The Best Free Things to Do in Denver for Visitors
- Oriel Pillay
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Denver is a charming city for one of the biggest cities in the US, and the best part is that so much of it is free for you to enjoy! There's a lot to discover without breaking the bank, from stunning parks and mountain vistas to street art and local customs. Bring your camera and walking shoes, and let's explore Denver's best free activities.
1. Stroll Through Washington Park
One of locals' favorite spots and one that we'd totally recommend, regardless of the season, is to start a trip to Denver is Washington Park (known locally as Wash Park). This vast oasis in the heart of the city boasts serene lakes, lovely picnic areas, and summertime flower gardens. Whether you want to jog, take a walk, or simply sit and enjoy some coffee while observing people, Wash Park has everything you need. It's one of over 200 parks in Denver, and one of the best, biggest and most popular - it's a bit like Denver's version of NYC's Central Park.
2. Visit the Denver Art Museum (Free Days)
We know what you're thinking: Art museums can be expensive!
An insider tip is that The Denver Art Museum offers free days throughout the year. You can explore world-class collections of Native American, contemporary, and classic art for free if you keep an eye on their event calendar, as there are free days once a month. Additionally, don't forget to take a picture (or ten); the museum's striking, angular architecture is an Instagram-worthy masterpiece in and of itself.
3. Explore The River North Art District (RiNo)
The River North Art District (RiNo) is a must-see for anyone who enjoys street art and murals or anyone who wants to get out of the downtown corridor for a bit. Just walk around the neighborhood and you'll see bold designs, imaginative graffiti, and colorful murals that tell the tale of Denver's creative pulse. You won't want to miss these photo-perfect walls, so bring your camera. Additionally, the district frequently hosts community events and free art walks, so check their schedule before you visit.
If you’d like to explore RiNo and see some of Denver’s best murals while learning the stories behind them, join The Discover Denver Graffiti & Street Art Tour or one of the Free Walking Tours, which also pass by some of the city’s most vibrant art.
4. Enjoy a Day at Hammond's
Hammond’s Candy Factory is a sweet stop for visitors of all ages. This Denver favorite offers free factory tours, where you can watch candy makers handcraft lollipops, candy canes, and chocolates the old-fashioned way. It’s a fun and family-friendly activity, and of course, you’ll want to grab a few treats to take home.
5. Walk the Historic Larimer Square
Take a walk around Larimer Square to get a sense of Denver's past. Beautiful. original, Victorian buildings, upscale stores, and welcoming eateries line this quaint street. Even though you might be tempted to spend some time perusing the stores, simply strolling through this famous block is an experience in and of itself. Particularly in the evenings, when the street is illuminated by string lights, the atmosphere is lively, and there are some days and evenings where there's free live music to check out and enjoy.
6. Check out Denver's Union Station
Would you like to blend into the locals' scene? Go to Union Station in Denver. It's a great place to people watch and Denver's main transportation hub. Take in the stunning architecture, peruse the stores within, or stop by the outdoor gathering area with some food or a drink from one of the many establishments inside Union Station. Additionally, be sure to check their calendar while you're there because they frequently host free events and free live music in the plaza.
7. Visit the Colorado State Capitol
You can walk right up to and inside the Colorado State Capitol. With its recognizable gold dome that shines from blocks away, the building itself is breathtaking. To learn more about Colorado's rich past, you can even sign up for a free guided tour, offered multiple times daily, Monday-Friday. And don't pass up the opportunity to ascend the stairs to the thirteenth floor; the expansive city view is simply stunning and, of course, photogenic.
8. Relax at the Denver Botanic Gardens (Free Days)
Another beautiful spot with free admission on certain days throughout the year is the Denver Botanic Gardens. This place takes you to a world of breathtaking natural beauty with its thousands of plant species (indoors and outdoors), gorgeous water features, and charming walkways. On some days of the year, admission to the gardens is free, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
Some of the best things to do in Denver for visitors are free - no need to spend a ton of money on your visit to Denver. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and safe travels to the Mile High City to check out some of these in person yourself.
