The 14 Coolest Neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado

Central Park, formerly known as Stapleton, was once home to the city’s old airport but has since been transformed into a suburban haven. Picture cookie-cutter houses, a nearby wildlife refuge and jogging paths with views of the Rockies. While it might sound a bit tame, Central Park is just 10 minutes north of Downtown Denver, making it a great place to catch an outdoor movie in the summer or shop at Stanley Marketplace, a former airplane factory filled with trendy shops and restaurants.

Park Hill, 10 minutes east of Downtown Denver, is among the city’s oldest and most diverse residential neighborhoods. Folks from all over the world settled here in the 19th century – and today, it has a liberal, community-focused vibe. Think coffee shops and parks, summer block parties and tree-lined avenues featuring original Victorian-era architecture. The area also has a thriving bar and restaurant scene; top picks include Neighbors Park Hill and gourmet Italian fare at Spinelli’s Market.

Uptown, east of Downtown Denver, is a hip area where modern structures sit side by side with historic properties, including Victorian homes. Visit its main street, 17th Avenue, for restaurants, coffee shops, bars and boutiques; enjoy the retro-themed Steuben’s or take a stroll a few blocks to the popular Fluid Coffee Bar. Uptown also borders City Park, where you can get stuck into outdoor recreational activities and visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Denver Zoo.

Among Denver’s oldest and most diverse neighborhoods, Five Points was called the Harlem of the West in the 20th century, when it hosted many jazz greats, including Billie Holiday and Miles Davis, who were known to frequent places such as the historic Rossonian Hotel. Late 20th-century urban revitalization projects have given the neighborhood a new injection of life while honoring its rich cultural history. The Black American West Museum, housed in a Victorian home, is a must-visit, as is the Five Points Jazz Festival in May. As for food, the area serves up some of the best Caribbean cuisine, soul food and barbecue around.

The Highlands, divided into three distinct areas, is a large neighborhood slightly removed from the heart of Downtown Denver – but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. LoHi features some of the city’s best up-and-coming restaurants and bars; enjoy urban street food in an old mortuary at Linger and a frozen treat at Little Man Ice Cream. Highlands Square boasts several trendy boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants such as Happy Bakeshop, while the Tennyson Street Cultural District is the place to go for galleries galore.

As it’s one of the major transportation routes in and out of Denver, it’s no surprise that South Broadway (locally known as SoBo), along with the Baker district, is a diverse neighborhood with a lot to offer. It’s home to an array of unique restaurants and bars, from Punch Bowl Social Denver to the whimsical and top-rated Beatrice & Woodsley. Shoppers will enjoy the thrift stores and craft shops, while culture vultures can visit the area’s live-music venues and the Mayan Theatre – a restored movie theater that dates back to 1930. A little farther down the road is Antique Row, where shoppers will find more than 100 antique stores within an 18-block radius.

Cherry Creek, a high-end shopping and dining district, is only about a five-minute ride from Downtown Denver. Central to the area is the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, a mall with more than 160 stores, including Burberry and Louis Vuitton. The district also features Cherry Creek North, an outdoor shopping area with 16 blocks of art galleries, independent boutiques and upscale dining options. Head to Elway’s, owned by former Denver Bronco’s quarterback John Elway, for a bite to eat.

The Art District on Santa Fe is the largest art district in Colorado, with more than 30 galleries and studios, as well as several restaurants and shops. The neighborhood honors its Hispanic roots with the Museo de las Americas and many of its local restaurants, such as the popular El Noa Noa Mexican Restaurant. The district’s First Friday Art Walks allow guests to tour galleries and studios; the event also features live music, food carts and other festivities. Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, the first Colorado-born whiskey, also offers tours and tastings at its distillery.

Amy Blyth contributed additional reporting to this article.