After living in Denver for 6 years, I decided it wasn't for me. Now, it's one of my favorite places to visit.

• I lived in Denver for six years, and although I liked the city, it wasn't the right home for me.
• Now, I live about 40 miles away and love visiting Denver for a day trip or staycation.
• Between a thriving arts scene and several sports teams, there's always something to do in the city.

When I moved from Louisiana to Denver in my late 20s, I was drawn to the big — but not too big — city with easy access to the mountains.

Despite enjoying Denver, however, I eventually realized it wasn't a place I wanted to live long-term. During the six years I lived there, the city was growing rapidly, adding over 115,000 residents — nearly a 20% increase — between 2010 and 2020.

As a result, logistics always felt complicated, from the traffic on the way to work each day to finding a parking space while visiting friends, and even getting a table at a restaurant. For many people, this probably wouldn't be an issue, but I found that my day-to-day quality of life wasn't as peaceful as I wanted it to be.

So, after several years in the city, I moved to Boulder, Colorado, where I've been enjoying the quieter pace of day-to-day life, and quicker access to the mountains.

However, there are plenty of reasons I still love visiting Denver for a day trip or a staycation.

There are lots of great hotels in the area

I often spend a night or two in Denver for a quick change of pace to enjoy some of the city's unique hotels.

There are so many trendy options downtown (which is great if I'm heading to a concert or sporting event and don't want to drive home), and more upscale vibes in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, surrounded by shopping and art galleries.

Beyond the major chains and larger hotels, there are plenty of boutique hotels, each with its own character. For me, Denver is the perfect place to take a break from the mountains and enjoy a night out.

Denver is home to several iconic sports teams

Whether it's baseball, basketball, hockey, or football, Denver's iconic teams make it easy to feel a part of the city's energy.

And games here definitely aren't just for diehard fans — the stadiums themselves, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the pre-game rituals are all a fun experience regardless of your sports aptitude.

Even if you're not catching a game in person, there are informal tailgating and fan-centered watch parties at many bars and restaurants in the area.

The city has a great arts scene

One of my favorite parts about Denver is the thriving arts scene, which can be seen in everything from the museums and concerts to the street fairs and festivals.

Denver's museums have always been a highlight for me, and I enjoy taking in the architecture and collections at the Denver Art Museum, and learning about the state's past at the History Colorado Center.

Plus, the city has an approachable and lively music scene. From intimate shows at Bluebird Theater or Larimer Lounge to big concerts at Ball Arena, there's always a chance to catch live music.

Even without a concert, Denver has creative energy, with street art adorning nearly every corner, breweries hosting small live performances, and local coffee shops frequently featuring musicians.

There's always something going on, from art markets, to street fairs, and — my favorite — the Denver Chalk Art Festival.

Denver provides a big-city feel without being too big or intimidating to navigate

One of the best things about visiting Denver is that it feels like a "big city" without being too overwhelming. It's easy to spend a Saturday hopping between neighborhoods, grabbing coffee, strolling through art districts, and finding peaceful spots or energetic rooftops with mountain views nearby.

There's a cool rhythm in Denver that seems to balance urban energy with approachable, more laid-back spaces and an outdoorsy vibe — even downtown.

It has enough to keep me busy for a weekend or longer, yet still feels manageable and welcoming — the perfect city to visit without the stress of living there.