Central City, Colorado travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Central City is a city in Colorado.

3 sights · 3 things to do · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Central City

Hidee Gold Mine

Central City Opera House

The country's fifth oldest Opera Company that still performs to this day.

Gilpin County Museum

Gilpin County Arts Association Gallery

Grand Z Hotel Casino

Easy Street Casino

Coin-operated slot machines and video poker.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 21°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Boulder)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
BJC Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Denver — 22 mi away. Directions
DEN Denver International Airport, Denver — 45 mi away (major hub). Directions

It is about a 45-minute drive from Denver. Most people take the Central City Parkway which is an 8.4 mile 4 four lane parkway that runs from Hidden Valley at I-70 Exit 243, straight into downtown Central City. takes 10-15 minutes depending on the weather

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Grand Z Hotel Casino, Hidee Gold Mine
Afternoon Gilpin County Arts Association Gallery
Evening Dostel Alley Brewpub and Casino

Day 2

Morning Central City Opera House, Gilpin County Museum
Afternoon Easy Street Casino

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

Once called the "Richest Square Mile on Earth," this historic old mining town is dotted with the old gold mines and hundreds of Victorian buildings. More than a half billion dollars of gold was mined in the area and the town once boasted a population of 30,000. Today, there are 300 year-round residents. Along with Black Hawk, it is part of a National Historic District.