A walkable weekend in Denver
Touch down at Denver International Airport, then hop on the A Line train for a quick trip downtown.
Edited by Sarah Kuta | December 18, 2025
Denver makes short city breaks and layovers simple: Thanks to the A Line train, you can be at Denver’s historic Union Station less than an hour after touching down at Denver International Airport. With the Mile High City’s compact grid and walkable neighborhoods, you can explore local icons like the Big Blue Bear sculpture, the newly refreshed 16th Street Mall, and the Golden Triangle’s robust arts scene with ease. Here's how to make the most of your time during a car-free weekend in Denver.
Start at Union Station
Begin your Denver adventure with a seamless arrival on the A Line train — an easy 40-minute ride from Denver International Airport to Denver’s historic Union Station. The station’s lovingly renovated Great Hall greets you with soaring ceilings, local coffee and dining spots, and a lively plaza just outside. Within minutes, you can stroll historic LoDo blocks, snap a photo under the iconic station clock, or settle in for a quick bite nearby. For a stay steps from the platform, Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station offers a restful home base with easy access to the train, spacious guest rooms, and an indoor pool for unwinding after a day on foot. Grab a bite at the on-site restaurant Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar before retreating to your room for a good night’s sleep.
Downtown spots: Big Blue Bear and 16th Street
Head toward the Colorado Convention Center, where the 40-foot Big Blue Bear sculpture peers whimsically into the glass facade — a must for any Denver photo collection. The pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall’s ongoing transformation makes it a welcoming corridor for browsing shops or grabbing a casual meal. Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center sits near the action, offering spacious suites, free made-to-order breakfast, and evening receptions that make every stay feel like a special occasion. Wind down with a dip in the indoor saltwater pool or work up a sweat in the fitness center.
Golden Triangle museums
Head south to Denver’s Golden Triangle, where art and history fill the blocks with creative energy. A short walk from downtown brings you to museums and café-lined streets, perfect for a culture-filled afternoon. The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton places you within a short walk of half a dozen museums, with chic, design-forward guest rooms, curated local art, and a rooftop terrace for soaking in skyline views between gallery visits.
Riverfront twilight across the bridges
As evening approaches, wander along the South Platte riverfront for golden-hour skyline views and a stroll across Denver’s pedestrian bridges. The area’s lively paths invite sunset selfies and easy access to LoHi’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Speer Boulevard is perfectly positioned for exploration, offering comfortable rooms, free hot breakfast, and easy access to both downtown and LoHi for an effortless evening.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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