Navigating Denver CO: Avoiding Safe Zones and Unpleasant Areas

Denver, Colorado, is often a popular destination for travelers, known for its cultural richness and scenic beauty. However, like any major city, it has its share of areas best avoided. Here are some valuable safety tips and intriguingly true stories to help you enjoy your trip to Denver without running into trouble.

Safety Tips and Unpleasant Areas in Denver

Be cautious of certain areas: During my last visit to Denver, my cab driver suggested various areas to avoid during the night. These include Civic Center Park, Five Points, Colfax Avenue east of Monaco, some parts of Green Valley Ranch, and Montbello. It's important to exercise caution in these no-go zones to ensure your safety.

No-Go Zones of Denver

Lincoln Park: Known for its less desirable nature, avoid this area. Colfax Avenue: Near Cheesman Park, this street can be risky. Civic Center Area: This is also a less recommended area for tourists. Five Points and Colfax Avenue east of Monaco: These areas have been noted for their higher crime rates and should be approached with caution. Green Valley Ranch/Montbello: Use a little extra caution in these suburban areas at night.

Overall, Denver has a comparatively mild crime rate, but being aware of these areas can help you avoid potential trouble. If you need to visit any of these locations, consider having a local escort or using reliable transportation services.

Tourist Trap: Casa Bonita

Personal Experience: Casa Bonita is a tourist attraction with a questionable reputation. Despite it being featured in SouthPark, I found the experience to be far from what was advertised. Let me walk you through the disappointments and the reasons why locals stay away.

The Food

The food served at Casa Bonita is a significant blot on the establishment. Described by me as 'elementary school quality Mexican food,' it's shockingly bad. It's cafeteria-style service, and the quality is so poor that it would be a cause for concern in any other setting. The food is so low in quality that it could even be served in a prison. Be prepared to feel disappointed if you plan to enjoy a meal there.

The 'Entertainment'

The so-called 'entertainment' at Casa Bonita consists of generic cliff divers and degrading performances by people in monkey suits. The entertainment has not been refreshed in at least 50 years, making it tedious and unengaging. The 'schtick' is the same as it was when it was first made popular. This is a far cry from the cultural and historical experiences one might expect from a major tourist attraction.

Conclusion

My advice is to skip Casa Bonita and consider more authentic and culturally rich attractions in Denver. For example, you could explore the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for a genuine musical experience.

In conclusion, while Denver offers plenty of attractions and activities, it's always wise to be aware of the areas to avoid and the places that might not deliver on their promises. By following these tips, you can enhance your travel experience and ensure a safer visit to Denver.