More about: Denver Tours
If you are planning to visit Denver and are organizing an itinerary, you should know that the city is characterized by a large number of attractions. Whether it is natural scenery or entertainment alternatives in the city center, one of the best ways to discover these sites is to participate in a tour with the assistance of an expert local guide.
Some of the best things to do in Denver include discovering the circuit of craft breweries and street art for which this destination is famous, visiting the different neighborhoods of Colorado's capital city on a guided tour, learning the spooky stories behind the haunted pubs and sampling the flavors 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 participate in a guided tour of the city's major sites. These experiences will usually begin in Larimer Square, the central point of the LoDo, where Victorian architecture blends with trendy stores and restaurants. There you will discover the history of this street as you stroll along its cobblestones and admire the elegance of Victorian buildings.
Nearby you will see the Colorado State Capitol building, a building distinguished by its gold-plated dome and its central esplanade, followed by staircases and columns that support the 55-meter-high structure. Nearby, this small group tour will also take you to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, which will catch your eye with its sandstone and red granite facade.
On the other hand, these tours usually include 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 stands, restaurants and bars, where you can sample some of the local cuisine .
Interesting details
- Price: approximately 39 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the main sites of Denver in a short experience.
- Disadvantages of these tours: tickets for the attractions of the circuit 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 discover the secrets of craft beer and do tastings, to the RiNo corridor, you can contemplate the avant-garde of this destination.
In RiNo, graffiti lovers will find a paradise. This district stands out for its streets full of color and creativity 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. In addition, in this neighborhood you can visit Epic Brewing Company, a modern space that combines brewing innovation with artistic aesthetics.
During these experiences, which are available throughout the year, you can count on the assistance of a local expert guide who will let you know the secrets of every corner of the city and learn about the stories behind each mural and each brewery bar. Also, if you plan to visit Denver during the summer, you will have the ideal 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. There you can do tastings while watching the food scene intertwine with Denver's artistic spirit.
Details of Interest
- Price: approximately 53 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2 hours and a half.
- Advantages of these tours: you will be able to combine two of Denver's best tours and do local beer tastings.
- Disadvantages of these tours: because it is an intense tour you will not have too much free time to visit the sites on your own.
3. Denver Segway Tour
If you want to see the main attractions of Denver but want to do it in an exciting and adventurous experience, you can participate in a segway tour. In these tours you can start your journey in Confluence Park, an urban oasis where the Platte and Cherry Creek rivers meet, forming a natural wonder. There 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 railroad.
Toward 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 diverse collections inside, if you wish to include it in your itinerary or have pre-purchased tickets.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 62 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the main points of the city in a comfortable and fun way.
- Disadvantages of these tours: due to the speed that the segway reaches, 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 participate in a haunted pub tour 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 will 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 inside the hotel, is known for its tales of paranormal activity. Here you can listen to ghost stories while sipping 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, 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 characterizes Irish sites everywhere.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 35 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will be able to combine a tour of mystery and terror with the tasting of drinks in some of the most outstanding pubs of the city.
- Disadvantages of these tours: they are not recommended experiences to do with children.
5. Denver Food Tour
One of the best ways to get to know a destination is to enjoy its food, and a food tour in Denver will give you the opportunity to explore the distinctive flavors and vibrant culinary scene of Colorado's capital city. Plus, if you're planning to visit the city in December, these itineraries will give you a chance to sample typical Christmas Eve dishes.
Generally, these tours will begin in the Union Station area, where you can 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 Argentine cuisine that will delight your palate with authentic flavors.
These tours will also take you to RiNo, Denver's popular neighborhood that combines gastronomic offerings with the art scene. There you will find The Source, a flea market located in an old foundry that will allow you to taste 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 stores, you can enjoy authentic cuisine at Linger, a small restaurant located 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 know an alternative profile of the city, from its typical restaurants to its most popular gastronomic areas.
- Disadvantages of these excursions: some of the tastings are not included in the price of the experience.
How to book an excursion in Denver?
You can book any of these tours in advance online or book them once you are in the city. 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 should book the tours before your trip.
On the other hand, if you book in advance you can organize an itinerary for your tour and combine these tours with some of the best full-day excursions from Denver, which will allow 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 optimize your time in the city.
Denver sightseeing tips
Participating 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 one 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 the high season months, the places on the tours could sell out or increase due to last minute bookings, because in the United States the rates are dynamic. Therefore, I advise you to book in advance and enjoy these advantages.
Why is it advisable to take a tour in Denver?
Doing a tour in Denver is more than a simple exploration, as it will allow you to live a unique experience that offers a combination of culture, gastronomy and scenic beauty. First of all, the city boasts a vibrant art scene, evidenced in the RiNo district, where colorful 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 at LoHi, the city presents a wide variety of flavors and dining styles. That's why specialized tours allow visitors to explore the local culinary scene and sample the most striking dishes at each of these venues.
Denver also captivates with its rich history and architecture, which can be explored in places like 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 the itinerary is already organized, 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 at the local food scene, these unique opportunities are an added value that sets guided tours apart from independent tours.