How to Visit Boulder on a Budget

Transportation

Public Transit

One of the most convenient aspects of visiting Boulder on a budget is that, unlike many other U.S. cities, there is no need to rent a car. From the moment you touch down at Denver International Airport (DEN), public transportation is widely available. The AB1 bus from DEN costs $10 one way and drops you in downtown Boulder. You can even use local buses to go hiking from downtown Boulder to some trailheads on the outskirts of town, and in summer, free weekend shuttles zip you around to major trailheads.

Bicycles and Scooters

Although Boulder is very dense and walkable, if you'd like to explore Boulder's neighborhoods you can rent a bicycle from a local shop or rent an e-bike or Lime scooter from one of the many public kiosks across town.

Food

Lunch Deals

Most restaurants around town offer lunch specials at a fraction of the price of dinner entrees. 5280 Magazine recently wrote about their top eight lunch specials in Boulder, and these are a few of our top picks:

• Tibet Kitchen Lunch platters of aromatic, delicious Tibetan and Indian fare are $9.95 and include a free hot chai.
• Il Pastio This hidden and locally beloved gem offers a lunch special that includes one entrée, one side dish, one salad and bread for $16 including tax.
• Tierra y Fuego Located in North Boulder, this taqueria packs a real bang for your buck — four (seriously stuffed) street tacos and a drink for $12.
• Curry n Kebab You can choose from eight platter options, all of which include basmati rice, naan, onion baji, a side of tamarind chutney dipping sauce and a dessert for $10.95.
• Organic Sandwich Most sandwiches here are around $9-12 and a half sandwich is just $6.75. Lots of meat and vegan choices mean delicious, farm-sourced choices for everyone.
• Pasta Press This small cafe just off Pearl Street makes killer house-made pastas and sauces. For $9.95 you can get the Pasta in Bianco and be carried away to Italy. The pomodoro is a saucy and savory delight for $12.65 and the portion is enormous.   

Happy Hours

National Geographic and the "Today" show have recognized Boulder as "The Happiest City in the U.S." Of course we have happy hours galore, which give you options to experience local restaurants' cuisine and atmosphere in a way that's a bit gentler on the wallet. Here are a few of our favorite deals:

• Fringe, A Well Tapped Eatery Enjoy a gourmet margarita pizza for $12 and half off all draft wine and beer.
• Postino Wine Cafe If you don't mind eating late, you can grab a board of bruschetta and a bottle of your choice of wine for $25 after 8pm on Monday and Tuesday.
• Hapa Sushi From 2:30-5:30pm every day you can get two sushi rolls for $12.
• Jungle From 4-6pm every day you can get one of Boulder's best cheeseburgers and a tropical cocktail for $8 each.

Top Affordable Boulder Restaurants

Check out our Cheap Eats page for more ideas on how to dine on a budget in Boulder.

• Parkway Cafe A local's favorite and something of a hidden gem, this low-key Mexican restaurant is in East Boulder.
• Flower Pepper This authentic Chinese noodle house is family-owned and serves up large, piping bowls of goodness starting at $9.99. 
• La Choza A popular North Boulder Mexican restaurant that slings street tacos, burritos and nachos for around $9-10 a platter.
• Cosmo's Pizza Boulder's quintessential post-night out pizza joint has craveable slices and is open late.
• Basta Helmed by famous restauranteur Kelly Whitaker, this off-the-beaten-path eatery won a Bib Gourmand from the MICHELIN Guide for its affordable gastronomy. 

Have a Picnic

The two most affordable grocery stores in Boulder are Trader Joe's and King Soopers. Pick up a deli sandwich, fresh, local produce and snacks to picnic at one of Boulder's beautiful public parks. Or stop by Santo for their famous breakfast burrito ($8.50) and walk over to North Boulder Park, which enjoys a view of the Flatirons.

Things to Do

Explore the Outdoors

Of course, the first and most obvious (and free) thing to do in Boulder is to spend time outdoors. Here you'll find 300 miles of some of the best hiking and biking trails in the world and 46,000 acres of unspoiled open space. The best things in life cannot be bought. Fill up your reusable water bottle, pack a lunch and bring coffee from your hotel room to spend the day exploring Boulder's outdoor playground — good for your body, mind, soul and wallet.

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

For just $4 plus tip, you can enjoy a cup of tea inside this exquisite Persian teahouse, gifted to Boulder by its sister city in Tajikistan. Sitting and admiring the sculptures, fountain, carved and painted ceilings and plaster panels is an experience in itself.

Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory Tour

Get an up-close look at how the largest tea manufacturer in North America blends ingredients into some of the country's most beloved teas (Sleepytime Tea, anyone?). Take a stroll through Celestial Seasonings' production floor to see how teas are blended and packaged from start to finish. Tours are 45 minutes, $6 and take place Tuesday-Saturday (for ages 6 and up only).

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

BMoCA invites guests to "Pay from Your Heart" — whether it's one penny or one hundred dollars, you pick your admission fee. Whatever you choose, boundary-pushing and genre-bending contemporary art exhibitions await your discovery inside this small but worthwhile museum.

Museum of Boulder

At just $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students and youth (free for under 5), admission to the Museum of Boulder is quite low and includes several art, science and history exhibits to explore — plus a rooftop with spectacular Flatirons views. 

First Friday Art Walk

Every first Friday is your chance to discover Boulder's art scene up close when local artists in North Boulder open up their studios for a festive community event. The entire event is free and you can nibble on snacks, stroll a cool neighborhood and discover inspiration in a city that lives, sleeps, eats and breathes creativity. 

University of Colorado’s Museums & Sites

The CU Museum of Natural History insect and fossil collections and CU Art Museum's diverse collection of items encompassing over 10,000 years of human history are hidden gems waiting for your exploration. Both welcome visitors with only a suggested donation. On weekdays, be sure to check out the full-scale (22 feet long and nine feet wide!) reconstructed Triceratops skeleton on display in the lobby of the Sustainable, Energy and Environment Community (SEEC) building on East Campus.

Boulder Farmers Market

The Boulder Farmers Market is a must-visit on a Saturday morning or Wednesday evening (Wednesdays 3:30-7:30pm, May through October; Saturdays 8am-2pm, April through November). Bring your camera to capture bright displays of flowers and lusciously ripe produce, nibble on free samples ranging from granola to pasta sauce, listen to live music and simply enjoy the effervescent atmosphere.

More Free Things to Do

This is just a sampler. Explore more wallet-friendly entertainment and sights on our Free Things to Do in Boulder page.

Free Events

Plan your trip around a free festival or event, like the Boulder Creek Festival in May, the Pearl Street Arts Fest in July or Band on the Bricks (summer Wednesdays). These events are free to attend and often feature local art, food and entertainment. Here are some upcoming free events happening in Boulder.