Denver: Urban Excitement and Nightlife

In a city filled with world-class museums, parks, restaurants and entertainment, it might seem very British to head straight for the pub, but believe me when I tell you: Denver is a beer lover’s paradise!

With more than 150 craft breweries, they brew more beer in the Denver Metropolitan area than in any other city in the USA. The beer culture is relaxed, fun and innovative.

Heading for the trendy and historic LoDo District (Lower Downtown) with my Beer Trail map in hand, I find dozens of brewpubs such as the Denver Beer Co., with its brilliantly adventurous, constantly changing menu. With loads of brewery tours, rooftop cafes, sports bars, restaurants and shops, Denver offers seemingly endless choices and a great vibe.

Denver offers stunning and varied options for shopping. Try the high-end Cherry Creek Shopping Center, with both indoor and outdoor options, and the 16th Street Mall, where you’ll find all of your favorite American brands. 

An absolute must is to stop by Rockmount Ranch Wear in the LoDo district. This shop pioneered and helped popularize American Western wear across the world. They invented the famous snap shirt worn by icons such as Elvis Presley, Robert Redford, Woody Harrelson and Kiefer Sutherland. It’s still part of Rockmount’s classic, core American look as they fuse it with modern fashion.

If a unique, local shopping experience is your thing, then check out the boutique shops at Larimer Square right in the heart of downtown. You’ll find a range of high-quality and distinctive local designers offering clothing, accessories, jewelry, wine, chocolate, home goods, and salon and spa services.

While Denver’s terrific art and historical museums do a great job of linking the city to its old Western roots, you’ll find living history within the walls of one of the city’s most famous and luxurious hotels, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa on 17th Street. Guided tours are available, and you can learn about the time that John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr stayed here in 1964 during the Beatles’ famed concert at the nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Even though Denver offers a world-class experience, the city’s vibe never feels invasive or pretentious. It’s a casual city, home to those who appreciate the beauty and richness of the great outdoors and unique urban offerings around them.

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the USA, with nonstop and connecting flights from around the world.