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Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the US, and a common layover airport for many passengers. The airport is well-connected to the city of Denver and its surrounding areas, making it easy for layover passengers to explore the city and its attractions. The airport itself also offers various amenities, including art installations, restaurants, and lounges, ensuring that passengers have a comfortable and entertaining layover experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | DEN, DIA |
| Airlines with hubs | Southwest, United, Frontier |
| Airport Design | Efficient layout, free underground train connecting terminals |
| Food Options | Root Down, Boulder Beer Tap House, Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant, Caribou Coffee and Tea, Tom's Urban Kitchen & Brewery, Grill & Vine, Sky Lounge, Ingredients, La Casita, Little Man Ice Cream |
| Art Installations | Blue horse sculpture, Children of the World Dream of Peace mural, interior garden at the center core of the C Gates, gargoyle |
| Nearby Attractions | Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 16th Street Mall, Millennium Bridge, Commons Park, LoHi neighborhood, Denver Art Museum (DAM), Union Station, History Colorado Center, State Capitol, Coors Field, Golden Triangle Creative District, Larimer Square, Downtown Aquarium, RINO District, The Source Rooftop |
| Transport Options | Denver Light Rail, A Line commuter rail, taxi, shuttle |
| Accommodation | Westin Hotel, hotels within a few minutes' drive of the airport |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the art and design of the airport, including the Children of the World Dream of Peace mural
- Take the train into the city and visit the Denver Art Museum
- Visit the Westin Hotel, attached to the main terminal, for a local brew and a meal
- Take the free shuttle to 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants and cafes
- If you have time, take a taxi to downtown Denver and visit Union Station, the History Colorado Centre and the State Capitol
Explore the art and design of the airport, including the Children of the World Dream of Peace mural
If you're looking to explore the art and design of Denver Airport during your layover, there's plenty to discover. The airport itself has been named one of the most distinctive airports, with a roof that resembles Colorado's snow-capped peaks and an outdoor plaza larger than a football field. With more than 140 shops, restaurants, and services, there's a mix of local flavour and national brands to explore.
But back to the art. Denver Airport (or DIA, as locals call it) was named the "Best U.S. Airport for Art" in USA Today's "10 Best Reader's Choice" travel contest in 2013. There are nearly 40 site-specific works of art to discover as part of the City and County of Denver's "one percent for art" program. These include sculptures, murals, and other installations in outdoor landscapes, inside the Jeppesen Terminal, and on all concourses, as well as the airport's underground train system.
One of the most notable artworks is the "Children of the World Dream of Peace" mural by artist Leo Tanguma, located in the Jeppesen Main Terminal. This mural is part of DIA's Art Collection, which has been honoured as one of the ten best airports for public art. Other artworks in the collection include the "In Peace and Harmony with Nature" mural, also by Leo Tanguma.
If you have time, you can also explore the art installations outside the airport. The giant, bucking blue horse sculpture with demonic red eyes that greets travellers leaving the airport by car is just one example of the many permanent art installations at DIA.
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Take the train into the city and visit the Denver Art Museum
If you're looking to stretch your legs and get a taste of the city during your layover in Denver, you can take the train into the city centre and visit the Denver Art Museum. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your layover:
Getting to Denver Union Station from the Airport:
The Denver Airport Rail, also known as the A Line, provides a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get into the city. The train ride takes approximately 37 minutes and costs $10 one way. The train has six stops between the airport and Denver Union Station, and trains depart every 15 minutes for most of the day. You can easily access the train from the airport, and it's fully accessible with level boarding at all doors and two wheelchair spaces per car.
Exploring the Area Around Union Station:
Once you arrive at Union Station, you'll find yourself in a beautiful 1914 Beaux-Arts building that serves as the city's transportation hub. Here, you can explore various hip, locally-owned restaurants, bars, shops, and even a boutique hotel, The Crawford Hotel. If you'd like to grab a bite or a drink, Union Station offers a range of options, including local breweries and restaurants serving farm-to-table meals.
Getting to the Denver Art Museum:
From Union Station, you have a few options to get to the Denver Art Museum (DAM). The DAM is located in the city's Golden Triangle, and it's within walking distance from Union Station. Here are some ways to get there:
- Walk: The walk from Union Station to the DAM takes around 16 minutes. You can take the 16th Street Mall shuttle (MallRide) or walk up 16th Street Mall towards Civic Center and the Colorado State Capitol area.
- Bus: You can take bus number 0, 10, 16, 3L, 52, 6, 83L, or 9 to get to the DAM. The nearest bus stops are W 13th Ave & Broadway, Broadway & W 13th Ave, and Broadway & W 14th Ave, which are all within a 3 to 5-minute walk from the museum.
- Light Rail: Take the light rail lines A or N to get to the DAM. The nearest light rail station is Theatre District / Convention Center Station, which is a 16-minute walk from the museum.
Exploring the Denver Art Museum:
The Denver Art Museum boasts an encyclopedic collection of more than 70,000 diverse works of art from different centuries and cultures. It is particularly renowned for its collection of American Indian art and the Petrie Institute of Western American Art. The museum's Martin Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti in 1971, is an architectural highlight in itself.
Remember to keep an eye on the time and plan your return journey to the airport accordingly. The Denver Art Museum offers a rich cultural experience and is a great way to spend your layover in the Mile High City.
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Visit the Westin Hotel, attached to the main terminal, for a local brew and a meal
If you're looking for a quick break from the airport during your layover in Denver, the Westin Hotel is a great option. Conveniently attached to the main Jeppesen Terminal, it's just a one-minute walk away. This award-winning hotel is known for its innovative design and offers a range of amenities to enhance your layover experience.
For a local brew and a meal, head to Tom's Urban Kitchen & Brewery, the first restaurant at DEN with an on-site brewery. Sample fresh beers by Tivoli Brewing while enjoying a variety of sports on the numerous TVs. If you're craving something more substantial, Grill & Vine offers classic favourites with a farm-to-table twist and signature craft cocktails. Their menu features a range of options, including healthy, pre-flight meals.
If you're looking for a more casual atmosphere, the Sky Lounge is a full-service bar located in the lobby, serving bar snacks, tapas, and sandwiches. It's the perfect spot to relax and unwind with a drink and a light bite. Alternatively, if you're short on time, Ingredients is a convenient grab-and-go eatery serving coffee beverages and light fare, including Starbucks coffee.
The Westin also offers a range of other amenities, including a fitness studio, an indoor pool, and meeting spaces. If you're looking to explore the area, the hotel provides easy access to downtown Denver, Central Park, and the popular ski areas of the Rockies. With its convenient location and diverse offerings, the Westin Hotel is an excellent choice for a quick break during your layover in Denver.
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Take the free shuttle to 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants and cafes
If you're looking to get out and explore during your layover in Denver, you can take the free MallRide shuttle to 16th Street Mall. This mile-long pedestrian mall is a great way to experience the city and offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The shuttle runs from early in the morning until late at night, serving both early birds and night owls. With buses arriving every 3 to 15 minutes, you won't have to wait long to start your exploration of the city.
The 16th Street Mall has been a staple in the community since 1982 and is currently undergoing significant renovations to improve accessibility and aesthetics. The project is expected to be completed by 2024 and is being carried out in sections to minimise disruption. Despite the ongoing work, the MallRide shuttle still stops at each block intersecting with 16th Street between Wazee Street and Welton Street. The shuttle also stops at Union Station and Civic Center Station, making it convenient to explore the area.
On 16th Street Mall, you'll find a variety of businesses, restaurants, entertainment options, events, stores, shopping, food, bars, and more. You can spend your layover time enjoying the local flavour and exploring the unique offerings of this mile-long mall. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a comfortable place to relax, or some last-minute shopping, the 16th Street Mall has something for everyone.
If you're an art enthusiast, you can turn your layover into a scavenger hunt for the many permanent art installations at Denver International Airport (DIA). The airport has been named the "Best U.S. Airport for Art," boasting favourites such as the "Children of the World Dream of Peace" mural in the Jeppesen Main Terminal and the interior garden at the centre core of the C Gates. You can also explore the nearly 40 site-specific works of art at DEN, including sculptures, murals, and installations throughout the airport and on the underground train system.
With a long layover, you might also consider venturing out to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, about 40 miles from the airport. Here, you can enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and a natural amphitheatre that's been voted one of the best music venues in the country. Denver also hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival, so you can taste world-class beer without even leaving the airport. Remember to pace yourself, as you're a mile above sea level!
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If you have time, take a taxi to downtown Denver and visit Union Station, the History Colorado Centre and the State Capitol
If you have time during your layover at Denver Airport, it's well worth taking a taxi to downtown Denver to explore some of the city's top attractions. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your time:
Union Station
Union Station, located in the heart of downtown Denver, is a breathtaking Beaux-Arts masterpiece. The station, which first opened in 1881, has undergone several transformations over the years, with the most recent being in 2014. It boasts a rich history and is known for its inspired culture and unique experiences. Union Station offers a wide range of dining options, from fast-casual eateries to upscale award-winning restaurants. It also hosts special events, live music, and seasonal celebrations. On Friday evenings, you can enjoy performances by Colorado's top pianists on their Baby Grand Piano. Additionally, The Urban Market at Union Station showcases local artisans, food vendors, and creatives, providing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
History Colorado Centre
History Colorado offers eleven beautiful and inspiring museums and historic sites across the state. They also have a free public research centre, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and the State Historical Fund, which is the nation's largest preservation program. While there is a History Colorado Centre in Denver, specific information about this particular location is unavailable.
The State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol building, located at 200 E. Colfax Avenue, is a beautiful and unique structure. It is the nation's only capitol building with a LEED Gold certification. The building is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with free guided tours available hourly between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Partner organisations, including the Colorado General Assembly, the Governor's Office, and the Lieutenant Governor's Office, contribute to its upkeep.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a long layover at Denver Airport, you could visit the city of Denver, which is 25 miles from the airport. You can take the low-cost Denver Light Rail from the airport to get there. In the city, you can visit the Golden Triangle Creative District, Larimer Square, the Downtown Aquarium, the History Colorado Centre, the Denver Art Museum, the State Capitol and Coors Field.
Denver Airport is the largest airport in the US and has plenty of amenities to keep you entertained. You can explore the art installations, including the Children of the World Dream of Peace mural in the Jeppesen Main Terminal and the interior garden at the centre core of the C Gates. There are also more than 140 shops, restaurants and services, including Root Down, the first local restaurant to open in the airport.
The Westin Hotel is attached to the main Jeppesen Terminal and there are several other hotels within a few minutes' drive of the airport that run complimentary airport shuttles.
