Online shopping might be the new norm, but there are big benefits to perusing the racks in person. See before you buy, bring items home the same day and make the outing an experience, not just another hour spent on your phone or computer.
Denver’s best shopping areas feature big-name brands and small businesses. In addition, most also offer restaurants, services and a range of fun attractions. So, the next time you need a little retail therapy, here’s where to go shopping in Denver.
16th Street Mall
In the past three years, the 16th Street Mall has undergone extensive renovations. Though construction is still underway, the $175 million project is expected to wrap up by the fall—and in the meantime, retailers continue to operate. From Wewatta Street to Broadway, you’ll find major brands, souvenir shops and local boutiques like the iconic Rockmount Ranch Wear. This mile-long pedestrian promenade also features dozens of eateries, plus fun attractions including Flight Club Darts, the Museum of Illusions and Lucky Strike bowling alley within the Denver Pavilions. Walk or take the free MallRide shuttle buses to get around. denver.org
Larimer Square
Pair your visit to 16th Street Mall with a trip to Larimer Square, another downtown commercial district set just off 15th Street. Famed as Denver’s first city block and decorated with Colorado flags, this historic landmark now houses international brands, local retailers like Milly Rose Designs and jeweler John Atencio, plus two vintage shops. Upscale restaurants, such as mainstay Ocean Prime and the new omakase-inspired eatery Sushi by Scratch, also appear on this pedestrian strip, as do stylish cocktail bars and Comedy Works comedy club. larimersquare.com
READ MORE: Boulder’s Shopping Districts
Dairy Block
Dairy Block is a trendy complex within downtown’s Ballpark District. Formerly the home of Windsor Dairy, its indoor and outdoor spaces now serve as a modern shopping and dining hub. Peruse racks featuring national and local brands (several of which are stocked within retail incubator Free Market), and discover more unique finds during the monthly pop-up bazaar. Dining options are abundant, with Denver Milk Market housing 11 concepts alone. This micro-district also has a local distillery and brewery, plus several craft cocktail bars—not to mention the Maven Hotel, which warmly welcomes those visiting the city. dairyblock.com
Cherry Creek
For the greatest selection of retailers in Denver, head to the ritzy neighborhood of Cherry Creek. Inside the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, you’ll find a range of brands — though, luxury goods make this mall unique from others in the Metro area. Browse the latest designs from Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more. shopcherrycreek.com
Meanwhile, the adjacent Cherry Creek North pedestrian mall boasts more than 100 shops of its own. Pop into local boutiques, art galleries and specialty stores set along 16 walkable blocks. This expansive complex also features fantastic dining, five upscale hotels and signature events including fine arts festivals and a free summer concert series. cherrycreeknorth.com
South Broadway
South Broadway is an all-inclusive entertainment district complete with restaurants and bars, music venues and nightclubs, plus plenty of local retailers. While it appeals to a variety of shoppers, this strip specializes in one-of-a-kind finds. Dubbed “Antique Row,” the seven blocks south of Mississippi Avenue are packed with antique dealers, art galleries, vintage shops and some of the best secondhand bookstores in Denver. This stretch has also earned a second nickname as the “Green Mile,” given the prolific number of cannabis dispensaries that have popped up in recent years. denver.org
Tennyson Street
The Tennyson Street Cultural District is located in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, with retailers set between 38th and 46th Avenue. Small local businesses are particularly common along this walkable strip. Purchase new and used outdoor gear at Feral, pick up a treat for your pup at Mouthfuls and peruse the home goods selection at Miller Lane Mercantile. Incredible restaurants and bars appear between storefronts, as do barber shops, day spas, tattoo parlors and more. Take note of its event calendar, too, which features First Friday art walks and the summertime Tennyson Street Fair. exploretennyson.com
Stanley Marketplace
More than 50 concepts make up Stanley Marketplace, a former aviation manufacturing facility on the border between Aurora and Denver’s Central Park neighborhood. Retailers within the 140,000-square-foot space include a houseplant store, a florist, a zero-waste shop, several apparel boutiques, a toy store and a Tattered Cover bookstore location dedicated to kids. The market is also a wonderful place to dine, work remotely and even exercise. A yoga studio and several gyms offering kickboxing, gymnastics and pilates are also located on-site. stanleymarketplace.com
