Denver 16th Street Mall

The Basics

On Denver’s 16th Street, you’ll find more than 40 outdoor cafés and restaurants perfect for a leisurely snack, meal, or drink while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of one of the city’s hot spots. At the south end of the mall is Denver Pavilions, with a movie theater and more than 20 shops and restaurants. The north end features a pedestrian path over three bridges that connect downtown to Commons Park and the trendy LoHi neighborhood.

Maximize your time in Denver by organizing a tour ahead of time that includes a stop on the 16th Street Mall in addition to other sights, including Larimer Square, the US Mint, and the Denver Art Museum. Your tour will equip you with a good lay of the land and sense of Denver’s history, so that when you return to 16th Street later, you’ll know exactly where to go.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Denver 16th Street Mall is a must for shoppers; stick around for bar-hopping and nightlife after dark.

• This area is best explored on foot, though you can hop aboard the free MallRide shuttle if you need a rest.

• Note that public restrooms can be in short supply in this area.

• Pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages are available for hire.

• There is free Wi-Fi along the entire mall.

How to Get There

The 16th Street Mall runs 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) along 16th Street in downtown Denver, from Wewatta Street at Union Station to Broadway at Civic Center Station. You can walk the length from Union Station to the central mall area in about 15 minutes, or hop on the complimentary MallRide Shuttle at one of the frequent stops along 16th Street. It’s about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from Denver International Airport via Interstate 70.

When to Get There

Shops along 16th Street have varying hours, but most are open from late morning to late evening, about 10am to 8pm. Denver Pavilions is open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Denver receives the most visitors in the summer months, between June and August, but perhaps a better time to visit is during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, April through May and September through October.

Notable Architecture

Noted architect I.M. Pei designed the tree-lined 16th Street Mall, impressive for its multicolored granite sidewalks assembled into diamond patterns (some have likened it to a diamondback rattlesnake seen from above). The Denver district has drawn international attention for its artistic design. You’ll also see the iconic Daniels and Fisher Tower on Arapahoe and 16th, built in 1911 and designed to look like St. Mark’s Bell Tower in Venice.

Ways to explore

On Denver’s 16th Street, you’ll find more than 40 eateries perfect for a leisurely snack, meal, or drink while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of one of the city’s hot spots. Maximize your time here by taking a tour that stops on the 16th Street Mall in addition to visiting other nearby sights, including Larimer Square, the Denver Mint, and the Denver Art Museum. Your tour will equip you with a good lay of the land and sense of Denver’s history, so that when you return to 16th Street later, you’ll know exactly where to go.

Accessibility

The Denver 16th Street Mall is fully wheelchair accessible, with wide pedestrian walkways, accessible public restrooms, and FreeRide shuttle buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and designated seating areas.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes, reusable shopping bags, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, light jacket

What to wear

Bring casual, sporty clothing suitable for walking and shopping—layers are recommended as Denver weather can change quickly.

Not allowed

Vehicles (except the free shuttle bus), bicycles and skateboards, smoking in designated non-smoking areas

Amenities

Public restrooms, free WiFi, ATMs, information kiosks, outdoor seating, restaurants and cafés

Address 

The 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian promenade that spans about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) through downtown Denver from Market Street to Broadway. It’s easiest to get there via public transit or guided tour.

Driving

The 16th Street Mall is car-free, but nearby garages, including the Denver Pavilions garage, offer hourly and daily rates. To avoid the hassle of navigating traffic and parking, have a rideshare or taxi drop you off nearby.

Public transportation

Regional Transportation District (RTD) light rail stations sit at both ends (Union Station and Civic Center Station), and the 16th Street FreeRide shuttle runs every few minutes along the entire 16th Street corridor.

Best times to visit

Come late morning through early evening (10am–7pm) when most shops and restaurants are open; lunch hours typically offer fun people-watching and street performer entertainment.

Best days to visit

Weekdays mean easier navigation for shopping, while weekends bring more crowds, street performers, and events—and extended hours.

Best months to visit

May–October offer nice weather for outdoor dining and strolling, and December brings holiday lights and a festive atmosphere with fewer tourist crowds.

Special events

Check out the Parade of Lights (early December), outdoor concerts and art fairs throughout the summer, and First Friday Art Walks.