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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Denver
Denver
Although it is literally a 'Mile High City', being sited one
mile (1.6km) above sea level, Denver is flat and sprawling,
overwhelmed by the backdrop of the majestic peaks of the Rocky
Mountains.
It was founded as a gold mining camp in 1859, and at the centre
of the Old West it was filled with cowboys, gamblers, saloons,
gunslingers, Native Americans, and crooked characters such as the
infamous Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. Although very little gold was
discovered, a city was laid out and the name Denver attributed
it.
Having since shed its cow-town image and evidence of its western
past, it has developed into a modern city with wonderful museums,
historic architecture, cultural attractions, shopping venues and a
world-class airport. It has more than 200 parks and tree-lined
boulevards and a completely refurbished lower downtown area (LoDo
to the locals), where blocks of old Victorian buildings and
warehouses have been carefully restored to house restaurants,
galleries, antique shops and jazz clubs. Historic Larimer Square is
the heart of the dining and nightlife scene. Denver brews more beer
than any other city in America and most of it can be sampled in
LoDo where the city's brewpubs proliferate.
Most residents are active nature lovers who take advantage of
the city's setting, the pleasant climate and unlimited outdoor
adventures just minutes from the centre, including skiing, hiking,
mountain biking and fishing. Tourism focuses on its natural setting
and the outdoors, and as such it is a major destination for
tourists heading into the mountains. Visitors to Denver will be
pleasantly surprised by its welcoming and friendly nature.
Information & Facts
Climate
Denver experiences a semi-arid climate with typical dry, cold
winters, warm summers, showery springs and pleasant autumns. The
weather in Denver is influenced by the nearby Rocky Mountains,
which block the winter storms somewhat. In summer the humidity from
the Gulf of Mexico causes afternoon thunderstorms. Denver's weather
can also be unpredictable, with unseasonal snowstorms occurring.
The average annual rainfall is low, and sunny skies are the norm,
and in winter around 60 inches of snow usually falls.
Getting Around
The public transport system in Denver is excellent with an
outstanding, comprehensive bus network that is supplemented by a
light rail line operating throughout the metropolitan area and
outlying towns. Along the 16th Street Mall, bus shuttles provide
free service, and from June to September, a hop-on, hop-off trolley
links the main city centre attractions. Taxis can be hailed on the
streets, but it is better to find them at taxi ranks or to order
them by phone; they can be difficult to find on the street around
2am when the bars close. Cars are not necessary for downtown, and
parking is expensive.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.