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If you’re looking to explore the Mile High City on a budget, we have you – and your wallet – covered. Check out these five ways to enjoy Denver on the cheap.

Denver bike share

When it comes to getting around town, skip the car rental and opt for Denver’s bike share program. With an $8 day pass, 30-minute rentals are free, and hour-long rentals are just $1. Rental stations can be found throughout the city, so you simply rent and return as you make your way between attractions and destinations. Plus, the day pass includes unlimited rentals, so if you plan your itinerary just right, you can bike through Denver for just $8 a day.

Coors Brewery tour

One of America’s most iconic beer brands makes its home in Golden, Colo., about a 30-minute drive from Denver. Tours of the massive brewing facility are free for the public, and you’ll get an insider’s look at how the Silver Bullet is brewed. Plus, you’ll be treated to samples at the end of the 30-minute tour.

United States Mint tour

If you’ve ever wondered how those coins in your pocket were made, you can see the process for yourself at the U.S. Mint in Denver. You’ll need to make advanced reservations for these free 45-minute tours, but you’ll have a chance to see real U.S. currency as it’s pressed. If you’re going to splurge at all in Denver, make it worth your while at the U.S. Mint gift shop.

Washington Park

Enjoy nature’s bounty at Washington Park, where you can take a scenic walk through the lush green space, pack a picnic to eat near Smith Lake, stroll through the flower gardens or even go fishing.

Hammond’s Candy Factory tour

Indulge your sweet tooth with a free tour through Hammond’s Candy Factory, about as close to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory as it gets. You’ll get a behind the scenes look at how chocolates are dipped and how ribbon candies are twisted as you tour the factory, and at the end, you’ll also get a free sample of a sweet treat.

(Main image: Mafue used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)

About the author

Marissa WillmanMarissa Willman earned a bachelor's degree in journalism before downsizing her life into two suitcases for a teaching gig in South Korea. Seoul was her home base for two years of wanderlusting throughout six countries in Asia. In 2011, Marissa swapped teaching for travel writing and now calls Southern California home.

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