If you think Denver is another bland city with strip malls and clogged freeways, you're wrong. While that may be true of its outskirts and suburbs, the downtown area is a wonderful area to explore. Glass and steel buildings that pierce the clear, blue sky complement old brick buildings that allude to the days of the wild west, and at the same time, give Denver almost an east coast feel.
WHAT TO SEE:
Well, if you arrive by plane, your jaw will drop at the sight of Denver International Airport. What started out as a public relations disaster (during testing, the baggage handling system was devouring and shredding suitcases) looks like something out of a Japanese science fiction film. The train that services the three concourses blares a silly tune that the local airport authority commissioned. Visit the stately Capitol and its stunning chambers. Across from it is the City and County building, beautifully illuminated during the holiday season. Between them is Civic Park, flanked on each side by impressive monuments. LoDo, or lower downtown, is undergoing a remarkable facelift. Many of these old warehouses are being converted into swank lofts and offices. Even if you don't like baseball, the awfully-named ballpark, Coors Field, is a striking sight. The Denver Art Museum is impressive for a city its size.
WHAT TO DO:
Walk along 16th Street. This pedestrian mall should be a model for all cities that are trying to revitalize their downtown districts. The only vehicles allowed are free shuttles that arrive every few minutes. While there are boring chain stores and tacky souvenir shops, you also have your choice of places to eat and funky shops. Oh, mountains. You'll see a few from Denver, and skiing, mountain-biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities are plentiful. If you want to take a souvenir home, I suggest dropping by Breaking The Mold: they have a couple shops on 16th street, and have a huge assortment of locally made candles that would be a hit with anyone.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
Denver struck me as being safer than other American cities. General precautions you'd take in urban America apply.
WHERE TO EAT:
If you're in the mood to indulge, treat yourself to a meal at the Denver Buffalo Company. You must try buffalo meat: it's very tasty and doesn't have a gamy flavor. You've got a plethora of eateries on 16th Street, ranging from trendy chains like Wolfgang Puck's to local favorites. For cheap eats, New York Burritos offers delectable wraps for a good price. If you want a filling meal, pork out at Lim's Mongolian BBQ, at 1530 Blake Street. The all you can eat dinner special is $5.99! Down the street towards the ballpark is BD's Mongolian Barbecue, which is more expensive and has a better atmosphere. The area around the ballpark is loaded with trendy microbreweries. Duffy's, on 17th and Broadway, is a local institution and has good comfort food. Another popular local hangout is Marlowe's, 501 16th Street.
WHERE TO STAY:
HI has a centrally located hostel, located at 1530 Downing, which boasts that "more than 52 restaurants lie within one mile of the hostel." Phone them at (303) 861-7777 or email at hostel-denver@sni.net.