Denver, CO

outdoors

LoDo

The surrounding neighborhood consists largely older warehouse-style buildings to the east of the station and newer construction to the west, all filled with some of Denver’s best restaurants, boutique shops, bars, and hotels. If you can afford it, my top recommendation for first-time visitors is that this is the best area to stay in Denver! You’ll be in the middle of it, all with easy access to transportation options, fine dining, sports and performances, nightlife, and the most vibrant parts of the city. So for a first time visitor, I’d suggest Union Station as the best neighbhorhood in Denver.

Denver, CO

outdoors

Central Business District

you are traveling to Denver on business or for a convention, the many hotels here make for a convenient option. But, in my opinion, the area can be a little dull at night (because almost nobody actually lives here). This is really only the best area to stay in Denver for business travelers, those loyal to a particular hotel chain, or those who plan to spend all of their time at the Colorado Convention Center.

Denver, CO

outdoors

Capitol Hill

Home to the Colorado State Capitol and the Molly Brown Museum, Capitol Hill is a blend of residential housing (largely townhomes and low-rise apartment buildings) and gritty but more affordable nightlife and dining options. It’s also home to some of the more interesting stretches of Colfax Avenue, which Playboy once called “the longest, wickedest street in America,” and where you can find tattoo parlors, marijuana dispensaries, and run-down liquor stores nestled between trendy breweries and value dining options.

Denver, CO

outdoors

North Capitol Hill

This smaller residential neighborhood is a quick walk away from the CBD, and a good value option for those visiting on business or looking to move to Denver (I lived here for years, and still have a home there). Though not as lively as the surrounding neighborhoods, there is a mini-stretch of dining and nightlife along 17th Avenue that can still “Uptown funk you up.tth” If you want to hang out on Colfax without having to actually stay on Colfax, or if you need to be downtown but want a little more character in your neighborhood, this is a good area to stay in Denver for you.

Denver, CO

destination

Cherry Creek

The Cherry Creek neighborhood is best known for its high-end residential units, as well as it’s enormous shopping complex by the same name. There are also a number of dining options here, though quite a few of them fall into the chain variety. This is the best area to stay in Denver if you’re intent on doing a lot of shopping or if you want a high-end hotel outside of downtown Denver. Otherwise, I’d candidly recommend giving it a pass as it can feel a bit sterile to visitors.

CO, United States

destination

South Broadway

In recent years, the area along South Broadway has become the hip spot for Denver’s younger professional set. The anchor attraction here is Punch Bowl Social, a huge complex that includes a restaurant, several bars, a bowling alley, shuffleboard, and an upstairs game room. But you’ll also want to check out the rest of the many smaller, hip joints that dot South Broadway from 1st Street down to Alameda Avenue. From swank restaurants to cheap eats, there are plenty of places to grab a bite. And if you’re in a shopping mood, skip the chain stores and check out the many incredible botiques that line South Broadway. Bottom line: if you want a fun area to stay in Denver outside of downtown, this is it. Along with RiNo, this might be the best place to stay in Denver for nightlife.

Denver, CO

outdoors

Highland

This is my current home and one of the hottest residential locations in Denver. Highlands — as the name suggests — is located up a bit of a hill that gives many spots stunning vistas of the downtown Denver skyline. The southern part of the neighborhood, often called “LoHi,” is home to some of the most expensive restaurants in the city, including the ever-trendy Linger, which is set in a former mortuary. There is also a stretch of cool bars, restaurants, and shops further north along Tennyson Avenue.

Denver, CO

outdoors

River North Art District

Today, Five Points (aka RiNo) is home to a growing number of hot clubs, cool breweries, and fun and innovative dining options like The Source, where multiple restaurants, a brewery, a bakery and more all share a single roof. RiNo is a great place to spend your evenings while traveling to Denver and this could be your best area to stay in Denver if nightlife and dining are on the top of your list of things to do while in Denver.