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For any locals who loath the constant influx of Mile-High visitors, the wave won’t die down any time soon: Denver was just named one the world’s premier travel destinations by global guidebook publisher Lonely Planet. Denver ranks number 10 in the “top cities” section of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2020 guidebook—an annual collection of destinations and trends for travel junkies and tourism newbies alike.
Denver joins hotspots like Salzburg, Austria, La Paz, Bolivia, and Kochi, India on the 15th-annual list. The only other U.S. destination ranked as a top city is Washington, D.C., which came in at number two.
“Denver’s elevated position as one of the USA’s most charming boomtowns has reached new heights as the Mile High City enters its latest phase of growth, creative energy and damn good food,” Lonely Planet touts in the new guide, calling out experiences like live music at Red Rocks, craft beer stops like Great Divide Brewing Co., and art and architecture at the Denver Art Museum.
Alexander Howard, Lonely Planet’s homepage editor, also alludes to the ever-expanding food and culture scene in Denver as a draw for visitors. “Construction cranes dot the mountain-studded horizon and empty lots turn into hip new hotels seemingly overnight, while new food halls such as Milk Market satisfy appetites with an eclectic mix of farm-to-table and international fare,” Howard writes, also mentioning artistic attractions like the pending presence of Sante-Fe-based art collective Meow Wolf and the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art’s new home in the Golden Triangle Creative District.
The guide also features a top 10 countries list (Bhutan is number one; the U.S. is not included), a top 10 regions list (Maine comes in at number four), and a top 10 best value destinations list (Buffalo, New York is number four), along with additional curated lists from Lonely Planet’s travel gurus such as best new openings and sustainable trips for families. For those looking to explore, Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel website features tips for traveling to each destination listed—or if you’re on a tighter budget, the top 10 cities can be explored for free with Lonely Planet’s Guides app.
