Denver on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
Denver can be done on a budget with hostels near Capitol Hill, public transport and free outdoor sights, but it is not cheap. A realistic minimum is about US$135 per person a day: US$65 for a bed, US$45 for food, US$15 for sights and US$10 for transport.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$65 | US$130 | US$260 |
| Food & drink | US$45 | US$80 | US$150 |
| Sights & tickets | US$15 | US$40 | US$80 |
| Local transport | US$10 | US$40 | US$80 |
| Per person, per day | US$135 | US$290 | US$570 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Denver day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Free weekday tours of the Colorado State Capitol, with the 'one mile high' step outside.
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre on non-concert days, with the 2 km Trading Post Trail.
- The RiNo Art District murals and galleries.
- Larimer Square and the restored Union Station hall.
- Washington Park and City Park, with views to the mountains.
- The 16th Street pedestrian mall and the free MallRide shuttle.
Cheap eats
- Breakfast burrito smothered in green chile: about US$8–12.
- Food-hall dishes at Denver Central Market or Avanti: about US$12–18.
- Tacos from trucks and taquerías on Federal Boulevard: about US$3–5 each.
- Pho or banh mi on Federal Boulevard: about US$10–15.
- Happy-hour bar food downtown: often US$6–10 a plate.
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in hostels and older hotels around Capitol Hill and Colfax Avenue, a short walk from downtown, with dorms from about US$35–60 and doubles about US$110–170 before tax.
Getting around cheaply
Take the A Line from the airport to Union Station (about 37 minutes, about US$10), use the free MallRide downtown and RTD light rail and buses elsewhere. For Red Rocks, Golden and the national park, share a rental car.
A sample budget day
- Morning: breakfast burrito (about US$10), then a free tour of the State Capitol.
- Late morning: walk Civic Center Park and the 16th Street Mall with the free MallRide.
- Lunch: food hall in RiNo (about US$15) and the free murals.
- Afternoon and evening: happy hour at a taproom and tacos on Federal Boulevard (about US$20), plus a day pass on RTD (about US$5).
- Total: about US$135 including a US$65 bed.
More ways to save
- Visit during happy hour (usually 15:00–18:00) for half-price food and drinks.
- Buy a day pass if you take several RTD rides.
- Bring a refillable bottle; tap water is good and you will need it at altitude.
- Check concert listings at Red Rocks for cheaper weekday or lawn-style tickets.
- Self-cater breakfast from a supermarket to avoid tax and tips.
- Pick a hostel with free breakfast and parking if you plan to rent a car.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Can you visit Denver on a budget?
Yes, with a hostel near Capitol Hill, the A Line and RTD, and free sights such as the Capitol and Red Rocks. Expect about US$135 a day.
Do I need a car in Denver?
Not in the city, which has light rail and buses. For Red Rocks, Golden and the national park, a car (about US$50–90 a day) or a tour is needed.
Is Red Rocks free to visit?
Yes, the park and amphitheatre are free to visit on non-concert days. Concert tickets are extra.