Local Customs & Etiquette in Denver, United States

1. Tip Your Bartender

It's customary to tip your bartender in Denver as their wages are typically low. A good rule of thumb is $1 per drink.

Tipping Culture: Denver has a strong tipping culture due to the low minimum wage for bartenders.
Average Tip Amount: Typically, $1 per drink is considered an acceptable tip.
Service Charge: Some bars may include a service charge in your bill, but it's still customary to leave extra for excellent service.

Politeness goes a long way in Denver. Always remember to say please and thank you when interacting with locals.

Courtesy: Being polite is appreciated by locals and can make a positive impression.
Basic Mannerism: Saying please and thank you are basic manners that should be used in any interaction.
Language Differences: Even if English is not the local's first language, they will appreciate your efforts to use polite phrases.

Denverites value their personal space. Be mindful not to invade someone's personal bubble during conversations or interactions.

Personal Bubble: Respecting people's personal space is crucial in Denver.
Cultural Differences: Understanding and adapting to cultural differences can help avoid misunderstandings.
Proximity Sensitivity: Be aware of your proximity to others, especially during crowded events or public transportation.

Parking can be a challenge in Denver due to limited spots. Always obey parking signs and be mindful of street cleaning times.

Limited Parking Spots: Denver's downtown area has limited parking, so finding a spot can be difficult.
Street Cleaning Times: Be aware of street cleaning times to avoid getting tickets or being towed.
Parallel Parking Skills: Practice your parallel parking skills as it's a common method for on-street parking in Denver.

Denver is eco-friendly! Recycle and compost wherever possible to help reduce waste.

Environmental Consciousness: Denverites are conscious about the environment and appreciate your efforts to recycle and compost.
Recycling Facilities: Look for recycling and composting facilities in hotels, restaurants, and public areas.
Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local recycling and composting regulations to ensure proper disposal.

Jaywalking is illegal and dangerous in Denver. Always use crosswalks when crossing the street.

Jaywalking Laws: Denver has strict jaywalking laws to ensure pedestrian safety.
Crosswalk Availability: Crosswalks are available at most intersections and should be used whenever possible.
Fines for Jaywalking: Fines for jaywalking can be steep, so it's best to avoid this practice.

Using your smartphone during meals or social interactions is considered rude in Denver. Save phone usage for quieter moments.

Rude Phone Usage: Using your phone during meals or conversations can be seen as impolite.
Respectful Phone Habits: Wait for a quiet moment to check your phone or respond to messages.
Social Interaction: Prioritize social interaction over phone usage during meals and conversations.

Honking your horn in Denver is only used for emergencies. Avoid honking when waiting in traffic or expressing frustration.

Emergency Use Only: Honking should be reserved for emergency situations.
Frustration Expression: Expressing frustration by honking doesn't solve anything and can cause unnecessary stress.
Respectful Driving: Be a respectful driver by avoiding unnecessary honking and following traffic laws.

Denver's roads can be congested. Maintain patience and avoid road rage during your commute.

Traffic Congestion: Denver's traffic can be heavy, so patience is key.
Avoid Road Rage: Avoid getting frustrated or angry during your commute to maintain a positive attitude.
Alternative Transportation: Consider using alternative transportation like buses, light rail, or biking to avoid traffic.

Denver is bike-friendly! Follow the rules of the road and share paths with respect for other cyclists.

Bike-Friendly City: Denver offers many bike lanes and trails, making it a great city for cycling.
Road Rules: Follow traffic rules when cycling, just like you would in a car.
Sharing the Path: Be mindful of other cyclists and pedestrians when sharing paths.

Denver is known for its breweries! Be respectful, tip your bartender, and enjoy the local beer.

Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary at breweries in Denver.
Respectful Behavior: Be respectful to the staff and other patrons while enjoying your time at the brewery.
Local Craft Beers: Sample the unique craft beers that Denver's breweries have to offer.

Denver is home to amazing public art! Appreciate and respect the work of local artists.

Public Art Culture: Denver takes pride in its public art, so please show your appreciation for it.
Artist's Work: Respect the artist's work by not defacing or damaging it.
Selfies with Art: Take photos of the public art, but avoid touching or climbing on the artwork.

Denver's dining scene is diverse! Be patient, tip your server, and enjoy the culinary experience.

Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary in Denver restaurants.
Diverse Cuisine: Denver's dining scene offers a variety of cuisines, so there's something for everyone.
Respectful Dining: Be respectful to your server and fellow diners while enjoying your meal.

Denver is home to world-class ski resorts! Be respectful on the slopes and follow resort rules.

Respect on the Slopes: Be considerate of other skiers and snowboarders while on the mountain.
Ski Resort Rules: Familiarize yourself with the resort's rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Weather Conditions: Adjust your skiing or snowboarding style according to the weather conditions for safety.

Denver hosts amazing music festivals! Be respectful, stay hydrated, and enjoy the music.

Respectful Attitude: Be respectful to fellow festival-goers, staff, and performers.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the sun and avoid dehydration.
Enjoy the Music: Relax, dance, and enjoy the music at Denver's amazing music festivals.