Denver is on a rocket rise, with no wonder, using its revitalized downtown, outdoorsy ethos and vibrant mix of locals and transplants from around the country. No surprise then, that prices in Denver are climbing too – you are able to lay out quite a penny within this cowtown-no-more, and not simply on craft beer and designer puffy jackets.
But don't worry! Denver continues to have some real gems that do not cost a thing – including street art, riverside parks and also the world-famous Red Rocks concert venue, where one can channel your inner Bono free of charge.
Union Station
An iconic landmark, the historic Union Station can serve as Denver's main transportation hub. But past the Amtrak, light rail and bus stops, it offers a welcome break from downtown's hubbub with a sumptuous central lounge with leather couches and deep chairs, wi-fi and shuffleboard – all free to the general public (drinks and eats can be purchased at its swanky eateries, coffee shops and bars).
During the warmer months, its outdoor plaza fills with children running with the pop-up fountain and on Saturdays, a farmers market showcases local foods, flowers and finds.
US Mint Tour
The single largest producer of coins on the planet – about 7.5 billion each year – the united states Mint in Denver offers free 45-minute guided tours of its facility Monday through Thursday. Surprisingly interesting, guides give a history of the mint and the manufacturing techniques behind the pennies in your pockets. Tickets are distributed within 24 hours only, starting at 7am. Throughout the summertime, the road starts forming by sunrise – arrive early to secure tickets.
Colorado State Capitol
With a gleaming gold leaf dome that's impossible to miss, the Colorado State Capitol is a must-see for background and architecture buffs. Home to the Governor's office as well as the Senate and House of Representatives, a free 45-minute tour leads visitors through the grand behemoth, with guides sharing facts and fun tidbits about the building. The tour includes 15 minutes to wander inside the dome – the vista makes it worth while alone, even for only the selfies.
Street Art in RiNo
Explore the stop-you-in-your-tracks murals in one of Denver's trendiest neighborhoods, RiNo (River North). A one-time industrial wasteland, RiNo has become the heart of cool with galleries and boutiques, innovative eateries and craft breweries. Plus, lots and lots of murals. Stroll the streets and duck into alleys, look in doorways and parking lots – everywhere you turn, there's bigger-than-life art.
Denver Art Museum
The crown jewel of Denver's art scene, DAM houses a varied collection, from the masterpieces of the Old Master painters to the greats of modern contemporary art. It's also home to a stunningly rich assortment of Native American art, one of the largest in the world.
Special exhibitions keep the museum buzzing year-round, and interactive art stations keep kids engaged. Children under 18 are always free; adults enjoy free admission on select days nearly every month – check the website for that current schedule.
First Fridays
A long-standing tradition, First Friday may be the day's every month when Denverites go to the city's art districts – Santa Fe, RiNo, Golden Triangle – to wander through art galleries, private studios, and co-ops that keep their doors open late in to the evenings. The event is free and lively, often including drinks, food trucks, live music along with a general feeling of revelry in- and outdoors.
Red Rocks Amphitheater
One of the very most stunning music venues in the world, Red Rocks is definitely an outdoor theater nestled between 400ft-high red sandstone monoliths. Renowned because of its natural acoustics, summer nights bring big-name musicians and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, but it is liberated to visit during the day and worth the 15-mile trip from Denver. Explore the amphitheater, climb the 250 stairs to the peak, browse the views, then hit its miles of trails, many lined with red rock formations
City Park Jazz
Who doesn't love a free concert? Every summer since 1986, City Park Jazz has produced jazz concerts on Lake Ferril in City Park, just east of Downtown Denver. Held on Sundays from 6 to 8pm, concerts feature well-known bands playing from traditional jazz and blues to R&B and salsa. The series typically attracts around 10,000 concert-goers every week, many on picnic blankets and lawn chairs, some dancing in front of the bandstand. BYO drinks and food, and are available early to stake out a good spot!
Hammond's Candy Factory Tour
Sweet tooths will love this free tour that can take you behind the curtain of Hammond's Candy, that has been pumping out lollipops, ribbon candy and candy canes since 1920. Having largely avoided the automation processes other candy manufacturers now utilize, Hammond's specializes in handmade confectionery products – most of the machines here date from the late 1800s and early 1900s. See workers stretch, cut and fold sugary treats around the factory floor.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge
Located around the outskirts of Denver, the 17,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is among the largest urban refuges in the country. When a US Army chemical weapons production facility, it's now home to over 330 types of wildlife, including bison and bald eagles.
It also holds over 10-miles of hiking trails that cross wetlands, woodlands and grasslands; two lakes which are popular weekend fishing spots; and an 11-mile self-guided driving tour. Make sure to visit the Visitor Center to get a map and look for its well-curated exhibit hall and hands-on "Discovery Room" for children. Guided tours of the refuge are offered too. All free of charge!
Confluence Park
Verdant fields, dramatic skyscraper views and the meeting of two waterways – Cherry Creek and the South Platte River – make Confluence Park a popular location for Denver's urban set. This is the place to picnic, jog, play Frisbee-be a part of everyday Denver. A little beach and shallow waters bring families to splash within the South Platte during the summertime, while a short white-water section invites tubers and kayakers.
Great Divide Brewing Company
In a town known for its craft breweries, Great Divide Brewing Clients are a powerhouse. Its exquisitely bold and balanced brews are some of the country's most decorated, including 18 Great American Beer Festival medals. Free family-friendly tours of its downtown brewhouse can be found daily, first come, first served (12 and also over only). An advisable stop for any behind-the-scenes peek at how its magic sauces are created.
Meier Ski Factory Tours
Head to Meier Ski Factory anytime they are opened and take a seat in their bar overlooking the factory floor. A ski-tender will talk you thru the process of ski making while you enjoy a local craft beer. Meier is really a locally-owned ski manufacturer that creates custom as well as ready-to-slide skis from locally sourced materials. These eco-conscious crafters make forest management and using Colorado wood a top priority and also the answers are incredible.
