Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Denver?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Denver?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Denver, Colorado? Most people spend two to three days in Denver during their visit. After all, the accessible city will let you hit the ski slopes, take a hike, soak up the big city atmosphere, and grab some drinks at a bar.
For many travelers, Denver serves as an arrival or departure point for their national park and Rocky Mountain trips. The city is relatively large and sprawling with a handful of museums that you can visit. The city also offers access to several of the ski resorts that are nearby.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Denver? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Denver?
For many visitors, three days in Denver would be just the right amount of time. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to three days in the accessible city to check out the amazing snow skiing and terrific hiking. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.
How to spend 3 days in Denver
Perhaps the most famous spot in Denver is Red Rocks Park, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Denver Cocktail Tour: A Local's Guide To Denver’s Nightlife ($121)
- Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden ($65)
The public transit in Denver is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.
Snow skiing is the main attraction here in winter, so make sure you spend at least a day on the slopes. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Denver Airport (BJC) to Beaver Creek Ski Resort -Arrival Transfer ($220)
Known for it's hiking, Denver sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Glacier Hiking & Geothermal Cave Pools + Pictures Day Tour in Idaho Springs ($199)
- Guided Hiking Tour in Colorado mountains ($80)
- Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park-Picnic Included ($159)
Is 4 days enough time in Denver?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Denver at your own pace to hit the ski slopes, take a hike, soak up the big city atmosphere, and grab some drinks at a bar. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Denver, Colorado
How to spend 4 days in Denver
Having 4 days in Denver will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Denver is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. The city doesn't really give off big city vibes, but it is moderately sized and offers access to a lot of amenities.
Is 5 days enough time in Denver?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Denver has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Denver as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the snow skiing, the hiking, and the big city activities at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Denver
With 5 days in Denver, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Denver is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Denver to Outlets at Castle Rock ($150)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Denver, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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