Denver: Arts District Walking Food Tour

If you’re considering exploring Denver’s lively arts scene while indulging in some of the city’s best bites, the Denver: Arts District Walking Food Tour might just be what you’re after. It’s a good way to combine a love for good food, vibrant street art, and local stories in a manageable, friendly package. We’ve come across this tour through reviews and descriptions, and it seems to pack in a lot for a reasonable price.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it offers delicious local dishes from award-winning spots, paired with the chance to see Denver’s famous murals and hear stories from passionate guides. One of its strengths is that it’s a three-hour leisurely walk—meaning you get a taste of the neighborhood without feeling rushed. However, it’s worth noting that the tour covers just under a mile of walking, so it’s accessible but still involves some steady strolling. This tour is ideal for food lovers, art fans, and anyone wanting a peek into Denver’s creative side without a full-day commitment.

Key Points

• Tastes of Denver’s best: Five different dishes from top local restaurants
• Street art and culture: Discover vibrant murals and learn their stories
• Expert local guides: Knowledgeable, friendly, and full of insider info
• Flexible options: Standard price, with optional alcohol pairings available
• Good value: Includes a full lunch-like experience with food, drink options, and a guide
• Accessibility: Walks about a mile over three hours, suitable for most

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is the Denver Arts District Walking Food Tour?

This experience offers a three-hour walking journey through Denver’s RiNo Arts District, a neighborhood known for its bold murals, industrial vibe, and dynamic culinary scene. You’ll meet your guide at Los Chingones RiNo, a lively fusion restaurant run by a notable local chef, and from there, the adventure begins.

The tour involves visits to five award-winning local restaurants, each offering a signature dish. It’s designed as a full lunch experience, so think of it as a well-rounded way to enjoy Denver’s food scene in a single outing. The dishes are diverse—from house-made gnocchi to street tacos with a twist—ensuring a range of flavors and styles.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Beyond the food, what really sets this experience apart is the opportunity to explore Denver’s vibrant street art. The murals are a colorful backdrop to your tastings and provide excellent photo opportunities. Your guide will share stories about the murals and the neighborhood’s history, adding depth to the visual feast.

Reviews highlight the quality of the food and the personable guides. One traveler from Switzerland mentioned, “the pizza slice with the special topping was really amazing,” emphasizing the culinary highlights. Another reviewer from the U.S. called it “great food, great guide, great fun,” which sums up the overall vibe quite well.

What’s Included, and What’s Not?

The tour includes five tastings at top local restaurants, which provides a satisfying meal. An insider’s guide to Denver dining is also part of the package, enriching your understanding of the city’s food scene. If you’re interested in drinks, you can opt to add three alcoholic drinks for an additional $35, which many find enhances the experience.

However, be aware that alcohol pairings are an extra expense, and not included in the base price of $79 per person. Some reviews mention that the drinks aren’t necessarily worth the extra cost, so consider whether you want to indulge.

How the Tour Unfolds

Starting at Los Chingones, your guide will introduce you to the neighborhood’s vibe and its culinary gems. Over three hours, you’ll visit five restaurants, each offering a signature dish. The stops are spaced out enough to enjoy the atmosphere and street art along the way.

Expect to taste fresh house-made gnocchi, Mexican street tacos with a fusion twist, specialty sourdough pizza—which one reviewer described as possibly “the tastiest slice of pizza”—and Bavarian pretzels made with local beer cheese. There’s also house-made seasonal ice cream, giving a sweet finish to your tasting tour.

Between stops, your guide shares stories about Denver’s burgeoning culinary scene and the murals that adorn the neighborhood. The walking pace is leisurely, making it accessible, but still engaging enough to keep your interest.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Do Travelers Say?

Most reviews are glowing, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from six reviews. Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides, saying they provided excellent background and local insights. One review from Poland called the guides “super friendly with vast local knowledge,” and many appreciated the personalized restaurant recommendations.

Taste-wise, many travelers felt they got good value. One mentioned the pizza as “really amazing,” and others enjoyed the variety and quality of the dishes. The street art also gets high marks, with visitors loving the vibrant murals and the stories behind them.

A less favorable review pointed out that the food options can be limited for dietary restrictions—notably vegans or those with gluten intolerance—so that’s something to keep in mind. Plus, some felt that the alcoholic drinks weren’t quite worth the extra $35, describing the beverages as not adding enough value for the cost.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love food and art and want a relaxed, guided way to explore Denver’s vibrant neighborhood, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s especially suitable for those who want a comprehensive, full-flavor experience without dedicating a whole day. It’s a good option for visitors who appreciate knowledgeable guides and are interested in local culture beyond just the food.

That said, it might not be ideal if you have strict dietary needs or are seeking a more adventurous culinary experience—since options are somewhat limited for specific restrictions and the tour is more about showcasing popular spots than pushing culinary boundaries.

The Bottom Line

The Denver Arts District Walking Food Tour offers a solid mix of delicious bites, street art, and local stories in a relaxed setting. It’s a smart choice for those wanting to get a good overview of Denver’s creative and culinary scene without the fuss of a full restaurant hop or a lengthy tour. The guides’ local knowledge and the quality of the food make it a worthwhile outing, especially if you enjoy discovering neighborhoods on foot.

While the tour isn’t perfect—particularly for dietary restrictions or those not interested in alcohol—the overall experience is engaging and fulfilling. It’s especially suited for foodies, art lovers, and travelers who want an authentic, enjoyable taste of Denver’s vibrant RiNo district.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It lasts for about 3 hours, which is enough time to enjoy five tastings and explore the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.

Where does the tour start?
You meet your guide at Los Chingones RiNo, a well-known fusion restaurant in the neighborhood.

Is the tour suitable for people with walking difficulties?
Since it covers just under one mile of walking over three hours, it’s generally accessible, but some standing and walking are involved.

Can I add alcohol to my tour?
Yes, on-site you can upgrade your ticket to include three alcoholic drinks for an additional $35.

Are the food options suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The tour seems to focus on specific dishes like gnocchi, tacos, pizza, pretzels, and ice cream. It might not be ideal for vegans or gluten-sensitive travelers, as those options aren’t explicitly mentioned.

What’s the price?
The base price is $79 per person, which we think offers good value considering the multiple tastings and guide service.

Are children or families welcome?
The tour is geared towards adults; there’s no specific mention of family suitability, and dietary restrictions could be an issue.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking around the neighborhood.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re keen to explore Denver’s indie street art scene and enjoy some local eats, this tour hits a nice sweet spot. It’s informal, fun, and provides a genuine taste of what makes the RiNo district special. Just come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for a good dose of local flavor.

You can check availability for your dates here: