Denver
Local Tips
- Skip traffic and soak in the views—Denver’s A‑Line rail offers a scenic, relaxing ride from the airport straight into Union Station. Locals love starting their trip this way.
- The 16th Street Mall—designed by architect I.M. Pei—is a pedestrian-friendly corridor lined with shops and eateries. The free shuttle stops conveniently along the way, making it easy to explore downtown on foot.
- Visit ADSF in the La Alma–Lincoln Park neighborhood for its vibrant monthly Art Walks—free and filled with galleries, music, food trucks, and creative energy.
Local Etiquette
- Be respectful on public transport (RTD). Allow others to board in orderly fashion, don't hold the doors or break the flow.
- Denver—and almost all of Colorado—bans fireworks that fly off the ground.
- When driving, use the left lane for passing; don't sit in the passing lane if you are not passing.
- Practice the 'Leave No Trace' principals when recreating on trails and at lakes.
Safety Notes
- While many areas are safe, some neighborhoods—like Globeville and North Capitol Hill—show elevated violent crime rates (e.g., Globeville reports around 288 incidents per 1,000 people). Use Denver's interactive crime map to check current activity in specific areas.
- Avoid distracting behaviors (e.g., walking while staring at your phone)
- Keep your personal items secure
- Travel in pairs or groups when possible
- Report anything suspicious to venue staff or law enforcement
- Always cross streets at crosswalks, watch for vehicles, and follow traffic signals.
Pet Friendliness
Denver is an extremely dog-friendly city, with many parks and patios welcoming pets. Always remember to clean up after your dog. Dog poop receptacles can be found throughout most parks, and trashcans are located throughout the city.
Accessibility
Denver works actively to ensure accessibility, but experiences vary—especially outdoors.
Sustainability Practices
Denver has adopted a citywide, multi-sector approach to sustainability, combining strong climate goals with practical programs that engage residents, businesses, and institutions.
Common Scams
While Denver is generally a safe city, visitors should be aware of a few potential scams and tourist traps like ATM scams,gift card scams, or "spilled drink" scams.
Emergency Numbers
911 for emergencies; 311 for non-urgent city services