Denver Shopping | TravelSavvy city guide to shops in Denver

Denver is big on shopping, as you'd expect from a successful metropolis. As well as the normal malls, there are some interesting areas to shop in Downtown and some stores that have set new standards like the Tattered Cover bookstore and REI outdoor recreational store. Or try a trip out to Boulder, a town in a wonderful setting that's so different.

Tattered Cover Bookstore

Originally a five-story store at Cherry Creek but now with branches at Lower Downtown, Colfax and Highlands Ranch, this bookstore with a difference has been a Denver institution since 1974.

It offers the perfect atmosphere for browsing with comfortable armchairs - this was revolutionary when introduced - and refreshments as well as an amazing selection of titles. Anybody who loves books will think they have landed in heaven at the Tattered Cover.

REI

Colorado is all about the great outdoors, whether it's skiing, hiking, rock climbing; mountaineering, white water rafting and mountain biking. REI has a great branch close to downtown with a 47ft climbing wall, interactive features including mountain bike trails, and all the outdoor equipment and clothing you could possibly want. This Flagship branch is at 1416 Platte St in the restored 1901 Denver Tramway building. There's branches also at Lakewood to the west and Engelwood to the south plus in Boulder, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction.

Wax Trax

It's not often a store morphs in to a record label but that happened with this famous store. Today, the wooden shelves in this cramped space still burst with albums covering music of every kind. The staff are knowledgeable and will try and track down what you want. It's the place to pick up old jazz albums and musical curiosities. Wax Trax is at 638 E 13th Ave.

16th Street Mall

Even those that hate shopping may enjoy a trip to this particular 'mall', a lively Downtown street with free transport along its length and bars and cafes where people watching is an entertainment in itself. Yes, there's a stack of stores but add in the street entertainers and vendors and it's a cut above the ordinary.

The Tabor centre, at the northern end, has most of the up-scale stores and a wide choice of smaller vendors giving it some real character.

Larimer Square

At Larimer and 15th, there's some interesting stores here. This was Denver's very first city block and is now one of its most prestigious areas. It's also the hottest restaurant neighborhood in town with a selection of regionally exclusive, chef-driven restaurants like Rioja.

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

While there's a wide choice of Malls in the Denver area, Cherry Creek is probably the best with a huge range of stores and is easily reached from Downtown. It's at 3000 East First Avenue. 'University' is the stop if using the Light Rail.

Boulder shopping

If you like shopping and eating out with a little sophistication, Boulder could be your kind of town. It's home to the University of Colorado and has more fitness fanatics than you can count.

The shopping is different too, with a nice selection of characterful stores like Alfalfa's - an organic grocery store, deli and bookshop. If it's outdoor kit you're looking for, Boulder has lots of choice - and it's only a short walk to the trails where you can try out your purchase.

The Pearl Street Mall is particularly entertaining with unusual stores and a wide choice of cafes and restaurants plus street musicians and entertainers. The stores are largely independents rather than the normal brands.