Going out in the Mile High City can be intimidating to those on a budget. But, not to worry: Denver is an exciting and vibrant place with tons of affordable things to do, and there are many options that cater to a wide variety of interests and budgets alike. From shopping to golfing to spending a day looking at classical art, there is something for everyone in Denver.
16th Street Mall: Cost – Free
16th Street between Union Station and Broadway
Located in the heart of downtown, the 16th Street Mall is filled with retail stores like Patagonia, H&M, PacSun and Under Armour, restaurants and department stores stretching from Union Station to Broadway. It is an ideal location to spend an entire day or just a few hours walking around with your friends doing everything from watching various street performers to grabbing a bite to eat to shopping at the various stores located on and around the mall. Although the mall extends for 1.25 miles, there is a MallRide bus that runs the length of the mall, making it easy to get around quickly.
Botanic Gardens: Cost – $12 (with student ID)
1007 York St
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a 23-acre garden complex that is maintained year-round and has many different attractions located inside it. There are several main gardens, like the Japanese garden and enclosed tropical greenhouse, complete with palm trees, which is among the most notable. There is also a sunken concert amphitheater that holds concerts frequently. Having a picnic in the gardens is allowed, so if you are planning on spending a day there, be sure to pack a lunch and spend the day seeing everything the Gardens have to offer.
Denver Art Museum: Cost – $8 (with student ID)
100 W. 14th Ave Pkwy
There are a variety of museums and art installations around Denver, but arguably the best of them all is the Denver Art Museum. It has many year-round exhibits ranging from an expansive collection of Asian art, several Pre-Columbian displays, many works by modern artists such as Picasso and Matisse and contemporary art by artists like Andy Warhol. Be on the lookout for its frequently-changing temporary exhibits, which encompass everything from modern photography to American Indian art. Entry to the museum is free on the first Saturday of every month, so if you are planning to go on one of those dates, be sure to get there early.
Harvard Gulch Golf Course – Cost: $9
660 Iliff Ave
Are you interested in spending an afternoon playing golf, but don’t have the equipment or time for a traditional course? Look no further than Harvard Gulch, a small par-3 course close to campus. It can be played in about an hour and there is no need to bring your own clubs because they have them available for free at the clubhouse, making Harvard Gulch a perfect spot for beginners and experienced golfers alike. And at the price, it is affordable for everyone, so get a group together and play a round in the beautiful fall weather. Also be sure to check out night golf, offered every Saturday night from dusk to 11 p.m.
