There’s no need to break the bank to have a blast in the Mile High City. Here's a weekend itinerary filled with ways to see the city for less.

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay without skimping on style or service, try the historic 11th Avenue Hostel or check out these hotel deals.

 

3-Day Budget-Friendly Itinerary

Friday Evening

Start your weekend off with great happy hour deals (think highball cocktails and noodle bites) at Kawa Ni, then walk a few blocks to choose from a variety of culinary styles and affordable options at Avanti Food & Beverage. The latter is a food hall that’s lined with gourmet food vendors (sort of like an indoor food truck park), with a patio that enjoys a spectacular panorama of downtown. You’ll be able to choose from tacos, arepas, pizza, fried chicken and more. Pair it with a Colorado-brewed pilsner from Avanti’s central bar.

Denver comedy clubs, bars and breweries often have free evening events including live music, trivia and more. Check the Denver 365 events calendar for free events happening every weekend or see our cheatsheet for the upcoming weekend.

 

Saturday Morning

A good old-fashioned diner breakfast at Sam’s No. 3 will get your day off to a delicious start with eggs, bacon and all the fixings.

Now catch the free 16th Street FreeRide shuttle and take it a few blocks down 16th Street pedestrian promenade to Denver Union Station to explore one of LoDo (Lower Downtown’s) most vibrant areas. The renovated 1914 train depot is a great place to take pictures in front of Beaux-Arts architecture, browse the shops and flower stands, and see locals going about their lives. On Saturdays from mid-May to mid-October, the Union Station Farmers Market welcomes local farmers and food producers for a bustling market on the plaza. Stroll through to nab a few free samples.

Check out some of Denver’s top attractions with discounted passes. The Mile High Culture Pass gives you three days to explore many of Denver's top art and cultural museums, such as the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, History Colorado Center and more, while the Denver CityPASS gives you access to three, four or five of Denver's most popular attractions for seven days.

 

Saturday Afternoon

Score some secondhand and vintage clothes at cut-rate prices at the thrift shops congregated on South Broadway: Goodwill Denver, Boss Vintage and Goldmine Vintage are filled with every kind of style, from fine to funky. If you just can’t get enough of the vintage hunting, head farther south to Antique Row, where you could spend hours “picking” among a trove of antique shops. See more thrift, vintage and consignment shops. 

A Saturday evening happy hour at a tiki bar? Yes, please! Stop by Adrift Tiki Bar between 5 and 7 p.m. for discounted cocktails that pack a punch and happy hour noshables, too.

 

Saturday Evening

When it’s time for more substantial eats, Maria Empanada is just down the street from vintage shopping and will fill you up with piping-hot savory pastry pockets or thick slices of tortilla espanola (akin to a crustless quiche).

Angelo’s Taverna in Denver’s popular Capitol Hill neighborhood offers an unbeatable happy hour with oysters.

Denver is a true music lover’s city, but if the big-venue ticket prices aren’t in your budget, catch some local live music on South Broadway’s delightfully dive-y smaller venues: the Hi-Dive, Skylark Lounge or the Gothic Theatre. Or head to Colfax Avenue to check out a show at the Bluebird or Ogden theaters.

 

Sunday Morning

After a brunch of Michelin-recognized pozole and a mimosa at La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, head to the River North Art District (RiNo). It's fascinating to visit and stroll around, with vivid street art around nearly every corner. Historic warehouses and factories now house jazz bars, restaurants, brewpubs, art galleries and working studios. 

 

Sunday Afternoon

Next, see a different part of the city by checking out Washington Park, which has a lovely network of paths that run alongside picturesque lakes. Plenty of benches are available to sit and people-watch throughout the park.

Another option for summer through fall is to head to one of Denver’s popular neighborhood farmers' markets on South Pearl Street or Highland Square. Or go for a stroll around City Park. In the summer, City Park Jazz offers free Sunday evening concerts featuring Colorado-based acts. Enjoy two hours of music in a family-friendly environment with food trucks.

Cheers to a fun Denver weekend that comes in big on fun and small on spending!

Looking for more things to do? Check out these free activities.