Best of Denver Bus Tour: Highlights, Views & Local Favorites

Planning a trip to Denver and looking for a way to get your bearings while taking in some of the city’s most iconic sights? This Best of Denver Bus Tour has been catching the eye for its friendly, compact approach—offering a quick, informative glimpse into what makes Denver special. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but still want to experience the essence of the Mile High City without the hassle of navigating on your own.

One thing we really like about this tour is its personalized vibe—with a small group of just 14 people, you’re not lost in a crowd. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to have a knack for weaving fun stories with historical facts, making the ride both entertaining and educational. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the duration is a little tight at just about 1 hour and 45 minutes, which means you’ll get a brisk overview rather than an in-depth exploration. Still, it’s ideal for travelers who want a quick, well-rounded taste of Denver’s highlights.

This tour is particularly suited for first-time visitors, those with limited time in Denver, or travelers who enjoy a relaxed, guided overview of a city’s top spots. If you’re craving a more immersive experience, you might find this too brief, but if just want to get your bearings and see the must-sees, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Affordable and Convenient: At $39 per person, it provides a cost-effective way to see a lot quickly.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 14 travelers, making it more personal and engaging.
• Variety of Sights: From historic landmarks to great city and mountain views, it covers quite a bit.
• Informative Guides: Guides seem to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable, sharing stories that stick.
• Flexibility of Stops: Includes two opportunities for getting out and snapping photos or exploring briefly.
• Ideal for First-Timers: Perfect for those new to Denver wanting a broad overview.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Let’s go through what you’ll actually see on this tour—and what that means for your experience.

Starting at Denver Union Station

The tour kicks off at the beautiful old train station, a central and historic point in Denver’s fabric. It’s not just a practical starting point but also a visual treat, with its grand architecture and significance in Denver’s development. It’s a great first impression and easy to find since it’s right at the meeting spot.

Exploring Larimer Square and Downtown

From Union Station, the bus winds into Larimer Square, the city’s historic core filled with 19th-century architecture and a lively atmosphere. It’s a favorite for many visitors because of its charm, public art, and lively scene. The quick stop here (about five minutes) lets you catch the vibe, snap some photos of the historic facades, and appreciate Denver’s preservation of its past.

Next, the bus crosses over the 16th Street Mall, a bustling pedestrian corridor lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. While you don’t hop off here, it’s a key city landmark that helps you understand Denver’s downtown heart.

Iconic Landmarks and Views

A definite highlight is City Park, a sprawling green space right next to the Denver Zoo. Here, you can enjoy mountain views and a skyline backdrop—perfect for those classic Denver photos. The guide might point out the zoo, but the park itself offers a nice breather and a great chance for photos.

The Big Blue Bear sculpture, peeking out from the Colorado Convention Center, is a fun, must-see photo op praised by many. It’s one of those quirky landmarks that instantly says “Denver” in a playful way.

Historic and Cultural Stops

Next up is the Molly Brown House Museum, once home to the famous Titanic survivor, Margaret “Molly” Brown. While the tour only offers a brief five-minute stop (so no interior tours), just seeing the mansion from outside offers a taste of Denver’s history and literary fame.

The Colorado State Capitol provides one of the tour’s most iconic moments—standing atop the Mile High Steps at 5,280 feet above sea level. It’s a neat photo opportunity and a fun fact to share with friends back home. The building itself, inspired by European architecture, adds to Denver’s civic pride.

Unique Architectural Gems

The Denver Art Museum and the U.S. Mint are also part of the itinerary. The design of the art museum is said to be visually striking, complemented by surrounding public art. The U.S. Mint, meanwhile, offers a quick glance at how money is made, along with some colorful heist stories—though the interior isn’t included, the exterior and stories are entertaining.

Final Stops and Remarks

The tour wraps up again at Union Station, giving you a chance to explore further or continue your Denver adventure. The entire route is crafted to give you a feel for the city’s history, culture, and scenic beauty—all in a short time.

What Guests Are Saying

The reviews paint a pretty clear picture: guides are often praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor. Several reviewers mention guides singing, telling jokes, and making the trip engaging. Multiple reviews highlight how much guests learned and enjoyed the relaxed pace, with opportunities to get out and take photos at key landmarks.

Of course, not everyone loved every minute. One reviewer found the duration a bit shorter than expected—about an hour and a half—so if you’re looking for a lengthy tour, this might feel a little rushed. Another noted the bus was an older model, with some exterior wear, which might matter if you’re a bus enthusiast.

Still, the value seems solid given the affordability and the small-group feel, which makes it easier to ask questions and interact with the guide.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour operates on a mobile ticket basis, starting at 1701 Wynkoop Street near Union Station. The bus is small—seating just 14 people—which fosters a cozy, conversational atmosphere. The bus is likely air-conditioned, based on reviews, ensuring comfort as you cruise through Denver’s neighborhoods.

Duration and Price

At about 1 hour and 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick city overview—less of a deep dive, more a friendly orientation. The price of $39 per person is quite reasonable considering the number of sights covered and the personalized experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour really suits first-time visitors or anyone short on time but eager to get a sense of Denver’s layout, history, and highlights. It’s also good for those who prefer a small, relaxed group over larger, impersonal tours. If you’re more interested in a detailed, in-depth exploration, you might want to consider other options.

The Value of This Experience

For just under $40, you get an entertaining and informative overview of Denver, guided by locals who seem passionate about sharing their city. The stop at key landmarks like Union Station, Larimer Square, City Park, the State Capitol, and the Denver Art Museum offers a good balance of history, architecture, and scenic views.

The small group size enhances the experience—making it easier to ask questions and get a more personalized narration. Plus, the quick stops mean you can take photos and soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

While it’s not a comprehensive deep dive into Denver’s every corner, it’s a great starting point for travelers wanting to orient themselves, get some cool photos, and hear stories that bring the city to life.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a cost-effective, friendly, and informative way to see Denver’s top sights, this Best of Denver Bus Tour offers real value. It’s best suited for first-time visitors, those with limited time, or anyone who appreciates a small-group, relaxed atmosphere with knowledgeable guides.

The tour’s highlights—like Union Station, Larimer Square, City Park, and the State Capitol—are well-chosen and provide a rounded introduction to Denver’s personality. Plus, the positive guest reviews suggest you’re in capable hands, with guides who love to share stories and make you feel welcome.

On the downside, the short duration and older bus model might not satisfy travelers who want a longer, more in-depth experience or modern amenities. Still, if your goal is a quick, friendly overview and some great photos, this tour hits the mark.

This experience offers a nice slice of Denver that’s both fun and practical—perfect for easing into your city adventure without breaking the bank.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including driving time. It’s a brisk overview that packs in many sights.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 14 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and allows for more interaction with the guide.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Denver Local Tours, located at 1701 Wynkoop Street, right near Union Station.

Is the bus comfortable?
While specific details aren’t provided, reviews suggest the bus is air-conditioned, which is important for comfort, especially in warmer months.

What landmarks are included?
Highlights include Union Station, Larimer Square, City Park, the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, Molly Brown House, and the U.S. Mint.

Can I customize the stops or ask questions?
Absolutely. The small group setting and guides’ enthusiasm make it easy to ask questions and engage with the storytelling.

If you’re looking for a handy, friendly introduction to Denver that balances fun, history, and great photos—all at a reasonable price—this tour could be a good fit for your trip.