Planning a trip to the Mile High City and wondering where to stay in Denver when visiting? Some of the best areas include Downtown, River North Art District, and Capitol Hill.
With so many unique neighborhoods to explore, it can be tricky choosing just one. That’s why we’ve created this guide of the best areas, no matter how long your stay is and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
We’ll share where to stay when visiting Denver with family, your partner, or friends. We’ll also include things to do, including historical landmarks, our favorite restaurants, and local gems.
LoHi is a quiet, upscale neighborhood just northwest of Downtown Denver. It’s ideal for visitors looking for a walkable area with easy access to downtown attractions. Think tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and a laid-back vibe.
Espadín LoHi is one of the best accommodations in LoHi. It’s a stylish eco-conscious building with luxury vacation rentals and rooftop views of the city skyline.
Best places to go in LoHi:
Downtown Denver is one of the best places to stay in Denver for a weekend because there’s so much to see and do. It’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, and anyone looking to experience many fun activities without having to venture far. Lower Downtown (LoDo) is also known for its nightlife and historic charm.
The Crawford Hotel is easily one of our favorite accommodations in Denver. It’s a luxurious boutique hotel inside Denver Union Station with easy access to shops, restaurants, and public transportation.
Best places to go in Downtown Denver:
RiNo is one of Denver’s most trendy and walkable areas. It’s located in the Five Points neighborhood and is a great place to stay in Denver without a car because of its central location, artistic vibe, and abundance of places to explore on foot.
The Source Hotel is a fun place to stay in RiNo. It’s a modern, industrial-style hotel attached to a market hall filled with food vendors and shops.
Best places to go in RiNo:
Capitol Hill is a charming neighborhood ideal for history and art lovers. It’s one of the best places to stay in Denver if you're looking for a quieter atmosphere while still being close to museums and cultural landmarks.
Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn is a quaint, historic inn with a romantic ambiance and close to popular attractions.
Best places to go in Capitol Hill:
Cheesman Park is a quiet residential area centered around its namesake park. With wide-open green spaces, walking trails, and proximity to the Denver Botanic Gardens, it's one of the best places to stay in Denver with your family.
While there aren’t many hotels in Cheesman Park, there are several Airbnb options that make a perfect home base when visiting Denver.
Best places to go in Cheesman Park:
Cherry Creek is an upscale neighborhood known for shopping, fine dining, and a sophisticated atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who want a luxurious experience with walkable conveniences.
Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, offers stylish rooms, a rooftop pool, and complimentary rentals like scooters and bikes to explore the city.
Best places to go in Cherry Creek:
Highlands Ranch is a quieter, suburban area located slightly south of Denver, about 30 minutes from Downtown. It's a great location for travelers looking to escape the city's bustle while still being nearby. Highlands Ranch has coffee shops, parks, and local breweries for a fun but laid-back experience.
There are several chain hotels and Airbnbs are available throughout Highlands Ranch.
Best places to go in Highlands Ranch:
Make the most of your time in Denver with answers to common questions below.
River North Art District (RiNo) is the best area to stay in Denver because it offers a bit of everything. It’s a trendy area with fun shops, great restaurants, and unique breweries. From exploring to relaxing, there’s something for everyone. It’s also close to Downtown Denver if you want to change things up and enjoy history, sports, or a lively nightlife.
It’s worth staying in Downtown Denver if you want to be in the middle of the action. The area is ideal for short visits or weekend trips if you want to experience as much as possible. You can walk to restaurants, nightlife, and popular attractions. You’ll have easy access to public transportation to explore more of the city.
Downtown Denver is one of the most walkable parts of the city. You can easily get around on foot, whether you’re shopping, dining, or sightseeing. Most major attractions are a 10 to 15-minute walk to each other.
RiNo, Downtown, and LoHi are the best neighborhoods for walking, each offering many places to explore. RiNo stands out for its street art and galleries, while Downtown features historical sites and nightlife.
If you don't have a car, RiNo and Downtown are the best areas to stay. Each location is easily accessible on foot, offering many options for dining, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing. They're also close to each other and well-connected by Denver's public transportation system, including light rail and bus lines. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available for getting around.
If you’re planning a girls trip to Denver, RiNo or Downtown are perfect. RiNo is ideal if your group enjoys boutique shopping, craft cocktails, and murals for photo ops. Downtown is a great spot if you want nightlife, rooftop bars, and easy access to local events. You can also easily get to Oakwell Beer Spa for a relaxing spa experience from both RiNo and Downtown.
Whether you’re visiting Denver with friends, family, your partner, or solo, there’s a perfect vibe for any getaway. From the artsy RiNo to upscale Cherry Creek and everything in between, choosing the right area makes all the difference.
Ready to start planning your trip to Denver? Book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa — where beer meets relaxation.
Featured image photo credit: Ken Lane / CC BY-NC 2.0
For first-time visitors, Downtown/LoDo and Cherry Creek are excellent choices. Downtown/LoDo puts you near major attractions, restaurants, sports venues, and nightlife with easy transit. Cherry Creek suits travelers who want upscale shopping, galleries, and refined dining in a polished, walkable district.
It depends on your priorities. Downtown offers the most central location, strong public transit (including Union Station and the airport train), and countless bars, restaurants, and cultural sites. Cherry Creek delivers a quieter, upscale experience with boutiques, spas, art galleries, and high-end dining. Choose Downtown for convenience and energy; choose Cherry Creek for luxury and a more relaxed pace.
Areas popular with visitors and considered safe include the Golden Triangle and LoDo, which are well-lit, busy, and close to attractions. As in any city, stay aware of your surroundings, stick to main streets at night, and choose accommodations with strong reviews and secure access.
Downtown is a great base for a short trip thanks to its walkability, vibrant dining and nightlife, and easy access to museums, sports venues, and public transit. Weekend rates can be competitive, and it’s especially convenient for first-time visitors who want to see and do as much as possible.
Stay in Downtown/LoDo or near Union Station for the best walkability and transit connections, including the airport train, light rail, and the free 16th Street MallRide. RiNo and the Golden Triangle are also walkable to dining and cultural sites, though Downtown and Union Station offer the easiest all-around access.
Yes. The Union Station area is central, highly walkable, and a major transit hub for the airport train and light rail. You’ll be steps from LoDo restaurants, Coors Field, Ball Arena, and the South Platte River Trail, making it ideal for short stays and travelers without a car.
Discover unique date ideas in Highlands Ranch, CO, including a romantic spa day, fun creative experience, scenic hike, and classic movie night.
Visit Oakwell Beer Spa in November to enjoy a unique spa day with relaxing spa services, a cozy taproom, & delicious beers from 4 Noses Brewing Company.
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