Denver

Denver
17th March 2021 Safer Travel

Denver


Fondly referred to as The Mile High City due to its elevation of one mile above sea level, Denver is the state capital of Colorado and has a lot to offer. The city lays at the beginning of The Rocky Mountains; its geography in relation to the rest of the country making it an important trading and transport point. This ensures work and a constant influx of people, allowing for a lively and prosperous city to continue to grow.


British Consulate General Denver

World Trade Centre Tower
1625 Broadway, Suite 720
Denver CO 80202
USA

www.gov.uk

+1 303 592 5200
Sunny day at the park in Denver

Details


Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.

  • Emergency Services: 911
  • Language: English
  • Currency: American Dollars
  • Country Code: US
  • Travel Visa: ESTA required (Click here for more info)
  • Population: 716,500

Risk Level


Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;

Overall Risk 30%
Pickpickets 35%
Mugging 25%
Common Crimes 35%

Travellers Tips


Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.

Emergencies


For the Emergency services just dial 911 from any phone.

Hospitals in Denver

Tourist Offices

Travelling Around


If you’re in Denver then you’ve got a lot of travel options. Due to its central location within America, Denver acts as a hub for many airplane and bus companies. Whatever direction you’re headed, there’s probably a bus going that way too. The city is essentially equidistant between LA and New York so you can easily get a plane, train or bus to either. For more local travel there are cycle lanes and rentable electric scooters all over the city.

Airports

Denver International Airport: (303) 342-2000 or (800) 247-2336.

Train Stations

Denver Union Station: Amtrak

Denver Safety

  • What’s a safety top tip?

    Denver is the state capital of Colorado and is also its most populous city. As such, it has the highest crime rate in Colorado too. This is a liberal, diverse and generally quite safe place to visit but, nevertheless, it is a big city in America. There will be pickpockets, there will be people who will try to mug you given the opportunity, you just need to be sensible and safe.

    Be aware of your surrounding and who is close to you. Be mindful of where your valuables are and keep them securely on your person. If you have a bag, keep it zipped/clasped shut and crossed over your body so no one can just grab it and run. Stay in a group or in populated busy areas.

  • What’s the weather like?

    Denver is a central American city at the foot of The Rocky Mountains. There is very little rain and most days are sunny and warm (up to 300 of them typically). There are some chances of snow in winter but it rarely lies for very long.

    The average summer temperature is 23 °C whilst the average winter temperature is 0°C.

    For the most reasonable weather visit in late spring and summer but any time of year is applicable.

    Dress and plan accordingly.

  • What should I be aware of?

    Denver has a substantial homeless population. Of course, most don’t pose a threat but some could be dangerous. Visitors are advised to stay clear of areas where homeless people frequent. It is advisable to remain at a respectful distance and stay safe, letting local organizations provide the assistance these individuals need. Most Denver neighbourhoods are generally safe, but (like any other large city) some areas should be avoided, especially at night. If you’re downtown, don’t wander into less populated areas. Stay on the well-lit main streets and try to go directly to your location so you don’t get lost.

Annual Events


Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.

Denver Events

The Oddity & Bizarre Expo

Want to see something you definitely haven’t before? You in luck- The Oddity & Bizarre Expo is designed to astonish and amaze. Alternative artists come together to share their more interesting creations: home décor made from bones, taxidermy, soaps and lotions made from nature, art, chainmail clothing and charged metaphysical items. This Expo isn’t just about selling stuff; you can get your palm read or have a chat with a psychic. Anything can happen but you wont know what till you go!

Denver Christkindlmarket

hosted by the German American Chamber of Commerce – Colorado, This event was created to connect both local and international small business vendors whilst providing the people of Denver the opportunity to partake in authentic German and European holiday traditions. Open from mid-November to late December, it’s the perfect scene to complete your holiday shopping. Take advantage of the many stall and find some artisan gifts and holiday treats to take home with you. Best of all as you shop there’s a whole host of new kinds of food to try as you explore: Glühwein, Bavarian-style Biers, European coffee, or hot chocolate. You can also take a more permanent seat and have some Bavarian-style pretzels, fresh smoked salmon, or Goulasch whilst enjoying live music and the festivities.

Denver Arts Week

A celebration of all things artistic in The Mile High City, featuring events at a wide variety of art galleries, museums, theatres and concert halls that are open late to provide the most people with the best experience. Fully explore the range and depth of the cultures in and around Denver; visit places you’d have never thought to go otherwise. Meet local artists and- if you see something you really like- support them by bringing some art home with you! See performances, attend a workshop or learn something new at a lecture. Its all sharing and loving art.

Colorado Renaissance Festival

This unique event will take you on a miraculous tour through history and legend. Explore the village streets and pathways and ‘ready thyself’ to have a blast interacting with a cast of hundreds of authentically costumed actors. Observe as they go about their days in their 16th Century lives to immerse you in the setting. Visit artisans working in their Ye olde shopps and pick up an interesting souvenir or two. No doubt you’ll get hungry from all this walking so why not attend a feast or eat on the go with a roast turkey leg or a steak on a stake. There’s performances on stage, there are tournaments, there’s just so much to do!

Denver Highlights

  • What museums are there?

    Denver Art Museum

    Denver Art Museum is known for its world class collection of Native American art. It also holds 68,000 other art objects: some works from European masters, Old West classics and a phenomenal travelling exhibit. Lectures covering a huge range of topics throughout the year are put on for anyone to attend so maybe brush up on the latest techniques whilst you’re there! The Museum is made up of two buildings and even they are artistically impressive! One is a fortress-like structure, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti, and the other resembles a titanium crystal with peaks and shards, designed by Daniel Libeskind. A must, MUST see for art lovers.

    Denver Museum of Nature & Science

    This museum is sure to cater for all those science and nature lovers, who are just waiting to unearth more of the universes treasures. Known as the fourth largest museum in the United States, this site is filled with a range of artefacts from many cultures for you to learn about. Put aside an entire day to be able to visit and experience the dinosaurs, dioramas, space exhibits, science experiments, a digital planetarium, the IMAX theatre and take part in many touring shows. Each exhibit employs the latest in multimedia technology to create the best experience for the museum’s visitors.

  • What outdoor activities are there?

    Echo Canyon

    Echo Canyon has everything you need to enjoy the surrounding area. Are you looking for an extreme white-water rafting trip? No problem! Want to spend the weekend on a multi-night water-and-camping adventure? They’ve got you! Just want a calm family float so the kids think you’re the coolest? Consider it done! Echo Canyon guarantees fun and a resolute commitment to safety. There is something for everyone: you can try it for a few miles or up to 50- that’s right- 50! Don’t like the water? That’s fine too, there are bike rides and a zip line available. You can book into lodges or go glamping- you want a fun outdoor Colorado experience, just pick one!

    Rocky Mountain National Park

    Do the literal Rocky Mountains really need an introduction? These 415 square miles of mountainous beauty have been drawing visitors since…well since people could visit really. Colorado’s most popular attraction without a doubt, this park is filled innumerable natural wonders home to unique wildlife and views. There are trails for all age ranges, fishing spots, horseback riding, hikes and more. You will be able to spot the local animals whilst you out on your travels (elk and moose are hard to miss) but there are also ways to seek out more specific experiences, such as our birdwatching opportunities.

    Fun Fact: by the entrance to the national park resides the Stanley Hotel- famed inspiration for The Shining.

  • Fun things to do in Denver

    Coors Brewery Tour

    Denver is home to the biggest single-site brewery in the world: Coors Brewery. Take a tour around this famous site and learn something new! In only 30 minutes, explore the brewhouse, malthouse and packaging complex. You can see the process first-hand of how over a hundred work teams make one of the most popular beers in the world. Sample some of the product and get your very own commemorative glass. Finish up at the gift shop and get a hat or shirt to complete the experience.

    Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

    Celebrating 130 years of fun, Elitch Gardens is both a theme park and a water park! Easy to get to from the Denver area, there are 54 rides and attractions to choose from.  There are themed adventures, thrilling roller coasters, an entire water park and special events, namely the Fright Fest in October when the entire park becomes a Spooktacular trip. There’s so much to try- if you have the guts! The Mind Eraser is a brutally fun suspension coaster that rises 10 stories and then drops at over 60 mph. The Half Pipe is short but intense as it takes 60 seconds to project 17 victims/visitors up and down its great height whilst spinning in their seat. If you’ve survived all that, why not try Elitch’s XLR8R? The world’s highest free-fall swing. Strap in and go flying across the park, almost touching the ground before shooting back up into the sky. To call this an exciting day out would be an understatement.