorado without a brewery crawl through some of the city’s exceptional craft brew hotspots, and luckily RiNo has them in spades. Some of the best include Black Shirt Brewing, Ratio Beerworks, and Great Divide Brewing Company.
What To Do
During the warmer months, the botanical gardens are an exceptional escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With exhibits including a zen Japanese garden, tropical greenhouse, and oversized lily pond, the 24-acre property is overflowing with local and global plant species. When the snow starts to fall, the gardens turn into a winter wonderland outfitted in holiday lights and festive displays that keep spirits bright until spring.
If you’re looking for a taste of contemporary art, this museum will do the trick. Home to paintings by Andy Warhol and chairs designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this salon-style collection showcases world-renowned artists. Named after Colorado’s very own Vance Kirkland, the artist’s studio sits nearby for guests to get a closer look at his abstract and dot paintings.
There is something special about the otherworldly rocks that make up this natural amphitheater. Red Rocks is more than just an outdoor concert venue; it’s a must-see landmark for wellness enthusiasts and music lovers alike. In the morning, you’ll find yoga classes on the rocks and a slew of hikers winding through the short but worthwhile Trading Post trail. At night, the incomparable acoustics and sunset views of downtown Denver in the distance are pitch and picture-perfect.
While it’s been on our radar for some time now, this food hall is an essential stop at any time of day. Pick up a coffee and quick breakfast in the morning, stop in for a cocktail before dinner, or grab some snacks and souvenirs to bring home. The gooey, warm cinnamon rolls at Izzio Artisan Bakery are a must, as is the cold brew at Crema Bodega. And don’t leave without perusing the drinks list at Curio.
No trip to Denver would be complete without chasing some elevation to truly capture the breathtaking beauty of the Centennial State. From the Boulder Flatirons to Panorama Point Trail and a litany of other options, there isn’t a wrong choice to make. Just remember to pace yourself on the way up.
