Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
- 📍 Where
- Morrison, CO (15 mi west of Denver)
- 🕑 Best time
- Early morning or weekday to avoid crowds
Mubboo’s tip: Hike the Trading Post Trail for 1.4 miles of red rock formations.
Things to Do in Denver
Free–$1,475 per activity
You're afraid you'll blow your budget on overpriced tours and miss the real Denver. Start with free hikes in the foothills and the Denver Art Museum's free days. Pay for a guided e-bike tour to cover ground. Skip the overhyped 16th Street Mall unless you love chain stores. With smart picks, you can experience the Mile High City for under $100 a day, including a mountain escape.
June: Hiking in the foothills before summer heat · Crowds: High
Mubboo Verdict: Denver rewards visitors who prioritize free outdoor adventures over pricey tourist traps. Skip the overpriced Rocky Mountain private tours unless you're a group splitting costs; the real value is in affordable city tours and self-guided hikes.
How M decides what’s worth it
In Denver, I lead with free outdoor activities — you can hike, see Red Rocks, and explore parks without spending a dime. For paid tours, I ask: does this offer something I can't do on my own? A guided e-bike tour unlocks the city's history and hidden corners. With limited time, skip the long drives to Rocky Mountain National Park; a 4-hour guided hike gets you mountain views without the full-day commitment.
My rule: if it costs more than a nice dinner out, it better be unforgettable.
Free First
Free things to do in Denver
Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.
Denver Art Museum
- 📍 Where
- 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Downtown
- 🕑 Best time
- First Saturday of the month for free general admission
Mubboo’s tip: The Hamilton Building architecture is a photo op itself.
City Park
- 📍 Where
- 2001 Colorado Blvd, east of downtown
- 🕑 Best time
- Sunset for skyline views across Ferril Lake
Mubboo’s tip: Pack a picnic and watch the geese.
RiNo Art District Murals
- 📍 Where
- River North Art District
- 🕑 Best time
- Daytime for best light on the murals
Mubboo’s tip: Park near 26th and Larimer and walk the alleys.
Colorado State Capitol
- 📍 Where
- 200 E Colfax Ave
- 🕑 Best time
- Weekdays for free dome tours
Mubboo’s tip: Stand on the step marked 'One Mile Above Sea Level'.
Tours & experiences worth paying for in Denver
If you have $50–150 to spend, these are the tours that earn their keep. Denver's paid experiences range from ghost walks that bring the Wild West to life, to half-day mountain hikes with expert guides. I've leaned toward activities with consistent 5-star reviews and guides who know the local history. Skip the $1,475 private Rocky Mountain tour unless you're splitting it 8 ways — the $37 bus tour delivers the city highlights with less strain on your wallet.
Rocky Mountain National Park - Private Sightseeing Tour
5.099 reviews⏱ 8 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Only worth it if you're a group of 8 splitting the cost. The 8-hour private van saves driving stress, but at $1,475 it’s a luxury, not a need.
Best for: Large groups or families who want a custom itinerary without rental car hassle.
From $1475Book Now
Explore Denver by E-bike Guided Tour
5.070 reviews⏱ 3 hours
Mubboo Verdict: My top pick for city explorers. E-bikes flatten Denver's hills and let you cover more ground than walking tours for $75.
Best for: First-time visitors who want a fun, active overview.
From $75Book Now
Private Birding Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
5.058 reviews⏱ 9 hours
Mubboo Verdict: For serious birders only. A full day with an ecologist guide in RMNP costs $700, but you’ll see species you'd miss on your own.
Best for: Birdwatching enthusiasts with a full day and a generous budget.
From $700Book Now
Mile High Hauntings: Guided Ghost Tour in Downtown Denver
5.043 reviews⏱ 2h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: A steal at $38 for 2.5 hours of LoDo ghost stories. Better than the generic 'Dark Side' tour for depth and building access.
Best for: Adults and teens who love history with a spooky twist.
From $38Book Now
Denver City Highlights & Local favorite Bus Tour
5.034 reviews⏱ 2 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Ideal for a quick city snapshot. At $37 for 2 hours, it’s a budget-friendly way to orient yourself on day one.
Best for: Travelers short on time who want a comfortable introduction.
From $37Book Now
Dark Side of Denver Ghost Tours
5.023 reviews⏱ 1-2 hours
Mubboo Verdict: The cheapest ghost tour at $25, but with only 23 reviews it’s less proven. Choose the Mile High Hauntings instead for $13 more.
Best for: Budget travelers who want a short, spooky walk.
From $25Book Now
What to skip & what to know in Denver
Skip these
- Skip the 16th Street Mall for shopping; it's a mile of chain stores and aggressive panhandlers. Walk it if you must, but spend your money in RiNo or South Broadway instead.
- Skip the overpriced $1,475 private Rocky Mountain tour unless you have a large group. A guided group hike at $65 gets you into the mountains for a fraction.
- Skip Casa Bonita for the food. The cliff divers are fun, but the Mexican cuisine is famously mediocre. Go for a drink and the show, eat elsewhere.
Know before you go
- Know that Denver's altitude (5,280 ft) can cause dehydration and fatigue. Drink twice the water you normally would for the first 48 hours.
- Know that the free 16th Street MallRide shuttle bus runs the length of downtown and connects Union Station to Civic Center — a real time-saver.
- Know that Red Rocks Park is free to enter during the day when no concert is on. Hike the trails, see the amphitheater, and skip the $25 'official' guided tour unless you want the history.
Where to spend your time in Denver
LoDo (Lower Downtown)
🚇 5-minute walk from Union StationHistoric warehouses, Coors Field, trendy restaurants
Top pick: Mile High Hauntings ghost tour
RiNo (River North Art District)
🚇 10-minute bike ride from downtownStreet art murals, breweries, food halls
Top pick: Self-guided mural walk, then a flight at Our Mutual Friend Brewing
Capitol Hill
🚇 10 minutes from downtown by busColorado State Capitol, Denver Art Museum, historic mansions
Top pick: Free Capitol dome tour
Golden (foothills)
🚇 25-minute drive west of downtownClear Creek, Coors Brewery, hiking trails
Top pick: Hike North Table Mountain for city views
Boulder
🚇 45-minute drive northwestPearl Street Mall, Flatirons, University of Colorado
Top pick: Hike the Flatirons Loop Trail
Browse by category
When to visit Denver, month by month
JuneThis monthHigh crowds
Hiking in the foothills before summer heat
JanuaryLow crowds
Ice skating at Skyline Park
FebruaryLow crowds
Denver Restaurant Week deals
MarchMedium crowds
St. Patrick's Day Parade
AprilMedium crowds
Cherry Blossom Festival at Denver Botanic Gardens
MayHigh crowds
Free jazz at City Park
JulyVery High crowds
Red Rocks concerts (book early)
AugustVery High crowds
Colorado State Fair in Pueblo
SeptemberHigh crowds
Fall colors peak in the mountains
OctoberMedium crowds
Zoo Boo and Halloween events
NovemberLow crowds
Denver Arts Week free events
DecemberMedium crowds
Parade of Lights downtown
Need to get there first? Search flights:
Not sure where to start?
First-timer with 2 days
Spend Saturday on a $37 bus tour to get your bearings, then walk the RiNo murals for free. Save Sunday for a $75 e-bike ride through all the neighborhoods.
Explore toursFamily on a budget
Kids love the Denver Zoo ($20/child) and the free City Park playground. Splurge on a $65 guided hike for a half-day mountain adventure they'll remember.
Explore toursSolo traveler seeking adventure
Join a $150 llama hike for a quirky mountain experience, then hit the free Denver Art Museum on a free day. Unwind with a $38 ghost tour at night.
Explore toursWhat travelers are saying
“Denver serves as an ideal gateway to the Rocky Mountains for hiking and backpacking adventures”
“Avoid Routes Car Rental at Denver Airport — consistently dreadful service and surprise toll charges”
“Rode the California Zephyr into Denver and never needed a rental car. The train ride through the Rockies is half the trip.”
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to save money on Denver attractions?
Look for free days at museums: Denver Art Museum is free first Saturdays, and Denver Zoo has free days for Colorado residents. The 16th Street MallRide is free transit downtown. Many hiking trails in the foothills cost nothing. Book tours through aggregators to compare prices.
Is Denver family-friendly? What can we do with kids?
Absolutely. City Park has playgrounds and the zoo. The Children's Museum at Marsico Campus is a hit. For outdoor fun, take a guided llama hike. Free options include exploring Red Rocks and splashing in Confluence Park's kayak course.
What are the best free things to do in Denver?
Hike at Red Rocks Park, wander the RiNo murals, tour the State Capitol dome, visit the Denver Art Museum on free days, and stroll through City Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can also bike the Cherry Creek Trail or explore Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge.
How many days do I need in Denver?
Three days covers the highlights: one day for downtown and RiNo, one for a mountain hike, and one for a museum and LoDo. With more time, day-trip to Boulder or Rocky Mountain National Park.
Is Denver safe for tourists?
Generally, yes. The downtown core and tourist areas are well-patrolled. Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas around the 16th Street Mall. Keep valuables out of sight in your car at trailheads.
What’s the best month to visit Denver?
September offers pleasant weather, fall colors in the mountains, and fewer crowds than summer. May and June are great for wildflowers. Winter is ideal if you plan to ski.
Should I rent a car in Denver?
For mountain trips, yes. But within the city, you can get by with the light rail, buses, and rideshares. Avoid airport rental counters if possible — take an Uber to an off-site agency to dodge long lines and toll transponder defaults.
Plan the rest of your Denver trip
FlightsDenver International Airport (DIA) is a major hub with nonstop flights from most US cities. Budget carriers like Frontier and Southwest offer cheap fares. If you're coming from the West Coast, consider Amtrak’s California Zephyr for a scenic train ride.HotelsStay in LoDo or near Union Station for walkability and transit access. Budget hotels cluster along Quebec Street; for mountain proximity, consider Golden or Boulder.City guideCheck out our full Denver city guide for neighborhood deep dives, restaurant recommendations, and seasonal events.
Things to do in other cities
Before you go
- esimStay connected with an eSIM data plan for the US. Avoid roaming charges with a local plan from Airalo or Holafly.
- insuranceTravel insurance covers trip cancellations and medical emergencies, especially important if you're hiking or skiing.
- transferBook an airport shuttle or private transfer in advance to avoid the chaos and surge pricing at DIA.
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