Free things to do · Denver · United States
7 free things to do in Denver
Denver without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Darkshark0159 at English Wikipedia, Public domain
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Denver without paying an entry fee: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Colorado State Capitol, Denver Union Station and Larimer Square are all free. Red Rocks (outside concert times), the Capitol tour, Union Station, Larimer Square and many parks are free.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 7
- Low-cost extras
- 3
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February and November
Free sights and experiences
Landmark · Morrison
1.Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Climb to the top row for sunset views of Denver and the plains; on concert days the amphitheatre closes to visitors in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- 2 hours, or an evening for a concert
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Views
- After dark
- Outdoors
Architecture · Golden Triangle
2.Colorado State Capitol
Look for the mile-high markers on the west steps; more accurate surveys put the true mile a few steps higher.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Views
Architecture · LoDo and Union Station
3.Denver Union Station
Grab a drink at the Great Hall bar and watch the trains come and go.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Food
- History
Street · Downtown and Larimer Square
4.Larimer Square
Come in the evening when the lights are on, and look for the lower-level cocktail bars.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Food
- History
Neighbourhood · RiNo
5.RiNo street art
Walk the alleys between Larimer and Walnut Streets for the densest concentration of murals.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Photo spot
- Food
Park · Washington Park
6.Washington Park
Bring a picnic on a summer weekend for some of the best people-watching in Denver.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Active
Waterfront · LoDo and Union Station
7.Confluence Park
Follow the Cherry Creek Trail from here for an easy bike or walking route through the city.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- History
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Morrison | Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre | 2 hours, or an evening for a concert |
| Golden Triangle | Colorado State Capitol | 1 hour |
| LoDo and Union Station | Denver Union Station and Confluence Park | 1 hour + 1 hour |
| Downtown and Larimer Square | Larimer Square | 1 hour |
| RiNo | RiNo street art | 2 hours |
| Washington Park | Washington Park | 1–2 hours |
Worth a small ticket
Landmark · LoDo and Union Station
Coors Field
Cheap rooftop tickets are a sociable way to see a game with mountain sunset views.
- Time needed
- 3 hours for a game
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- After dark
- Views
Park · City Park
City Park and Denver Zoo
Combine the zoo and the Museum of Nature & Science in one day; they are at opposite ends of the park.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Historic site · Capitol Hill
Molly Brown House Museum
Guided tours are timed; book a slot online in busy periods.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
More ways to save
- Red Rocks (outside concert times), the Capitol tour, Union Station, Larimer Square and many parks are free.
- Take the A Line from the airport; a taxi costs several times more.
- Many museums offer free days, often for Colorado residents, so check each museum's policy.
- Mountain hotels and ski lift tickets are the big costs; staying in Denver and driving up early is cheaper.
- Happy hours at breweries and restaurants are common on weekday afternoons.
- Visit in shoulder months such as May and October for lower hotel rates and decent weather.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Denver expensive to visit?
Denver is moderately priced for most visitors, but 7 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Denver?
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Climb to the top row for sunset views of Denver and the plains; on concert days the amphitheatre closes to visitors in the afternoon.