If you’re passing through Colorado and wondering about things to do at Denver Airport, you’re not alone. Denver International Airport (airport code DEN, commonly called DIA by locals) is a major hub for United, Southwest, and Frontier, so long layovers are common. The airport is large but fairly straightforward to navigate, with a free underground train connecting Concourses A, B, and C once you’re through security. With some planning, it’s possible to eat well, stretch your legs, or even leave the airport briefly if your connection allows.
1. Eat
Denver Airport is one of the better U.S. airports for sampling local food, with several Colorado-based restaurants and familiar regional flavours mixed in among the usual chains. One of the standouts is Root Down, a Denver favourite known for seasonal comfort food and solid vegetarian and gluten-free options. It’s a good choice if you want something that feels closer to a real restaurant than typical airport fare, and the bar can be easier to snag than a table.
For a more traditional Colorado experience, Elway’s offers steakhouse classics in Concourses A and B, while Mesa Verde focuses on Southwestern dishes featuring green chile, a regional staple you’ll see throughout Colorado. If you’re short on time, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs in Concourse B serves creative hot dogs at relatively reasonable airport prices.
You’ll also find Colorado-based chains like Woody Creek Bakery & Café for baked goods and sandwiches, and MOD Market for lighter, quick meals. Coffee is widely available, including Dazbog Coffee, a local roaster with multiple locations.
Late-night and overnight food options are limited. Some fast-food outlets and convenience markets may operate late or around the clock, but hours can change, so vending machines are often the most reliable option during overnight layovers.
2. Lounge
Airport lounges aren’t just for premium cabin travellers. At Denver Airport, access is available through certain lounge memberships, and day passes may be offered by airline-operated lounges when space allows. Availability and access rules can change, so it’s best to check the current options in our Denver Airport Guide before you plan on using one.
3. Go on a Colorado beer crawl
Colorado has one of the strongest craft beer scenes in the U.S., and you can sample it without leaving the airport. The Boulder Beer Tap House, located in the Jeppesen Terminal before security, showcases one of the state’s early craft breweries. Airside, the New Belgium Hub in Concourse B pours beers from the Fort Collins brewery, including some that are harder to find outside Colorado.
Several sit-down restaurants across the concourses also focus on local and regional beers, making it easy to put together a low-key tasting as you walk the airport. Remember that Denver’s high elevation can make alcohol hit harder than expected, so pacing and hydration help.
4. Enjoy the view
Large windows throughout the concourses offer views of the surrounding plains and, on clear days, distant mountain silhouettes. Travellers often mention the windows near the end of Concourse C as a pleasant place to pause, especially around sunset, though views of the Rockies depend heavily on weather and visibility.
5. Shop
Shopping at Denver Airport leans heavily into local flavour, making it easy to pick up Colorado-themed gifts or something to read for the flight. One of the highlights is Tattered Cover, a well-known Denver bookstore with smaller locations in multiple concourses. It’s a good stop for novels, travel reads, or books on Colorado history and culture.
For souvenirs, Colorado Limited sells Colorado-flag apparel and locally inspired gear that’s easy to pack and gift. Beauty and skincare travellers can browse Kiehl’s in Concourse C, while art, jewellery, and boutique clothing shops are scattered throughout the terminals.
Alongside these, you’ll still find the usual airport convenience stores for snacks, electronics, and travel essentials, making shopping here more about casual browsing than a major retail destination.
6. Explore Art
Denver International Airport is known for its public art program, which includes permanent installations and rotating exhibits throughout the terminals. One of the most famous pieces, the large blue horse sculpture visible outside the airport, often sparks strong reactions. Inside, murals, sculptures, and mixed-media works are spread across the concourses, making art-watching something you can do casually as you move through the airport.
7. Become a conspiracy theorist
Some of the airport’s art and design elements have inspired conspiracy theories over the years, particularly around certain murals and symbols. While these stories are part of DIA’s pop-culture reputation, they’ve largely been explained or debunked. Exploring them can be a quirky way to pass time, especially if you enjoy a bit of airport folklore.
8. Get Connected
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Denver Airport and does not require an account or time limit, making it easy to message family, stream shows, or plan the rest of your trip during a long layover.
9. Get your blood pumping
At over 5,400 feet above sea level, Denver’s altitude can make even a long walk feel more strenuous than usual. With three large concourses connected by train, it’s easy to stretch your legs and rack up steps between flights. Free water bottle filling stations are available throughout the concourses, which helps with hydration in the dry, high-altitude air.
10. Ride the rails with your kids
The underground train connecting Concourses A, B, and C runs frequently and can be a fun break for kids during a long layover. Families may also want to browse Kazoo & Company, a toy store located on the Concourse B mezzanine, which offers games and small toys to help pass the time.
11. Relax
If your body needs a break, spa services like chair massages are available in Concourse B at A Massage. For something more low-key, Denver Airport’s Canine Airport Therapy Squad often brings trained therapy dogs into the terminals, offering travellers a brief, calming distraction when they’re on duty.
For quiet reflection or prayer, the Interfaith Chapel and Islamic Prayer Hall in the Jeppesen Terminal are open 24 hours and provide a calm space away from the concourses.
12. Explore Denver
If your layover is long enough, it’s possible to leave the airport and see a bit of the city. The RTD A Line train runs between the airport and downtown Denver, with a travel time of about 37 minutes to Union Station. Trains run frequently, but this option works best if you have several hours to spare and are comfortable budgeting time for security on the way back.
Union Station itself is worth a brief visit, with restaurants, cafés, and breweries nearby. From there, you can walk or take a short ride to attractions like Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, or head toward the Civic Center area to visit the Denver Art Museum and the nearby Clyfford Still Museum, which is compact enough to see in about an hour.
This option is best suited to daytime layovers, good weather, and travellers comfortable navigating public transit. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Denver.
13. Sleep
You shouldn’t have much problem catching up on sleep here, whether it’s a daytime nap or an overnight campout session. Seats and benches are available throughout all terminals, though most have armrests. Otherwise, take advantage of the wide-open carpeted floor space. Travellers report particular luck sleeping in these spots: Black recliners in Concourse A (September, 2024) and an area with cots for passengers in Concourse B, Mezzanine Level (July, 2024). During major delays and flight cancellations; the rumour is airport staff provide cots and blankets. Sleeping inside the airport isn’t quite your style? The Westin Hotel is a brand-new hotel attached to the main Jeppesen Terminal. Otherwise, several hotels are within a few minute’s drive of the airport and run complimentary airport shuttles. See our Denver Airport Guide for locations and amenities.
Sleeping at Denver Airport is manageable, but comfort is hit or miss. Seating is plentiful throughout the terminals, though many benches include armrests that limit how much you can stretch out. Some travellers report finding quieter corners or open carpeted areas for resting, particularly late at night, but noise and lighting can still be an issue. Traveller reports occasionally mention recliner-style seating in certain areas and the use of cots during major delays, though these are not guaranteed and should be considered situational rather than standard.
For proper rest, the Westin Denver International Airport is directly connected to the Jeppesen Terminal and is the most convenient option. Several off-airport hotels are also located nearby and typically offer shuttle service, which may suit longer overnight layovers. See our Denver Airport Guide for locations and amenities.
Updated 14 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Denver Airport. Visit our Denver Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.