Tips for Enjoying Denver Airport Layovers

Is it really possible to enjoy an airport layover? In Denver, absolutely! Depending on how much time you have between flights, check out these ideas for experiencing all that Denver International Airport (DEN) and its surroundings have to offer. 

Just the Facts

Denver International Airport is one of the most distinctive airports with a roof that resembles Colorado’s snow-capped peaks, an outdoor plaza larger than a football field, and views of where the mountains and plains (not planes!) intersect. With more than 82 million passengers traveling through, the airport is constantly adding new features, services and interesting spaces to make traveling more enjoyable. 

With more than 100 shops, restaurants and services, there’s a delectable mix of local flavor as well as national brands you’ll recognize. Have several hours on your hands? Consider taking RTD’s A Line commuter rail from DEN to Denver Union Station in the heart of downtown (37 minutes one way) or get off earlier at 38th and Blake Street station to explore the hip River North Art District (RiNo). 

Sip and Savor

In the main Jeppesen Terminal (before security), get a taste of Colorado’s famous craft brewery scene at Boulder Beer Taphouse, which pours a wide selection of year-round beers, seasonal offerings and rotating brewer’s choice specialty beers. Order a taster flight between flights to sample a variety. Or check out the Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a sweet treat. 

It’s easy to move between Concourses A, B and C to satisfy hunger pangs and quench a hearty thirst using the speedy underground train. Experience the Denver food and drink scene with some of the newest additions being on Concourse A, including D Bar for comfort food and desserts; The Bagel Deli for New York-style bagels, deli meats and classic toppings; and Tocabe, the nation’s only American Indian owned and operated fast-casual restaurant that features fry bread, bison ribs and other dishes inspired by Native culinary heritage. Also, don’t miss the new Williams & Graham, where passengers make their way through a 19th-century wooden bookcase to reveal a stunning bar and view of DEN’s airfield. 

Other Colorado-based restaurants to consider include Bar Dough, ChoLon Modern Asian, Elway’s, Mizu Sushi Izakaya, Modern Market, Root Down, Snarf’s Sandwiches, Snooze An A.M. Eatery, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs and The Bindery. Local places that specialize in adult beverages and have delicious dishes on the menu as well include Crú Food and Wine Bar and New Belgium Brewery. Also, head to Breckenridge Brewery — one of the pioneers of Colorado’s craft brewing industry — for a cool one or Lounge 5280 for wine selections from around the world, as well as cocktails, spirits and a beer list highlighting Colorado’s craft brewers.  

Bold Soviet-era colors, a white star and delicious coffees with names like KGBlend and White Nights Espresso signal you have arrived at the various Dazbog Coffee locations on all three concourses. Brothers Leonid and Anatoly Yuffa immigrated to Denver from St. Petersburg, Russia, in their youth and established this Denver-based company in 1996. Teatulia Tea & Coffee Bar, another local favorite based in RiNo, sources organic teas directly from its garden in Bangladesh and offers signature tea and coffee lattes, iced teas and wellness blends on the C Concourse. 

There are a host of other great restaurants and places to grab a cup of joe, smoothie, fresh juices or other beverages throughout the airport, and check back regularly for new additions. You’ll also see people taking home a pink box of Voodoo Doughnuts. Kids will be in heaven stopping by Sugarphoria on Concourse B and at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s two locations.  

Kick Back and Relax

A little free time on your hands is perfect for some pampering. Head to Colorado Oasis on Concourse A for chair massages and wellness products. For other great items to take care of body and soul, stop by Kiehl’s and Björn's Colorado Honey, which sells Boulder County and Denver small-batch honey and bee-based skincare.  

Don’t forget that even shoes need a little tender loving care while traveling. Make sure to look your best by stopping by Executive Shine, with locations in each concourse. Also, make sure your golf-swing stays in tip-top shape at Golf DEN on Concourse A, featuring virtual fairways, comfy lounge chairs, beverages and snacks. 

The free Rest and Recharge area on the Concourse A mezzanine is meant to be quiet and features comfortable seating and recliners. It is a great place to unplug (or charge your devices) and rest your eyes before taking off. Nursing rooms can be found on all concourses, so moms have a relaxing and private place to go. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a children’s play area on Concourse C near Gate C48 is perfect for burning off energy.  

Watch the airport’s passenger event calendar to see when and where a member of the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) will be on hand for hugs, petting and pictures. There is even a feline member of CATS.  

Retail Therapy

The rich legacy of Tattered Cover Book Store began in 1971 near downtown Denver, and the business has grown into one of the premier bookstores in America. If you like books, spend time browsing all the titles and staff picks at one of several locations in DEN.  

Colorado-based brand Topo Designs has an airport location on Concourse C that features packs, bags, apparel and accessories. The focus is on travel-friendly products designed to streamline trips. Also on Concourse C, The Arts District Market is themed around the various arts districts of Denver. Find a collection of local goods and a unique art program as well as electronic essentials, travel comfort items, fresh grab-and-go food and beverages, gifts and more.  

Still needing a few souvenirs or things to bring back for friends and loved ones? Earth Spirit sells beautiful, handcrafted products such as art glass, sculptures, polished wood jewelry boxes, silk scarves, jewelry and more. The two Greetings from Colorado stores have a lot of options, or stop by Colorado Limited kiosks that specialize in Colorado-inspired apparel. Colorado Limited also has two kiosks selling Coors-branded apparel, accessories and drinkware as a salute to the company founded in nearby Golden in 1873.  

For high-end quality, the B Concourse features Johnston & Murphy for men's apparel, shoes, luggage, belts and other accessories for business and leisure travelers and TUMI for luggage, packing cases, briefcases, totes, small leather goods and more.  

Traveling internationally? Stop by the Denver Duty-Free locations for perfume, cosmetics, alcohol, confections and fashion accessories.  

Clubs and Culture

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of airport strolling and have a space to rest, eat, drink or work for a spell? If you have access, clubs operated by American Airlines, American Express, Capital One, Delta and United are the perfect solutions for longer layovers. A great option for U.S. military travelers is the new United Service Organization (USO) Denver location on Concourse A, where Wi-Fi, food, beverages, a children’s area and a multimedia gaming center are available.

Through the City and County of Denver’s “one percent for art” program, there are about 30 site-specific works of art to look for at DEN, including sculptures, murals and other installations. DEN also collaborates with museums, cultural institutions and arts organizations to curate temporary exhibitions. 

Don’t miss the additional works of art at The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel, which has won a variety of architectural awards, and the RTD transit center. Both are connected to the airport by the 82,000-square-foot, open-air plaza situated between Jeppesen Terminal and the hotel before going through security. During the summer and fall, watch the passenger event calendar for free events and entertainment such as Park on the Plaza with games like cornhole, lounge seating and grass-like turf and Concerts on the Fly held on select summer Sunday afternoons.  

Head Next Door

The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel offers a quick way to get out of the airport and grab a meal at Grill & Vine, with a farm-to-table menu and signature craft cocktails. For something a bit more casual and interactive, Sky Lounge is a full-service bar in the lobby with a menu of small bar snacks, tapas and sandwiches. Or there is Ingredients, a grab-and-go eatery featuring coffee beverages and light fare. 

Off-Site Exploring

It can be a gift to have a layover of five hours or more if you want to get out and explore your layover city. The A Line commuter rail that runs every 15 minutes for much of the day from DEN to Denver Union Station downtown makes it easy and inexpensive. Or take a taxi, Uber or Lyft if it makes more sense for a group.  

Before arriving downtown, consider disembarking at the last stop before Union Station (the 38th & Blake station) as you start seeing amazing street art that signals you have arrived in RiNo. Located just north of downtown Denver, RiNo features creative businesses and great places to shop, eat and drink, including food halls that please a variety of taste buds.  

Have the time to head downtown? Upon arriving by train, stroll Union Station, which reopened in 2014 after a $54 million restoration. It’s a major transportation hub and a favorite place to gather with a hotel, restaurants, boutique shops, bars and places to sit inside and out. Just down the street is Coors Field, where you can see a Colorado Rockies baseball game if the timing is right.  

Board the 16th Street Free Ride along the pedestrian 16th Street to cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time, including taking the bus all the way to the end to access the Colorado State Capitol  and the Golden Triangle Creative District, which contains a treasure trove of museums. Another quick way to explore is to hire a pedicab.  

It’s also fun to take a selfie by the huge “I See What You Mean” blue bear sculpture peeking into the Colorado Convention Center and explore Denver’s most historic block, Larimer Square, which is filled with restaurants, boutiques and wellness services.  

Photos courtesy of Denver International Airport. 

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