Solo Travel to Denver: A Complete Guide for Women Traveling Alone
If you are looking for a city with outdoor adventures, good food, and plenty of cultural attractions, Denver is a city to consider. As Colorado’s largest city, it offers plenty to do without feeling as overwhelming as cities like Chicago or New York.
I think Denver is one of the easier U.S. cities for first-time solo travelers. You can spend a few days exploring downtown museums, restaurants, sporting events, and attractions without needing a rental car. The airport train goes directly to downtown, making it easy to get around.
If you want to see more of Colorado, Denver also makes a great home base. You can take day trips to places like Golden, Boulder, or even Rocky Mountain National Park while returning to the city each evening.
In this guide, I’ll share where to stay, things to do, safety tips, and what I think first-time solo travelers should know before visiting Denver.
Why Denver Is Great for Solo Travel
Over the past 15 years, Denver has grown quite a bit. Even so, it still feels more manageable than many large U.S. cities. There is plenty to do, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming, making it a great choice for first-time solo travelers.
One of the things I enjoy most about Denver is the variety of experiences you can have in a single day. You can spend the morning exploring a museum, enjoy lunch downtown, and then head to a nearby park or hiking trail in the afternoon. It’s a city that offers both urban attractions and easy access to the outdoors.
Colorado is also known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere. In my experience, people are generally welcoming and helpful, especially if you have a question or need directions. Getting around Denver is fairly easy, whether you’re walking, using public transportation, or taking a rideshare.
For women over 40 traveling alone, Denver offers a comfortable balance of city attractions and outdoor adventure. Its walkable downtown, variety of museums and restaurants, professional sports, and easy access to the mountains make it a destination where you can explore at your own pace and build confidence as a solo traveler.
Is Denver Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Overall, I think Denver is a good destination for solo female travelers, especially if it’s your first visit. There is much to do within walking distance. Like any city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense while exploring.
I’ve spent many days exploring downtown Denver on my own, walking between attractions, restaurants, and museums. I stick to the busier, well-traveled areas, especially during the day, and I feel comfortable doing that.
As with any destination, trust your instincts, avoid isolated areas, and plan your transportation before heading out. A little preparation goes a long way toward helping you feel confident while exploring the city.
Since I live in Colorado, I’ve explored Denver many times over the years, and I still enjoy spending the day there on my own.
Where to Stay During a Solo Trip to Denver
There are plenty of places to stay in Denver. Still, if it’s your first solo trip, I recommend choosing a hotel in downtown Denver, especially near Union Station or in the LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood. You’ll be within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, museums, and public transportation, including the A Line train to and from Denver International Airport.
Before booking, I always recommend reading recent hotel reviews and calling the hotel if you have any questions about the location or amenities
Budget-Friendly Hotel
Hyatt Place Denver/Downtown
I’ve stayed here and found it to be a comfortable, convenient option. The location made it easy to explore downtown on foot while offering a good value for the area.
Mid-Range Hotel
Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown–Union Station
I’ve also stayed at Hotel Indigo and really enjoyed its location. It’s just a short walk from Union Station, making it easy to take the A Line train from the airport and explore downtown without needing a car.
Luxury Hotel
Located inside historic Union Station, The Crawford Hotel is one of Denver’s most unique luxury hotels. While I haven’t stayed there myself, it has an excellent reputation. It is a hotel I’d consider for a special occasion because of its unbeatable location in the heart of LoDo.
If you’re planning your itinerary, don’t miss my Denver 3-Day Itinerary, where I share my favorite attractions, restaurants, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Things to Do Alone in Denver
There is so much to do in downtown Denver that, whatever your interests are, you’ll find activities you enjoy. Whether you like museums, history, live entertainment, or simply exploring on foot, many of Denver’s top attractions are easy to reach from the downtown area.
Explore Union Station
Historic Union Station is one of my favorite places to spend time in downtown Denver. Inside you’ll find restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of seating where you can relax, people-watch, or even work on your laptop. Union Station is also where you can catch the A Line train to and from Denver International Airport, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city.
Visit the Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is about a 30-minute walk from Union Station or a short rideshare away. The museum has undergone several renovations over the years and features a large collection of permanent and rotating exhibits. I love being a member and supporting the Denver Art Museum because there’s always something new to experience.
See a Show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country. It offers Broadway shows, plays, concerts, symphonies, and comedy performances throughout the year. Some Broadway productions even make a stop in Denver before heading to New York. Before your trip, check the performance schedule to see if there’s a show you’d enjoy during your visit.
Walk Through Downtown Denver
One of the best ways to experience Denver is simply by walking through downtown. Stroll along 16th Street, browse local shops, stop for a meal or coffee, and admire the city’s public art and historic buildings. The Paramount Theatre is also nearby if you’d like to catch a concert or performance during your visit.
Tour the Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol sits just east of downtown and offers beautiful views of the city from its grounds. If you’re interested in Colorado’s history and government, you can take a guided tour. Be sure to reserve your tickets online before your visit.
Experience Meow Wolf Denver
Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station is one of Denver’s most unique attractions. This immersive art experience is filled with interactive exhibits, hidden rooms, and incredible creativity. Although it’s located fairly close to downtown, I recommend taking a rideshare instead of walking, especially in the evening, since it’s tucked next to a major highway.
Visit Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is another fun attraction that’s easy to add to your itinerary. You’ll find a variety of marine exhibits, interactive experiences, a theater, and an on-site restaurant. While it’s technically walkable from Union Station, I’d recommend taking a rideshare if you’ll be visiting after dark.
Capture Your Denver Memories
One of my favorite parts of traveling is taking photos along the way. Denver offers plenty of beautiful places to capture memories, from the architecture of Union Station and colorful murals to skyline views and nearby mountain scenery. If you’d like to improve your travel photography, be sure to check out my destination photography tips for simple ways to take better vacation photos.
Take a Guided Tour
If you’d rather explore with a local guide, Denver offers a variety of walking, food, brewery, ghost, and sightseeing tours. Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the city’s history while discovering places you might otherwise miss.
If you’re planning your visit, be sure to read my Denver 3-Day Itinerary, which includes a day-by-day guide to my favorite attractions, restaurants, and tips for making the most of your time in the city.
Getting Around Denver Without a Car
One reason I recommend Denver for first-time solo travelers is that you can enjoy many of the city’s top attractions without renting a car. If you’re staying downtown, it’s easy to explore on foot, use public transportation, or take a rideshare when needed.
Taking the A Line from Denver International Airport
The A Line train is one of the easiest ways to get from Denver International Airport to Union Station in downtown Denver. I’ve used it several times myself, transferring to the W Line at Union Station to get home. If you’re staying downtown near Union Station, you can simply stay on the A Line until you arrive. It’s an easy, affordable way to begin your trip without worrying about renting a car.
The ride is comfortable, affordable, and avoids traffic. If you’re staying near Union Station, it’s a convenient way to begin your trip without worrying about renting a car.
Walking Around Downtown Denver
Many of Denver’s museums, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues are within walking distance of one another. I enjoy walking around downtown because it gives me the chance to discover new restaurants, public art, and interesting places I might have otherwise missed. As with any city, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to busier, well-traveled areas, especially if you’re exploring alone.
Using RTD Public Transportation
Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates buses and light rail throughout the city. If you’re planning to visit attractions outside of downtown, public transportation can be a convenient and budget-friendly option. Before heading out, I recommend checking routes and schedules, so you know exactly where you’re going.
Using Uber and Lyft
For places that aren’t within walking distance or aren’t easily reached by public transportation, Uber and Lyft are easily available throughout Denver.
When You May Want a Rental Car
If you’re planning to spend your entire trip exploring downtown Denver, you probably won’t need a rental car. However, if you’d like to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, mountain towns, or other destinations outside the city, renting a car gives you much more flexibility.
Beyond Downtown Denver
If you have extra time, Denver is a great home base for exploring more of Colorado. Whether you have a few extra hours or a couple of additional days, you’ll find plenty of incredible places just outside the city.
Half-Day Trips
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is one of Colorado’s most famous attractions. Even if you don’t attend a concert, it’s worth visiting for the scenery, hiking trails, and visitor center. The views alone make it a memorable stop.
Golden
Golden is one of my favorite small towns near Denver. You can stroll along Clear Creek, browse local shops, visit museums, or enjoy lunch downtown. It’s an easy getaway that feels completely different from the city, yet just a short drive away.
Full-Day Trips
Boulder
Boulder offers a fun mix of outdoor recreation, local shopping, and great restaurants. Pearl Street Mall is a popular place to spend the afternoon, and Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons provide a beautiful backdrop for your visit.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has enough attractions to fill an entire day. Garden of the Gods, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway are just a few of the area’s highlights.
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’ve never visited Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s well worth adding an extra day to your trip. Scenic drives, wildlife, hiking trails, and mountain views make it one of Colorado’s most unforgettable destinations. You do need a reservation to enter the park during busy seasons.
Renting a Car vs. Taking a Tour
If you’re planning to stay in downtown Denver, you probably won’t need a rental car. However, renting one gives you the flexibility to explore scenic mountain drives, charming mountain towns, and destinations that aren’t as easy to reach by public transportation.
If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, a guided tour is a great option. Many small-group tours and excursions visit some of Colorado’s most popular destinations. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, hiking, history, or mountain towns, you’ll find a variety of tours to choose from.
Denver Solo Travel Tips
Here are a few final tips to help you feel prepared and enjoy your solo trip to Denver.
Drink More Water Than You Think You Need
Denver’s higher elevation and dry climate can affect many visitors, especially during the first day or two. I recommend drinking more water than you normally would to help your body adjust and stay hydrated. You may not notice how dry it is until you get here, so having a refillable water bottle with you can be helpful.
Bring Layers
Colorado weather can change quickly. Even though I’ve lived here my whole life, I still check the weather every day because you never know what it’s going to do. I can wear shorts one day and need a jacket the next, especially during the spring and fall. Dressing in layers makes it easy to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Wear Sunscreen Year-Round
The Colorado sun is stronger than many travelers expect because of our higher elevation. Even if the temperatures are cool or it’s a cloudy day, sunscreen is a good idea if you’ll be spending time outdoors.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust to the Altitude
If you’re visiting from a lower elevation, don’t try to do everything on your first day. Give yourself time to adjust, drink plenty of water, and take breaks when you need them before heading out on longer hikes or more strenuous activities.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
Many of Denver’s top attractions are within walking distance of one another, especially if you’re staying downtown. A comfortable pair of walking shoes will make exploring Denver much more enjoyable.
Enjoy the Journey
One of the things I enjoy most about solo travel is that I don’t have to rush. If you want to stop for a coffee, spend extra time in a museum, or sit at Union Station and people-watch for a while, you can. Don’t feel like you have to see everything on one trip. Denver will still be here the next time you visit.
FAQs
If you’re planning your first trip to Denver, here are answers to a few common questions.
Is Denver safe for solo female travelers at night?
Like any city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. I recommend staying in busy, well-traveled areas and taking a rideshare if you’ll be out late or don’t feel comfortable walking back to your hotel.
How many days should I spend in Denver?
Three days is enough time to experience many of Denver’s top attractions. If you’d like to explore nearby mountain towns or take a few day trips, I recommend adding a couple of extra days to your itinerary.
What is the best area to stay in Denver?
If it’s your first visit, I recommend staying in downtown Denver, especially near Union Station or LoDo. You’ll be within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, museums, and public transportation, making it easy to explore without renting a car. I also recommend reading hotel reviews and calling the hotel if you have any questions before booking.
Do I need a car to visit Denver?
If you’re planning to spend most of your time in downtown Denver, you can easily get around by walking, using public transportation, or taking rideshares. If you plan to explore the mountains or visit destinations outside the city, renting a car can give you more flexibility.
What is the best time of year to visit Denver?
Denver is a great destination year-round, but spring, summer, and fall are especially popular because of the comfortable weather and outdoor activities. Winter can also be a fun time to visit if you’re planning to combine your trip with skiing or other mountain adventures.
Final Thoughts on Solo Travel to Denver
I think Denver is a great choice for women considering a solo trip. Its walkable downtown, variety of attractions, and easy access to the outdoors make it a destination you can enjoy at your own pace.
Once you’ve explored Denver, you may find yourself wanting to see more of Colorado. From mountain towns and scenic drives to national parks and historic sites, there’s so much to see throughout the state. Denver is a great place to start your Colorado adventure.
