An Urban Designer’s Guide to Denver

Denver is a city defined by contrasts—historic neighborhoods and bold new architecture, sweeping mountain views and vibrant street life, rugged natural beauty and refined design. Its neighborhoods are stitched together by trails, transit lines, and thoughtfully designed public spaces that invite exploration at every turn.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local looking for new inspiration, this guide offers a curated look at the city through the lens of an urban designer. From adaptive reuse restaurants to skyline overlooks, beloved parks to emerging cultural hubs, explore the places that shape the character of the Mile High City—and make it a model for livable, walkable urbanism.

Scroll on for Civitas’ favorite places to eat, stay, stroll, and linger—plus insider tips on how to see Denver’s neighborhoods through an urban designer’s lens.

Once a warehouse district, RiNo (River North) is now Denver’s go-to creative corridor. The streets are lined with ever-changing murals, and the vibe shifts seamlessly from experimental galleries to bustling breweries. Reunion Bread is a must-visit in the mornings, with pan dulce and seasonal pastries that fly off the racks. At Safta, Israeli cuisine takes center stage with pillowy pita, labneh, and lamb ragu that’s unforgettable—set inside the cool-kid haven, The Source Hotel (designed by Dynia Architects). Stretch your legs on the Arkins Promenade, an elevated walkway along the South Platte River offering fresh air and public art. Just across the way is the RiNo ArtPark, a new cultural hub for creatives and community. Looking ahead, the National Western Center and CSU Spur are redefining the neighborhood as a national destination for food innovation and agricultural discovery—mixing gritty heritage with green innovation in a way only Denver can.

One of Denver’s oldest and most culturally rich neighborhoods, Five Points has long been known as the “Harlem of the West” for its deep jazz roots and African American heritage. Start your visit at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, where rotating exhibitions and permanent collections trace the stories of Black pioneers, Western history, and music legends. Don’t miss the third-floor exhibit—it’s an immersive journey into the lives of artists, activists, and visionaries who shaped the region. Just down the street is the Black American West Museum, housed in the former home of Dr. Justina Ford, Denver’s first Black female physician. It’s one of the only museums in the U.S. focused entirely on the African American experience in the Western frontier. Catch a performance at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, where the language of movement honors heritage and uplifts the human spirit. Art lovers will appreciate RedLine Contemporary Art Center, a gallery and artist incubator showcasing socially engaged work in a beautifully adaptive space. As night falls, tuck into a booth at Nocturne, a modern jazz supper club where vintage style meets culinary artistry. Sip a craft cocktail, catch a live set, and order the rotating three-course menu—this is date night done right.

Union Station is where past and future collide in style, making it a must-visit anchor for any Denver itinerary. This beautifully restored Beaux-Arts landmark pulses with energy day and night, offering one of the city’s best people-watching perches from the Cooper Lounge, where champagne flows beneath grand arched windows. Just steps away, The Cruise Room—Denver’s original post-Prohibition cocktail bar—invites you into a glowing, art deco hideaway that feels lifted from another era. For a midday bite, The Kitchen is a favorite lunch stop for Denver’s design and development crowd, serving seasonal fare with effortless style.

Stretch your legs in Larimer Square, Denver’s first historic district and a rare example of the city’s Victorian roots. Civitas played a key role in shaping its streetscape into a vibrant, walkable corridor where cast-iron facades now house chef-driven restaurants, specialty boutiques, and Colorado originals like Rockmount Ranch Wear, home of the first snap-button cowboy shirt. Design lovers should carve out time for MCA Denver, the contemporary art museum designed by Sir David Adjaye. Between exhibitions, take in the skyline from its rooftop café. And before heading out of town, reset with a massage at The Oxford Hotel or Four Seasons Denver—a quiet antidote to the altitude and activity.

Anchored by sweeping green space and riverfront trails, Commons Park is where urban living meets laid-back luxury. Nestled between LoHi and Union Station, this pocket of the city boasts some of Denver’s priciest real estate—and it’s easy to see why. Just steps from the South Platte River, a ride along the city’s vast trail network offers views of both nature and skyline, with Confluence Park serving as a popular launchpad for runners, cyclists, and kayakers alike. Start your morning with a pour-over at Hello Darling, a charming coffee shop with cozy interiors and house-made pastries. If bagels are more your style, brave the line at LeRoy’s Bagels—the chewy, golden rounds are worth the wait. 

Come lunchtime, Ohana Island Kitchen delivers poke bowls so fresh you’d think you were oceanside in Oahu, while My Brother’s Bar—the oldest bar in Denver—serves up what many locals call the best hamburger in town (no sign out front, just follow the scent of grilled onions). Evenings in Commons Park are made for lingering. Room for Milly sets the stage with dreamy interiors and cocktails as artful as the design. For a refined dinner, Sushi Sasa offers pristine sashimi in a serene setting, or head to Woodie Fisher, housed in a restored 19th-century firehouse where historic brick meets contemporary flair. With its perfect blend of parks, culinary gems, and design-forward spaces, Commons Park offers an elevated, locals-only perspective on city living.

Just above downtown, the Highlands blends historic charm with a booming food scene and neighborhood character to spare. Start at Root Down, an old mechanic’s garage turned trend-setting restaurant long before adaptive reuse was cool. For something more low-key, Dimestore Deli Bar delivers one of the city’s best chicken parm sandwiches—don’t skip the pasta salad.

Happy hour? Wildflower serves floral cocktails in a romantic, rustic setting. Craving something sweet? Join the line at Little Man Ice Cream for a salted Oreo cone you won’t forget.

Dinner options abound. Ash’Kara’s roasted carrots are legendary, Tocabe reimagines Native American dishes with bold flavors and heart, and Spuntino surprises with Italian dishes laced with Indian spices, courtesy of its husband-and-wife chef team. Can’t snag a table at Alma Fonda Fina? Just walk to Mezcaleria Alma—same kitchen, no reservations needed. Wrap the night at hipster-approved Forest Room 5, where string lights, fire pits, and tree stumps create an urban forest perfect for a late-night drink.

With sweeping views of the Denver skyline and a laid-back, residential vibe, Sloan’s Lake is a local favorite for a morning jog, picnic, or golden-hour stroll around the water. It’s the city’s second-largest park—and easily one of its most scenic.

For food and drink, start at Edgewater Public Market, just west of the lake. It’s a vibrant indoor marketplace with something for everyone—boutique shopping, a local wine shop, and a solid lineup of food stalls. Just down the road, O’Dell Brewing’s Sloan’s Lake taproom pours Fort Collins favorites in a relaxed, indoor-outdoor setting perfect for sunny afternoons.

At ChoLon, housed in the stylish Lakehouse Residences, you’ll find elevated Southeast Asian cuisine with sweeping lake views. It’s one of the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets—ideal for a date night or a celebratory meal just steps from the water.

Where art, architecture, and civic life converge, Denver’s Golden Triangle is a walkable cultural hub packed with iconic design and world-class museums. Start at Leven Deli, a locals’ favorite that is actually within Civitas’  building and offices. It is great for coffee, a fat sandwich, or a glass of wine. 

Stroll through Civic Center Park and explore the neighboring institutions. The Denver Art Museum stuns with its Daniel Libeskind addition and recently renovated Gio Ponti building. Inside, find standout collections of Indigenous and Western American art, plus must-see traveling exhibitions. Next door, the Clyfford Still Museum by Allied Works offers a contemplative take on Abstract Expressionism—arguably Denver’s best modern building.

A few blocks over, the Kirkland Museum by Olson Kundig (across the street from Civitas’ offices) showcases a treasure trove of decorative art and the studio of namesake artist Vance Kirkland. When it’s time to eat, head to Cuba Cuba for mojitos and their legendary Vaca Frita. End your day with a cocktail at the sculptural, carbon-positive Populus Hotel—Jeanne Gang’s aspen tree–inspired tower that’s redefining the city skyline.

If you’re looking to experience Denver like a local, head to Wash Park. Beloved for its leafy streets and laid-back vibe, this neighborhood pairs historic charm with a thriving independent scene. Start on South Gaylord Street, one of the city’s oldest commercial districts, where 19th-century homes have been transformed into boutique shops, bars, and restaurants. Pop into Common Threads for curated secondhand finds—perfect for when the weather takes one of Denver’s famous turns.

Nearby, Perdida is a go-to for coastal Mexican fare and strong margaritas—grab a spot on the patio if you can. Just a few blocks away, South Pearl Street offers even more to explore. Once home to Denver’s original streetcars, it’s now a walkable stretch filled with cafes, boutiques, and some of the city’s best eats. Don’t miss the Denver Folklore Center, a legendary shop for rare and acoustic instruments, or Quiero Arepas for Venezuelan street food done right. For coffee, Steam Espresso Bar is a cozy, minimalist stop beloved by locals.

If you’re in the mood for sushi, you’re in luck: Izakaya Den offers a more relaxed experience, while Kizaki, the newest spot from Chef Toshi Kizaki, takes the city’s sushi scene to a new level with a refined omakase menu. Cap off your stroll with a browse at Melrose & Madison, a stylish boutique that blends fashion, gifts, and a hint of glam—all just a light rail ride or bike hop from downtown.

Just east of downtown, City Park and Uptown blend historic charm with cool-kid energy. The streets here are lined with leafy trees, classic Denver homes, and an eclectic mix of spots to eat, drink, and linger. Start your morning at Dandy Lion Coffee Co., a cozy corner shop with excellent espresso and a warm neighborhood vibe. For a more polished breakfast or lunch, Olive & Finch serves up fresh, feel-good fare, and nearby Blue Sparrow Coffee keeps the caffeine flowing with stylish minimalism.

Come midday, stroll through City Park, Denver’s version of Central Park, home to paddle boats, wide lawns, and some of the best skyline-and-mountain views in the city. Or explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Zoo, both local institutions within the park’s grounds.

When you’re ready to refuel, The Plimoth is a neighborhood gem with a rotating seasonal menu and intimate ambiance. For something more casual, Dos Santos is the go-to for micheladas, tacos, and a killer patio scene. And if you’re settling into Uptown for the evening, head to Steuben’s for retro diner classics and craft cocktails—then pop next door to Ace Eat Serve for late-night ping pong and bao buns.

For overnight visitors (or locals craving a staycation), Urban Cowboy is the neighborhood’s new design-forward hotel, where vintage Americana meets modern mountain style in all the right ways.

A favorite for locals and visitors alike, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers a serene escape with 24 acres of curated landscapes, glasshouses, and seasonal blooms. After a stroll through the gardens, head a few blocks over to Cherry Creek North, Denver’s premier shopping district, where upscale boutiques and sunny patios make it easy to linger.

For lunch or a business bite, Hillstone is a reliable standby—polished, consistent, and always satisfying. Come dinnertime, Sap Sua brings bold Vietnamese flavors and inventive cocktails in a stylish setting. If you’re in the mood for something casual, Cherry Cricket has been a local favorite for burgers and beers since 1945. And no visit is complete without a stop at Bonnie Brae Ice Cream, where the house-made scoops are worth the wait.

A trip to Denver isn’t complete without a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the iconic open-air venue carved into towering sandstone formations. Whether you’re catching a sunrise yoga session, a legendary concert, or just hiking the trails, the natural beauty here is unmatched.

Before or after your Red Rocks outing, explore the charming town of Morrison just down the hill. Stop into Morrison Mercantile for local goods, gifts, and a dose of small-town charm. For lunch or a laid-back bite, The Hungry Goat serves satisfying scratch-kitchen comfort food and cold drinks with a locals-welcome vibe. Morrison Inn, a colorful cantina right on the main drag, is the place to be for margaritas and people-watching on the patio.

Craving something sweet? Ozzi’s Ice Cream is a cheerful stop for classic scoops and cones. If you’re looking for something more adventurous for dinner, book a table at The Fort, a historic adobe-style restaurant known for its frontier-inspired menu—think bison, quail, and steaks under the stars.