Denver on a Budget: 5 Days of Adventure!

Discover Denver without breaking the bank on a budget-friendly getaway.

21 June 2023

Denver, known as the Mile High City, offers plenty of attractions to explore on a limited budget trip. With numerous free museums and parks, visitors can experience the city's art and culture scene. Additionally, low-cost accommodation options such as hostels and Airbnbs allow for an affordable stay.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Downtown Denver

Check into The Curtis, a funky hotel with themed rooms like the "Ghostbusters" suite.
Take a walk around 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian street full of shops, restaurants and street performers.
Check out the 16th Street Mall shuttle, a free bus that runs up and down the street.
Visit the Denver Art Museum for some culture and art exhibits.
Head to Larimer Square for dinner and drinks, a hub of nightlife with outdoor seating areas.

Day 2

Natural Beauty of Denver

Visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, famous for its natural red rock formations and outdoor amphitheatre.
Go for a hike or bike ride around Cherry Creek Trail, a picturesque trail through the city.
Check out Denver's Botanic Gardens and enjoy the colourful flora.
Head to the Union Station, a historic landmark that has been converted into a hub for trains, buses and shops.
Have drinks and dinner at Linger, a restaurant in a former mortuary with great rooftop views.

Day 3

Beer Tasting Day

Spend the day touring the breweries of Denver, like Great Divide Brewing Co and Wynkoop Brewing Company.
Check out the Coors Brewery in Golden for a tour and tasting of some classic American brews.
Visit Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen for some locally brewed beers and pub fare.
Check out Falling Rock Tap House, a popular beer hall with over 100 brews on tap.
Have dinner at The Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant that sources locally grown produce and has a great wine selection.

Day 4

Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip

Take a scenic drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, less than two hours away.
Go for a hike or bike around the park and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
Check out some of the park's natural features, like the Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake and Alberta Falls.
Take a guided tour or wildlife safari to see some elk, bears and other wildlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and soak up some fresh mountain air.

Day 5

Denver Zoo and Adventure Time

Visit the Denver Zoo and see some amazing animals like lions, tigers, elephants and more.
Check out the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for some interactive exhibits and displays.
Head to Elitch Gardens Theme Park and enjoy some thrilling rides.
Shop for some souvenirs at the Denver Pavilions.
Have a final farewell dinner at Acorn, a modern restaurant with a great wine and cocktail bar.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The easiest way to get to Denver, United States is by plane. Denver International Airport is the main airport serving the city and is located approximately 25 miles from downtown Denver. Many major airlines operate direct flights to Denver from cities across the world.

Car

If you're looking to drive to Denver, Interstate 25 runs directly through the city from north to south, making it easily accessible from surrounding areas. There are also several car rental companies located at Denver International Airport if you need to rent a car upon arrival.

Train

Although there are no direct trains to Denver, the Amtrak California Zephyr stops at the Denver Union Station, which is located in the heart of downtown Denver. The train runs from Emeryville, California to Chicago, Illinois and passes through some stunning landscapes along the way.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Denver as it is a landlocked city, but the closest port is the Port of Colorado, located in Aurora, Colorado. From there, you could rent a car or take public transportation to reach Denver.

Bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, Greyhound and other bus companies offer regular services to Denver from cities across the United States. The Greyhound station is located in downtown Denver, making it easy to access local amenities.