Here at 11th Avenue Hostel we believe traveling doesn’t require breaking the bank. Traveling involves a willingness to see new sites, meet new people, and taste new food. We’ve compiled our favorite activities to do around Denver on a budget so that you can see what this great city boasts.
Food Halls Denver likes to eat. That’s why there are numerous food halls here to bring the community together in a large gathering space that offers a variety of cuisine. Feel free to stop by one and just grab a drink!
We may be biased due to its close proximity to us, but Broadway Market is where it’s at. The food is high quality and ranges from Italian and Japanese, to empanadas and curry shops. There is also a beer wall with over twenty rotating taps that fills glasses from the bottom up and happy hour from 2-6pm every day.
The Denver Central Market is another must-see food hall. The outside is beautifully designed with colors and shapes that are inviting to the eye. The vendors range from fresh meals, to grocery items, to great gift purchases.
Nature Stops For a city so close to the mountains, you better believe we have many parks to explore. City Park is the largest, and if you’re here on a Sunday in the warm weather you have to check out the free jazz show from 6-8pm.
Cheesman Park is closest to the Hostel, and if you head east on 11th Avenue you’ll soon hit it. Forget people watching, dog watching is the name of the game in the parks!
Commons Park in LoDo offers food trucks and concert series throughout the year. You can walk or run along the South Platte River that lines the park as well. While you’re there, stop at REI for some gear.
Free First Days of the Month Each month, popular destinations offer free events for the community. On the first Friday of each month, Santa Fe’s Art District comes alive with an art walk that includes open art galleries and food trucks. On the same day, RiNo Art District offers an art walk to visit galleries and studios with food and drinks available late into the night. Looking to see art during the day? Denver Art Museum is free the first Saturday of the month from 10am to 5pm.
More Free, Free, Free We can’t just end the freebies there. Union Station is much more than a train stop with a design inside that will catch your eye and make you want to stay. A prime people watching spot, you can also marvel at the restaurants, shops and hotel located inside. There is also a free jazz show every Tuesday at 7pm.
Want to learn Colorado history? The Capitol Building offers free tours weekdays on the hour from 10am-3pm, and offers panoramic views of the Rockies.
There is also a free walking tour around the city available every day through Denver Walking Tours that leaves the Capitol steps at 10am.