Fort Collins City Guide

Known for craft beer and farm-to-table dining. You can find Mexican, Asian, Italian, and Mediterranean food. There are vegetarian and vegan options, but late-night dining is limited to fast food and some bars.

Old Town has many breweries, bars, distilleries, and live music spots for a lively nightlife.

Strong coffee culture with many specialty and third-wave shops. Emphasizes community and local sourcing.

Tipping is expected for restaurants, taxis, and personal services, usually 15-20%. For coffee shops, $1-2 or 15-20% for complex orders is common.

SIM cards are available at carrier stores (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) and electronics retailers like Best Buy. All main carriers have good coverage and support eSIMs. No ID or passport registration is required for prepaid SIMs.

Generally very clean with regular waste pickup and recycling services.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores open 24/7. Emergency rooms available. Late-night food limited mostly to fast food.

Good international product selection in larger supermarkets and specialty stores. Major supermarkets include King Soopers, Safeway, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Lucky's. The seasonal Larimer County Farmers' Market adds fresh options. Most stores open early and stay open late, including Sundays and many holidays.

Most places accept cards; cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common inside banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Out-of-network fees usually range from $2.50 to $5.00.

Public schools are managed by the Poudre School District, teaching mainly in English. Private schools offer varied curricula. No major international schools are present.

A growing community supported by co-working spaces and local events. Fewer formal meetups but good networking through cafes and university.

City has many large parks and trails with shaded walking areas and good running routes.

Trails like Poudre River and Spring Creek are popular. Running groups exist, and races happen year-round. Air quality is usually good but may be affected by wildfire smoke.

Multiple gyms and fitness centers available across the city.

Public tennis courts found in parks; mostly hard courts. Private clubs offer memberships and coaching.

Padel courts are not common in Fort Collins.

Many studios offer various yoga styles and meditation classes with English-speaking instructors.

Several schools offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, Karate, and Judo. Classes have drop-in options and English-speaking instructors.

Ski resorts like Eldora are around 1.5 hours away. Other major resorts are 2-3 hours away. Ski season runs late November to April with good powder and varied terrain.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are available at Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake. Rentals and guided tours offered seasonally.

No surfing opportunities in Fort Collins.

No diving or snorkeling, as suitable water bodies are absent.

High-quality private healthcare with English-speaking staff in major hospitals like UCHealth Poudre Valley and Banner Fort Collins Medical Center. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are common with a good supply of OTC meds.

Tap water meets or exceeds all safety standards.

There are many parks with playgrounds and family-friendly cafés. Baby supplies are readily found in stores. Attractions include the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and Environmental Learning Center.

LGBTQ+ friendly with inclusive venues and events like Fort Collins Pride. Low discrimination risk and legal protections in place.

Very pet-friendly with dog parks, vets, and many pet-welcoming venues. Plenty of walking areas for dogs.