Denver is rich in American history, spectacular natural beauty, and cultural heritage. The team here at Denver Walking Tours is excited to show you all of this and more. Our guides enjoy sharing stories and hidden secrets about this remarkable city. To help welcome you to the Mile High City, here are our 5 tips for visiting Denver.
#1 Best Time to Visit
The summer in Denver sees the highest rates of tourists. The weather is warm and arid in the summer, which is very attractive to many people. However, you should know that July typically sees heavy rainfall. If you want to avoid the high hotel prices in summer, then consider visiting in the shoulder months. April through May and September through October see much fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
#2 Getting Here
The Denver International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the US and it is the largest airport in North America by land area. Many direct flights from all over the world come into the DIA Airport because it is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Most travel agencies recommend arriving at your departure airport at least 2 hours in advance. Remember to leave time to search for a parking spot and get to your terminal. If you are coming from a major airport in the US, it is a good idea to book your airport parking in advance. For example, Denver Airport parking can often be a hassle, but you can reserve a spot online and save the stress of finding an open parking spot.
#3 Getting Around Denver
Many people choose to rent a car when visiting Denver. Although, it very easy to use public transport to get around Denver. Denver has a light rail and bus system that connects the city including major destinations like Denver Union Station, the Denver Broncos stadium, and the Rockies baseball park. If you are looking for a more environmentally-friendly option, then consider renting a bike because Denver has hundreds of miles of dedicated bike paths. You can also easily walk around the downtown area. Our Free Walking Tours will show you the highlights, answer your questions, and give local recommendations.
#4 Dealing with Altitude Sickness
If you are visiting from a state with a much lower altitude, there’s a good chance that you feel the effects of the high altitude in Denver. Not everyone experiences altitude sickness, but it’s a good idea to prepare yourself in case you are affected. The best thing to do to reduce the chance of altitude sickness is to drink lots of water. Keep a water bottle on you and always stay hydrated. The other thing is to avoid strenuous activity on your first two days in Denver. If you start feeling light-headed, then sit down and relax. Altitude sickness typically subsides after two days.
#5 What to Pack
Colorado tends to have crazy temperature swings. It might be freezing in the morning, but the sun will warm you up by the afternoon. The best way to avoid being hot or cold is to pack lots of layers. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen! We get 300+ days of sunlight and the UV rays are much stronger at the higher altitude. So even if it’s cold outside, you may still get sunburnt. Check the Denver weather a few days before your trip so you know what to pack!