How to Spend a Weekend in Aspen Without Breaking the Bank
Aspen is often associated with Hollywood, celebrity sightings, and luxury vacations for the rich.
And that’s true. But that doesn’t mean people can’t enjoy a weekend in Aspen on a budget.
In fact, I have been to Aspen three times and always enjoyed it even without its luxuries.
But the key to enjoying it lies in planning. You need to make smart choices, avoid tourist traps, and have a clear idea of what your budget looks like.
That’s what this guide is for. To show you how to enjoy a weekend in Aspen on a budget.
But first, where should you stay in Aspen.
Where to stay on a budget in Aspen
It’s easy to find glitzy accommodations in Aspen. I mean you can find it everywhere. But what about cheap ones?
Yes, they’re also present. Here are some of my best accommodations in Aspen:
1. Hotel Durant, which is present right in the central
Hotel Durant is located in downtown Aspen and offers a European-style lodge experience at a moderate price.
This family-run inn delivers warmth, classic decor, and excellent location near Aspen Mountain and Lift 1A.
Expect to pay around $350-$400 for a night’s stay in this hotel.
2. St. Moritz Lodge, if you want good affordability
St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums is a fantastic option if you’re looking for affordability and friendly people all around.
Guests rave about its reasonable rates, friendly staff, and generous perks like happy hours and afternoon snacks.
It’s located at 334 W Hyman Avenue. It’s not downtown, but it’s a short walk from the action. The prices vary from $120-$170.
3. Tyrolean lodge and Residence hotel
Also check out the Tyrolean Lodge and The Residence Hotel. Both are often recommended as some of the more affordable hotels in town, with great locations and solid reviews.
Prices vary around the $200 a night range.
Now that you know some of the most affordable places in Aspen, let’s now look at what food you should eat that won’t break the bank and still fulfill your appetite.
What to eat and affordable dining options in Aspen
From delicious sandwiches to local happy hours, these foods are tailor-made to fit a budget.
– Big Wrap: This place is often rated as one of Aspen’s most affordable eats. They will serve you some of the best burritos and wraps that can satisfy even hikers and adventurers.
It’s located at 520 E Durant Avenue, so almost in the central.
– Grateful Deli: If you want sandwiches, soups, or big, generous portions that can fulfill your appetite, this is the place.
It’s located at 233 E Main St.
It’s Pastrami is one of my favorites.
– Hickory House: Renowned for its ribs, this local favorite is one of the best places if you want some non-veg on a budget.
It’s located in 730 W Main St.
Imagine eating ½ racks ribs & beef brisket for just $30.
– Home Team BBQ: Famous for its tater tots and laid-back vibe, especially great if you’re exploring Buttermilk Mountain.
Open in the morning from 8, it’s one of my favorite BBQ restaurants in Aspen. It’s ribs and mac are insanely delicious.
Located in 38750 CO-82.
Free or Low-Cost things to do in Aspen
People often think, the best things to do in Aspen must cost a lot.
But that’s a heavy misunderstanding.
Reality is that the best things to do in Aspen are often free or cost very little.
Here are some of the best things you can do in Aspen for free or low cost:
– Music on the Mountain: Take a Gondola and go on top of the Aspen mountain to hear free classical music on Saturdays and Sunday bluegrass music in summer seasons.
The only money required here is to purchase the Gondola ride. But the ride down will be free.
– Aspen Art Museum: Always free to enter and hosts a variety of rotating contemporary exhibitions which you’ll love if you’re into art.
It also supports local artists, so it’s a great way to explore the local culture and art scene of Aspen.
– Exploring the Smugglers Mountain & grottos: If you like nature and want to have a picnic in beautiful mountains, then come here. It’s easily accessible from downtown Aspen, and you can even ride a bike if you want.
– John Denver Sanctuary: A peaceful garden featuring engraved stones, perfect for reflection or a picnic.
It’s located next to the Rio Grande Park, adjacent to Theatre Aspen’s Hurst Theatre.
– Bluegrass Sundays: What better than to sip on free music in the open air on top of a mountain, and that too after taking a Gondola ride?
It’s an open invitation to unwind amid Aspen’s mountainside beauty.
Additional money-saving tips for your Aspen trip
We’ve already covered a lot on how you can enjoy Aspen on a budget. But I wanted to give you some additional, “insider” tips to really make sure you won’t have budgeting problems for your Aspen trip.
Here we go:
– Take advantage of free public transit
Aspen’s Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) runs free shuttles within Aspen and between nearby areas like Snowmass, Woody Creek, and Basalt.
This will save you an extra $100 alone just by not booking a costly Uber or car rental.
You can also save your booking early from the official RFTA site.
– Rent gear off mountain
Don’t get your gear at the slopeside. Get them from ski rentals in town such as Four Mountain Sports or Incline Ski.
Even better option would be to get gear from local shops in Glenwood Springs or Basalt.
– Focus on free or discounted activities
Not everyday has to be a ski day, right? Hiking, checking out the John Denver Sanctuary or listening to Bluegrass Sundays are good alternatives, right?
Also make sure to take a walk through the historic downtown Aspen, it’s free of cost but insanely beautiful.
– Travel off peak
This is actually my biggest hack for traveling on a budget. No matter where I go, I always prefer to travel off-peak. It’s a cheat code to be honest.
Lodging, lift tickets, and even food prices drop compared to the December–February peak.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Aspen doesn’t need a lot of money or require you to be an A-list celebrity.
With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the snow, charm, and mountain lifestyle without emptying your wallet.
In this article, I showed you where to stay, what to eat and even what to enjoy in Aspen.
You can literally just spend $500 or even less and have an amazing Aspen trip.
Just chose to stay in a place like St. Moritz Lodge, eat affordable foods from places like Grateful Deli and focus more on free or low-cost things.
There’s literally zero excuse to not travel to Aspen.
So don’t wait for a bigger budget to make it happen. With the right mindset (and a few hacks from this guide), your Aspen weekend can be just as magical—and a whole lot more affordable—than you ever imagined.
