10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Denver

Capitol Hill is where you can discover an attractive combination of old and new in Denver. While this part of the city is known for its arts and culture scene, there’s also a healthy mix of Victorian-era mansions and sparkling apartment buildings.

If you want to immerse yourself in Capitol Hill’s creative community, the Denver Art Museum is the place to be. Those who can’t wait to explore Denver’s grungier side should wander down 13th Avenue to find a variety of trendy dive bars and eateries. The neighbourhood’s top landmark is undoubtedly the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol, where you can enjoy guided tours and outstanding skyline views.

Downtown Denver is mainly focused on the workday, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great landmarks to explore. The wide-open 16th Street Mall is one of the most popular spots within this bustling neighbourhood, featuring 40 different storefronts and a plaza designed to look like a rattlesnake.

The pedestrian-only stretch has just about everything, from souvenir shops and open-air bars to street vendors selling all kinds of delicious snacks. Thanks to the nearby Denver Performing Arts Complex, Downtown Denver is a great spot to grab dinner before or after a world-class performance.

Five Points is a historic neighbourhood best-known for its incredible jazz music traditions. It’s nicknamed the “Harlem of the West” as legendary musicians such as Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis have frequented the neighbourhood’s clubs.

Some of the city’s oldest warehouses are in Five Points, many of which have been transformed into stylish apartment buildings, art galleries, restaurants, and brewery bars. The Denver Central Market is one of the best places to stock up on fresh produce, artisan bread and local handicrafts.

Washington Park is one of the greenest neighbourhoods in Denver. The area’s namesake park is an exceptionally serene place to rest on a hot summer’s day. There are plenty of landscaped gardens, lakes, and walking trails to catch your breath.

This mostly quiet residential neighbourhood offers a refined selection of upmarket restaurants, wine bars, and fashion boutiques. Music fans should visit the Denver Folklore Center to check out rare instruments, while shoppers frequent top retailers along Old South Gaylord Street.

Uptown, also known as North Capitol Hill, is a much-loved neighbourhood recognised for its hip residents and laidback atmosphere. The popular hub of 17th Street is where you’ll find most of the action. Dine at acclaimed restaurants like Ace Eat Serve for delightful Asian fusion dishes or Watercourse Food for inventive vegan cuisine.

Away from the late-night cocktail bars and chic eateries, there’s a variety of arts and cultural venues that are well worth visiting. The Avenue Theater is renowned for live comedy and improv events, while the Fillmore Auditorium has hosted world-famous acts since 1907.

Highland is considered one of the top places to live in Denver. Its relaxed residential streets are dotted with some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. If you’re someone who wants to experience the cooler side of Denver, take a wander through thriving hotspots like West 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard.

Alongside awesome food and drink venues, Highlands offers artsy boutiques, ranging from bookshops to vintage clothing stores. Coffee lovers may find Highland an especially appealing area, with cafes like Queensberry Coffee and Pinwheel Coffee renowned for their hot java.

LoDo, or Lower Downtown, is where huge crowds of people go to party into the early hours in Denver. To name just a few of the top bars and clubs, you’re bound to have a great time at nightspots such as Herb’s Hideout, Star Bar and Howl at the Moon.

For something a little more low-key, Larimer Square is a great place to explore when you’re on the hunt for Denver’s leading independent designers across fashion, footwear, and jewellery. With the entire square adorned with a charming canopy of string lights, it’s a wonderful place to stroll after sundown.

Sloan’s Lake is a wonderfully leafy Denver neighbourhood. With the namesake lake the second-largest body of water in the city, the surrounding area attracts plenty of locals and tourists to its peaceful landscape. The rest of Sloan’s Lake is a largely residential neighbourhood, featuring streets lined with early 20th-century bungalows and Tudor-style ranches.

Despite its suburban vibe, Sloan’s Lake has plenty of great restaurants and bars. Sheridan Boulevard and Federal Boulevard present everything from the Mexican fare of Chili Verde to British-style fast food at GB Fish and Chips.

Baker has one of the top shopping strips in all of Denver. The main thoroughfare of Broadway hosts a massive collection of hip fashion boutiques, international eateries, and perky nightlife spots. Situated just south of the Downtown area, this is where you’ll find many of Denver’s coolest people hanging out during the day and night.

If you decide to trek down Broadway for a drink, there’s no shortage of options. You’ll find craft beers and tasty vegetarian dishes at Sputnik, offbeat cocktails and hearty gastropub dishes at The Brutal Poodle, and Argentina pastries at Azucar Bakery. A visit to Baker isn’t complete without catching an avant-garde or independent film at the art deco Mayan Theatre.

Cherry Creek is where out-of-towners can rub shoulders with Denver’s affluent residents. Known for its luxury shopping strips, white-walled art galleries and independent boutiques, you won’t have any problem engaging in some retail therapy. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center is where you should head to find everything in a convenient location.

The neighbourhood is named after Cherry Creek, a picturesque stream that winds its way behind the mall. Just a short distance north of Cherry Creek is the Denver Botanic Gardens, where you can enjoy theme gardens and live concerts throughout its 24-acre grounds.