More about: Denver Tours
If you are planning to visit Denver and are organising an itinerary, you should know that the city is characterised by a wealth of attractions. Whether it's natural scenery or entertainment alternatives in the city centre, one of the best ways to discover these sites is to join a tour with the assistance of an expert local guide.
Some of the best things to do in Denver include discovering the craft brewery and street art circuit for which this destination is famous, visiting the different neighbourhoods of Colorado's capital city on a guided tour, learning the spooky stories behind the haunted pubs and sampling the flavours of the West on a food tour.
1. Guided tour of the city's main sites
One of the best ways to get to know Denver's historic heart is to join a guided tour of the city's major sites. These experiences will usually begin in Larimer Square, the centre point of the LoDo, where Victorian architecture mingles with trendy shops and restaurants. Here you'll discover the history of this street as you stroll along its cobblestones and admire the elegance of Victorian buildings.
Nearby is the Colorado State Capitol building, a building distinguished by its gold-plated dome and central concourse, followed by staircases and columns that support the 55-metre-high structure. Nearby, this small-group walking tour will also take you to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, which will catch your eye with its sandstone and red granite façade.
A visit to Union Station, a former train station that has evolved to combine its historic architecture and transportation services with some of the city's best food stalls, restaurants and bars for tastings and local cuisine, is usually included in these tours.
Interesting details
- Price: approximately 39 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will get to see the main sites of Denver in a short experience.
- Disadvantages of these tours: entrance fees for the attractions on the tour are not included in the price of the experience.
2. Denver Beer and Graffiti Tour
If you want to combine two of Denver's great passions, you can't miss these tours that will take you on a tour of the city's craft breweries and street art circuits. From Great Divide Brewing Co. where you can learn the secrets of craft beer and do tastings, to the RiNo corridor, you'll get a glimpse of the destination's avant-garde.
RiNo is a graffiti lover's paradise. This district stands out for its colourful and creative streets and offers emblematic circuits such as The Crush Walls and RiNo Art District, where you can find the artistic expressions that decorate the walls of the city. Also, in this neighbourhood you can visit Epic Brewing Company, a modern space that combines brewing innovation with artistic aesthetics.
During these experiences, which are available year-round, you'll be assisted by a local expert guide who will let you in on the secrets of every corner of the city and learn about the stories behind every mural and brewpub. Also, if you plan to visit Denver during the summer, you'll have the perfect weather to tour these sites at night with the best temperature.
Finally, these experiences will usually also take you to Black Shirt Brewing Co, a place where art and beer merge in harmony. Here you can do tastings while watching the food scene intertwine with Denver's artistic spirit.
Interesting details
- Price: approximately 53 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2.5 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you'll be able to combine two of Denver's best tours with local beer tastings.
- Disadvantages of these tours: Because it's an intense tour, you won't have much free time to visit the sites on your own.
3. Denver Segway Tour
If you want to see Denver's top attractions but want an exciting and adventurous experience, you can join a segway tour. On these tours you can start your journey at Confluence Park, an urban oasis where the Platte and Cherry Creek rivers meet, forming a natural wonderland. Here you can walk along the riverside trails and discover the panoramic views.
From the comfort of a Segway, you can also tour the area around the Downtown Aquarium and LoDo, where history meets modernity at the crossroads of architectural styles. In this district you can stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the historic buildings, as well as briefly visit Union Station, a Victorian gem that encapsulates Denver's historic connection to the railway.
Towards the end of the tour you can also visit the Denver Art Museum. There you can admire the outdoor sculptures and art installations around the museum before exploring the various collections inside, if you wish to include it in your itinerary or have pre-purchased tickets.
Interesting details
- Price: approximately 62 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will be able to see the main sights of the city in a comfortable and fun way.
- Disadvantages of these tours: due to the speed of the Segway, they are not recommended for the elderly or people with reduced mobility.
4. Denver Haunted Pub Tour
Are you up for a night full of suspense and mystery? If the answer is yes, you can choose to take part in a haunted pub crawl in Denver. During these experiences you can visit the famous The Cruise Room, which is located in the historic Oxford Hotel and has been serving cocktails since the repeal of Prohibition. There you'll discover tales of spectral apparitions while enjoying the vintage atmosphere.
These tours will usually also take you to The Brown Palace Hotel, a city icon that has hosted illustrious visitors since 1892. The Ship Tavern, located within the hotel, is known for its tales of paranormal activity. Here you can listen to ghost stories while sipping on a selection of local brews in one of the best things to do at night in Denver.
Finally, in Capitol Hill, a district known for its historic architecture and, according to local legend, its visitors from beyond the grave, The Irish Snug will greet you with its long tradition of spectral apparitions. Here you can combine the terror of the ghost stories the guide will share with you with the camaraderie and hospitality that characterises Irish sites everywhere.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 35 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2 hours.
- Benefits of these tours: you will be able to combine a tour of mystery and terror with tasting drinks in some of the city's most prominent pubs.
- Disadvantages of these tours: not recommended for children.
5. Denver Food Tour
One of the best ways to experience a destination is to enjoy its food, and a food tour in Denver will give you the opportunity to explore the distinctive flavours and vibrant culinary scene of Colorado's capital. Plus, if you're planning to visit the city in December, these itineraries will give you the chance to sample typical Christmas Eve dishes.
Typically, these tours will begin in the Union Station area, where you'll find a variety of options ranging from local dishes to international offerings. There you can try the popular Maria Empanada empanadas, a typical preparation of Argentinean cuisine that will delight your palate with authentic flavours.
These tours will also take you to RiNo, Denver's popular neighbourhood that combines gastronomic offerings with the art scene. Here you'll find The Source, a flea market housed in a former foundry, where you can sample innovative dishes from local chefs and learn first-hand about the culinary specialties of one of the most important cities in the American West.
Finally, in the LoHi district, known for its laid-back atmosphere and mix of chic restaurants and eclectic shops, you can enjoy authentic cuisine at Linger, a small restaurant housed in a former funeral home where you can sample a variety of dishes ranging from steamed pork dumplings to coconut ceviches.
Interesting details
- Price: approximately 71 euros per person.
- Duration: about 3 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will get to see an alternative profile of the city, from its typical restaurants to its most popular gastronomic areas.
- Disadvantages of these tours: some of the tastings are not included in the price of the experience.
How to book a tour in Denver?
You can book any of these tours in advance online or book them once you are in town. Just keep in mind that if you plan to visit Denver during the summer, which coincides with the high season months, rates may increase for last minute purchases, so in that case you may want to book tours in advance of your trip.
On the other hand, booking in advance will allow you to organise an itinerary for your tour and combine these tours with some of the best full-day excursions from Denver, allowing you to get the most out of your tour, especially if you are planning a 3-day stay in Denver or even less and need to make the most of your time in the city.
Denver sightseeing tips
Taking part in a guided tour in Denver will not only allow you to see some of the best sites in the city with the assistance of an expert local guide, but it will also give you a different perspective on the sites you visit. Therefore, I advise you to make sure that before you book the experiences that each of them relates to the experience you want to have in the city.
Also, keep in mind that if you plan to visit Denver during the summer or during peak season months, tour locations may sell out or increase due to last minute bookings, as rates are dynamic in the United States. Therefore, I advise you to book early and take advantage of these benefits.
Why is it advisable to take a tour in Denver?
Taking a tour in Denver is more than just an exploration, it is a unique experience that offers a combination of culture, food and scenic beauty. Firstly, the city boasts a vibrant arts scene, evidenced in the RiNo district, where colourful murals and outdoor contemporary art galleries bring the streets to life, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects local creativity.
In addition, Denver's culinary diversity is another reason to join a guided tour. From the iconic stalls of Union Station to the upscale restaurants in LoHi, the city offers a wide variety of flavours and dining styles. That's why specialised tours allow visitors to explore the local culinary scene and sample the most appealing dishes at each of these venues.
Denver also captivates with its rich history and architecture, which can be explored at sites such as Larimer Square and the LoDo district. These tours, then, will allow you to discover these different facets of the city at different times of the day and even take part in some of the best things to do at night in Colorado's capital city.
What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting Denver on my own?
First of all, guided tours provide access to detailed historical and cultural information that you might miss when exploring the city on your own. Local guides, with their expert knowledge, can share fascinating anecdotes about the places you visit, giving you a unique and enriching perspective that will enhance your experience at each of the sites you include in your travel itinerary.
Another key advantage is the convenience and efficiency that guided tours offer. Planning a visit to a new city can be overwhelming, but with a tour your itinerary is already organised, allowing you to make the most of the time available at each destination, especially if you are planning a short 3-day stay in Denver or even less.
Finally, guided tours can provide exclusive access to places and experiences that may not be available to those exploring the city independently. Whether it's getting into historic sites before they open to the public or enjoying exclusive tastings of the local food scene, these unique opportunities are an added value that sets guided tours apart from independent tours.