Where to Stay in Denver: The Best Mile High City Spots

Denver, known as the “Mile High City” — because of its altitude, a mile above sea level — is a must-stop destination for sports fans, museum-goers, and beer enthusiasts. It’s also an unbeatable destination for those who love the great outdoors, thanks to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. 

But with so many unique areas to explore and activities to try, knowing where to stay in Denver makes all the difference in planning the perfect trip. Here’s our guide to the top neighborhoods and properties that’ll put you in the heart of Denver’s action. 

Where is the best place to stay in Denver?

The best area to stay in Denver ultimately depends on the traveler. If you like luxury, Cherry Creek is a great option, but if you’re interested in exploring the funky underground of the city, the River North Arts District would be a better fit. Here’s a guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Denver, what to expect, and the pros and cons of each.

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is one of the most high-end parts of Denver, so it’s a good fit if you’re a luxury traveler. You’ll have access to unparalleled shopping, creative fare, and the Denver Country Club.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek has excellent shopping and luxurious restaurants, but visitors seeking a quirkier vibe are unlikely to find it in this Denver neighborhood. While walkable, Cherry Creek is far from other attractions you might want to check out in Denver’s sprawling urban expanse, so you’re likely to need a car. That said, Cherry Creek has an extensive bike path that will help you get around and out of the neighborhood quickly so you can keep exploring.

What to Do in Cherry Creek

When in Cherry Creek, check out the high-end shopping center, contemporary art galleries, and famed local restaurants like Elway’s and the Cherry Cricket. Spend an afternoon exploring the Denver Botanical Gardens or the JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center. And travel back in time at the Four Mile Historic Park, home to 19th-century landmarks. 

Available Apartments in Cherry Creek, Denver, CO

Enjoy Denver’s upscale side with a home base in Cherry Creek. Here are two excellent living spaces in the neighborhood from Landing.

• Griffis Cherry Creek: At either of the two Griffis locations, you’ll enjoy an aesthetically pleasing apartment with all the building amenities you could hope for: a pool, 24-hour fitness center, coffee bar, and lounge. And whether biking or driving is your preferred method of transportation, you can store your ride in the Griffis’ bike storage or on-site parking.
• Studio 135: If traveling light, check out this airy Cherry Creek studio in a stylish building just steps from the shopping center. Chill out at the fire pit or grilling stations on the weekend, or take your bike out of storage and explore the Cherry Creek path. 

Central Business District

If you like being in the heart of the action, consider this central Denver location. Being in the core of the city makes it easy to branch out into other areas as adventure calls. The Central Business District, as its name implies, is home to many companies and the towers that house them. You’ll also find the Denver Convention Center and Performing Arts Complex, meaning you’re staying within walking distance of some incredible events. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Central Business District

While the Central Business District isn’t strictly business, it’s not a popular residential location. The neighborhood clears out at night after businesspeople head home, and you may have trouble finding a fun place to grab a bite or drink. That said, the Central Business District is close to many Denver attractions, which you can get to by foot, and close to other neighborhoods to explore. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re traveling for work and want to be in the hustle of the daily grind but relaxing at home in the evenings. 

What to Do in the Central Business District

Check out the Denver Pavilions shopping center, which houses a movie theater, open-air restaurants, and a bar with the city’s largest tequila selection. Walk to the Denver Art Museum and the History Colorado Center, and pop over to the nearby Union Station neighborhood to explore the Contemporary Art Museum and Confluence Park. If you’re a Denver Nuggets fan, plan to see a game at the Ball Arena, which is practically in your backyard, or hop across the river to see the Broncos play at Empower FIeld. 

Available Apartments in the Central Business District

Plan a central stay and have an excellent jumping-off point for seeing the rest of the city. Here are some of Landing’s best places to stay in Denver’s Central Business District. 

• Skyhouse Denver Apartments: Enjoy highrise living in the Skyhouse Denver Apartments. These luxurious pads have their own balconies where you can take in city views, and the building has a rooftop pool, coffee bar, yoga studio, pet spa — you name it. Plus, the complex’s aesthetic is unparalleled. 
• The Battery on Blake Street: The Battery on Blake Street, just a few blocks from the Central Business District in the Union Station neighborhood, offers well-lit units and unmatched amenities. The building has a bowling alley, pool tables, hammocks, and grilling stations. The Battery is also a great option for sports fans, as Coors Field (home to the Colorado Rockies baseball team) is right across the street. 

River North Arts District

For the quirky traveler looking for cool places to stay in Denver, look no further. This neighborhood is home to eclectic bars and eateries — and, as the name implies — art. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re a live music fan, as there are concerts and top-notch jazz clubs worthy of any Denver bucket list.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the River North Arts District

The River North Arts District has a lot going on. It’s full of places to grab a beer or taco, listen to music, or explore local art. But all that fun comes at a small cost: this district can be loud after hours and on the weekends. Plus, the River North Arts District is flanked by highways and train tracks, so you’ll need to take a car or public transit to get to other parts of the city.

What to Do in the River North Arts District

Start your exploration of the River North Arts District on a culinary tour, tasting everything from Latin American to Japanese cuisine. If you want to try several flavors in one place, hit up one of the neighborhood’s food halls or gourmet markets. As you walk around the River North Arts District, keep your camera close, because this neighborhood is known for its impactful murals. Plan to stop in the area’s galleries and unique shops, too, to find a souvenir or new piece of decor. 

Available Apartments in the River North Arts District

Enjoy a hip stay in one of Denver’s liveliest, trendiest zones by staying at Block 32 at RiNo. This property is more than just a place to live; it’s a community. Block 32 features coworking and conference spaces perfect for the digital nomad and a cardio studio, gym, and outdoor games space to get your exercise on. The decor is vibrant, and the mood is social, so this is a good spot for travelers who like to make friends along the way. 

4 Tips for Planning Your Denver Trip

Travel like a local with this brief Denver travel guide. Here are four tips to enhance your stay in the Mile High City. 

• If possible, go in the summer: Denver is cool all year round, but when the temps heat up, so do the fun activities in the city. In summer, visitors can take advantage of outdoor concerts (including at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater), cultural events and festivals, and plenty of trails and swimming spots to take a dip. Denver is a perfect destination for a digital nomad who needs to work all summer but wants to feel like they’re on vacation.
• Hotels are expensive, so stay in an apartment: Denver hotels aren’t cheap, and you’ll quickly spend, in just a few nights, what you might on a month-long stay in an apartment. Plus, apartments often include amenities that hotels don’t, like dog parks, grills, and co-working spaces — not to mention a place to hang your hat and put your feet up.
• Neighborhoods have differing names: If you’re arriving in Denver for the first time, it may take a second to get used to the local lingo. What you might call the River North Arts District is RiNo to a Denverite, just as Lower Downtown is LoDo. 
• Denver isn’t always walkable: Denver is a large city with many walkable neighborhoods, but you shouldn’t expect to be able to get everywhere you’d like by foot. If you’re not traveling with a car, you can use rideshares, public transit, or bikeshares to get around. 

Move to Denver with Landing

If you’re moving to Denver for work or dreaming of spending an idyllic summer there, having the right place to land transforms your experience. Landing offers fully furnished apartments in Denver, all with flexible lease dates that make it easy to stay in town on your terms. Learn more about Landing memberships to start your next adventure and experience some of the best of Colorado.