Denver is the gateway to the mountainous treasures of Colorado. But the city itself is worth several days on a Colorado itinerary. You will need a travel guide to plan an inexpensive trip.
When to visit
Summer offers the best opportunity for good weather, but all seasons are attractive. Skiers use Denver as a starting point to travel to some of the best slopes in the Western Hemisphere. Spring can be tricky because snow in April or May is not uncommon at 5,280 feet above sea level. Weather conditions at all times of the year change very quickly, which is actually one of the coolest features of Denver.
Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is a major hub and architectural focal point. It handles about 58 million passengers a year, and that number is likely to increase with the recently announced expansion of Frontier Airlines, which operates a hub from the airport.
If you’re here on a stopover considering a run into town, keep in mind that DIA is about 16 miles away, along a route that’s often congested. It may take an hour or more to cover that terrain during peak traffic hours. Find flights to Denver.
Travelers leaving the city center for the airport often have to wait around two hours, and even that can be scarce. This is one of the busiest airports in the country, so the security lines can be long, especially during the holidays. Don’t get caught in a time crisis and end up paying for a missed flight.
Typically, it makes financial sense to rent off airport property if possible. But make sure it saves you at least $ 50 USD. It can cost so much to travel between downtown and Denver International.
Where to eat and stay
Westword lists more than 600 places in the Denver area where cheap, filling and satisfying food might be available. Make a list of a few that will be near your base and give them a try. The database here is searchable based on price and best reviews.
Local favorites include Denver Biscuit Company (141 S. Broadway), which ranks as a Certificate of Excellence winner on TripAdvisor.com. As with many popular places, the lines can be long.
Carelli (645 30th St.) is a favorite Italian stop in Boulder. It is not the least expensive place to eat, but the portions are large and the atmosphere is cozy. Minestrone and garlic bread are favorites.
Another Boulder favorite is Basta (3601 Arapahoe Ave.), known for its great pizzas and reasonable prices.
See our recommendations for the best places to stay when visiting the town of Mile High.
Move
Downtown Denver’s 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian-friendly corridor, but not a completely closed street. In fact, if you ever tire of walking its sidewalks, take one of the free buses that run along its length. At one end, you will see Union Station and links to the Denver light rail system. The downtown area is very large for a city the size of Denver. In fact, it is one of the largest by land area in the nation. The wide spaces also describe the metropolitan area. A rental car is usually essential.
Denver nightlife
See the latest entertainment information at Denver.org. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is located near major downtown hotels and is home to the city’s opera, ballet and symphony companies.
Two excellent day trips
Take I-25 North, then head west into Boulder or Longmont to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. The resort town of Estes Park is the gateway to some of the best hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic spots in America. If you go in winter, ask in advance about road conditions. Many of the national park’s roads will be closed even during the mildest winters.
Have you ever wanted to see Pikes Peak? It’s a relatively short trip down I-25 from Denver near Colorado Springs, which is also home to the US Air Force Academy, the US Olympic Training Center, and more. The ride shows you the scenic Front Range in all its glory, just west of the road.
More tips from Denver
Do you want a good photo? Visit the state capitol. If you only have a small amount of free time, hop on one of the free 16th Street buses and head to its south terminal. From there it’s about a block to the steps in front of the gold-domed Colorado capitol building. On a clear day, you will see Denver City Hall and the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
Drink plenty of water. About half of the visitors to these parts suffer at least mild altitude sickness (usually in the form of a headache) if they lead an unaccustomed life above 5,000 feet. This can be avoided by drinking lots of water. Get yourself a bottle and take it with your gear for the day.
I remember cheap? Try to bring home a fossil. Here are shops dedicated to selling fossils of various descriptions that make great gifts because they are much harder to find elsewhere. You can buy a good specimen for less than $ 20 USD.
