Areas to Avoid in Denver
United States
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Denver. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Denver is generally Safe
2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: LoDo (Lower Downtown), RiNo (River North Art District), Capitol Hill
Travel Insurance for Denver
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Denver are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Certain stretches along I-25 north of downtown
Primarily industrial and commercial, lacking tourist attractions and amenities, with some areas experiencing higher crime rates and visible homelessness.
🛡️ Stay here instead: LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Historic brick buildings meet modern sports arenas and lively bars.
Areas immediately surrounding some light rail stations far from the city center
These can sometimes be areas with higher crime rates, particularly after dark, and lack the pedestrian-friendly infrastructure or points of interest for tourists.
🛡️ Stay here instead: RiNo (River North Art District)
Vibrant street art, craft breweries, and trendy eateries in a formerly industrial area.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Denver
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Denver Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Denver on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Denver Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Denver with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Denver: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Denver's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Denver: Scenic Excursion
Escape Denver for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Denver Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Denver's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Denver
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
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Explore Denver safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Historic brick buildings meet modern sports arenas and lively bars.
Generally safe due to high foot traffic, but be aware of your surroundings at night, especially after events.
RiNo (River North Art District)
Vibrant street art, craft breweries, and trendy eateries in a formerly industrial area.
Generally safe with many people out and about, but some side streets can be deserted and poorly lit after dark.
General Safety Tips for Denver
At Night
Most tourist areas like LoDo and Uptown are lively and well-lit. Exercise caution in less populated areas or those with a higher concentration of homeless individuals, particularly late at night. Public transport is generally safe but be mindful.
Solo Female Travel
Denver is generally safe for solo female travelers. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables openly.
Emergency Number
911
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Denver
- 1Distraction theft (pickpocketing) in crowded areas like 16th Street Mall or public transit.
- 2Overcharging by unlicensed street vendors.
- 3Fake charity collectors.
Travel Insurance for Denver
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Historic brick buildings meet modern sports arenas and lively bars.
Generally safe due to high foot traffic, but be aware of your surroundings at night, especially after events.
RiNo (River North Art District)
Vibrant street art, craft breweries, and trendy eateries in a formerly industrial area.
Generally safe with many people out and about, but some side streets can be deserted and poorly lit after dark.
Capitol Hill
Eclectic mix of historic mansions, colorful bungalows, and a diverse, bohemian population.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of petty crime and the visible homeless population, especially in areas closer to downtown and along Colfax at night.
Uptown
Upscale residential streets lined with sophisticated restaurants and bars, adjacent to downtown.
Very safe during the day and evening due to well-lit streets and upscale establishments, but standard big-city awareness applies at night.
Safety in Denver
SafeSolo Female Travel
Denver is generally safe for solo female travelers. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables openly.
At Night
Most tourist areas like LoDo and Uptown are lively and well-lit. Exercise caution in less populated areas or those with a higher concentration of homeless individuals, particularly late at night. Public transport is generally safe but be mindful.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Distraction theft (pickpocketing) in crowded areas like 16th Street Mall or public transit.
- 2Overcharging by unlicensed street vendors.
- 3Fake charity collectors.
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