historic denver tours

Eat, Drink, & Play in the Mile High City

Denver Walking Tours | 15 Best Historic Downtown Tours (2023)

Table of Contents

Are you curious about the best Denver walking tours?

There’s no doubt that taking a walking tour is a fantastic way to explore a new city. And when visiting Denver, CO , there are plenty of walking tours to achieve just that. So keep reading for my curated list of only the best Denver walking tours available.

Since I’m still  im patiently waiting to win the lottery, this post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and complete a purchase, I may be paid a commission (at no extra cost to you). This article may also include references to sponsored activities, however, all opinions expressed are solely my own.

What Are the Best Walking Tours Denver Has to Offer?

A city known for its outdoor adventures, Denver hiking is a popular activity for locals and travelers alike. But exploring the inner city on foot is just as exciting and enjoyable.

There is no shortage of walking tours in Denver, and there’s undoubtedly one for every interest. From the classic highlights to a haunted pub crawl, and everything in between.

Here are some of the top tours you can take in the city:

• History & Highlights Walking Tour (best option for history buffs)
• Downtown Denver Food Tours (best for food tastings)
• Audio Adventure (best free walking tours)

Top Historic Denver Walking Tours

Step into Denver’s storied past with our curated list of the best historic walking tours. Walk the same streets that once echoed with the footsteps of gold miners, pioneers, and visionaries.

Guided by experts who breathe life into tales long past, you’ll explore iconic landmarks and hidden corners, each with its own tale to tell. Unravel the layers of time and witness the transformation of the Mile High City from a fledgling frontier town to the vibrant metropolis it is today. Every cobblestone and façade has a story, and we invite you to walk through history and hear them all.

Denver’s LoDo Walking Tour

Denver’s pulsating core, the Lower Downtown neighborhood, affectionately coined ‘LoDo’ by the locals, is a must-stop for a tour. This area, a blend of the city’s historic roots and modern flair, offers more than just a casual stroll. With its vibrant streets, iconic landmarks, and captivating stories, a walking tour here is an immersion into Denver’s essence.

Why choose the LoDo Walking Tour Experience?

• Iconic & Trendy : LoDo isn’t just about history; it’s where Denver’s past meets its stylish present. From trendy spots to historic landmarks, get the best of both worlds.
• Engaging Insights : Led by a local tour guide passionate about the city, expect riveting tales from Denver’s bygone eras.
• Snapshot Ready : Every corner is a potential masterpiece for your camera. Make memories with the city’s landmark backdrops.
• Personalized Tips : Need recommendations on the hottest spots or the coziest diners? Your guide has you covered.

LoDo’s charm isn’t just in its streets, but in the stories they hold. Traverse these tales and make your own memories on this curated walking tour. For those keen to truly understand the essence of the city of Denver, there’s no better place for the tour start than the heart of Denver: LoDo.

Twilight Haunted Denver Tour

Be warned that you may want to leave the lights on in your Airbnb for the night after this tour. But only if you’re easily scared. 

Suited for ages 9+, this evening ghost tour takes you through Denver’s most haunted neighborhood. You’ll walk past historic buildings, hear about haunted pasts, and maybe even see paranormal activity.

This is ideal for the eager ghost-buster, or anyone interested in the paranormal history of Denver. 

Downtown Denver History & Highlights Walking Tour

Lasso your way into Denver’s Wild West past and present with a seasoned guide, boasting years of expertise in the hospitality sector. On this comprehensive journey, delve deep into the Mile High City’s architectural wonders and rich history.

Why choose this Denver walking tour?

• Historic Insights : Marvel at iconic landmarks like the Brown Palace, Larimer Square, and Denver Union Station.
• Expert Guidance : The local guide ensures every story and structure unfolds with vivid detail, making the city’s past come alive.
• Exclusive Recommendations : As participants stroll, they’ll receive insider tips on Denver’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment spots.
• Intimate Experience : Small groups ensure a personalized exploration of Denver’s heart.

With each step, unravel Denver’s transformation from a pioneer settlement to the bustling Colorado capital. Whether a seasoned local or a curious traveler, this walking tour guarantees fresh perspectives and unforgettable moments. Dive into Denver and see why it isn’t just a city—it’s an experience.

Best Food and Art Walking Tours in Denver

Denver, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, serves as a treasure trove for enthusiasts of both gastronomy and artistry. Dive into its bustling streets and let your senses lead the way. 

From tantalizing taste buds with local culinary delights to feast your eyes on captivating street murals, these handpicked food and art walking tours promise an immersive Mile High City experience. Lace-up those shoes; Denver’s richest flavors and colors await!

Denver Foodie Tour

Explore the tantalizing culinary landscape of Denver with a unique downtown Denver food tour that marries history, culture, and gourmet delights. As you journey through Denver’s streets, you’re not just exploring its vibrant past but indulging in the flavors that have made the city a food lover’s dream.

Why embark on this Denver foodie walking tour?

• Taste & Discover : Relish in the diverse flavors of iconic eateries while also uncovering Denver’s rich tapestry of history and tradition.
• Behind The Scenes : Ever wondered how a plate of sumptuous food comes together? Get up close with the city’s culinary wizards and see them in action.
• Connect & Savor : This isn’t just about food. It’s an opportunity to connect with local chefs, hear their stories, and savor every bite with newfound appreciation.
• More than Just a Meal : Beyond the flavors, this journey provides participants with insights and tips for their future dining adventures in the city.

Denver isn’t just known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history; it’s a gastronomic gem waiting to be discovered. Join this curated foodie walking tour and satiate not just your palate but also your curiosity. Because in Denver, every meal tells a story.

Street Art Tour of Denver

Experience more of Denver than the usual tourist hotspots when you embark on a street art tour of Denver’s River North (or RiNo) district. Walking through the colorful, artistic streets, you’ll discover years of history and culture in the magnificent wall designs and drawings. There are also impressive 3D artworks found among the pictures. 

The mural-covered street walls of RiNo contain works from significant local artists. Including those in the LGBTQ community, Native Americans, African Americans, and females. If you’re a keen artist, or just invested in art and its significance, this tour will leave you mesmerized. 

By paying for your tour ticket, you’re also automatically donating to the city’s annual CRUSH Walls Festival and supporting the artists. 

RiNo Arts District Food Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and artistic flair of Denver’s RiNo Arts District on this three-hour gastronomic adventure . Beginning at the locally cherished Il Posto, your culinary expedition spans five acclaimed eateries where you’ll savor diverse delicacies like house-made burrata, street-style tacos, and tantalizing mochi donuts. Your local food enthusiast guide will curate a memorable journey, painting the scene with anecdotes about Denver’s flourishing food landscape and the vibrant murals that give RiNo its distinct charm.

Highlights include:

• Satisfying Selections : Relish generous portions, ensuring you depart with a satisfied palate.
• Denver Dining Insight : Depart with a curated dining guide, offering a deep dive into Denver’s culinary treasures.
• Tailored Experiences : From vegetarian requests to exclusive discounts, we’ve curated a tour that caters to all.

RiNo isn’t just a culinary hub; it’s an artistic wonderland. Beyond the eateries, discover a district brimming with urban charisma, eclectic jazz bars, and artisanal craft houses. As RiNo proudly states, this is “where art is made.”

Indulge, explore, and fall in love with Denver’s RiNo one bite (and sight) at a time.

Denver Graffiti Tour

For this Denver walking tour art is the focus. Your guide will help you discover the city’s most prominent street art .

Lasting approximately two hours you are sure to get your graffiti art kick! You will learn about the city’s history and how it has shaped the art present today. And since you aren’t stuck on a bus you will get those steps in at the same time. Perfect way to work up an appetite for the lunchtime stop at the Denver Central Market, a gourmet food hall.

The Best Bar Crawl Walking Tours in Denver

Embark on a spirited journey through Denver’s iconic watering holes and hidden speakeasies. As the sun sets over the Mile High City, its nightlife awakens with eclectic bars and historic taverns just waiting to share their tales and cocktails. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a craft beer, a sophisticated wine, or a signature Mile-High mix, our curated bar crawl walking tours guarantee an unforgettable evening. Raise a glass and toast to Denver’s vibrant nightlife, one step at a time. Cheers!

SoBo Pub Crawl Walking Tour

If you’re a fan of ghost tours and enjoy discovering new watering holes, a haunted pub crawl walking tour will suit you perfectly. 

This tour includes a committed local guide (complete in costume) who will take you along LoDo to discover the city’s haunted houses as well as historic bars and pubs. Listen to spooky stories as you stroll between stops, and then enjoy refreshments in bars housed in historic buildings. 

Alcoholic drinks are completely optional, and for your own account, but the entertainment and information is all included in your Denver tour.

Denver Beer Tours

This one makes for a great pre-drinks activity for a bachelor party or similar event. Denver’s breweries are quite well known and enjoyed! And this brewery walking tour lets you peek “behind the curtain” to see them from the inside. 

Not only can you look forward to four delectable visits to some of the city’s greatest breweries, but there are tasting experiences and tons to learn as well. Find out more about the craft beer scene in Denver as you make your way on foot to each brewery. 

Once you reach each brewery, you’ll enjoy a tour inside with your guides pointing out the brewing equipment. Then find out how the beer goes from grain to your glass and everything else that goes into creating the popular drink. You even take home your own souvenir glass!

Denver Whiskey Tours / Denver Distillery Tours

Planning an Old West-themed birthday? Or simply interested in Denver’s history of saloons and outlaws? Book a walking tour full of whiskey, history, and Old Western-styled fun. 

This tour provides a deeper look into how the city began and offers pit stops for beer and whiskey with tales of con men and outlaws in between. Purchase a ticket with drinks included and enjoy a beer tasting at Colorado’s oldest brewery and whiskey tasting at an old saloon.

LoDo Craft Beer Tour

Check out Denver’s brewing heart in the historic Lower Downtown (LoDo) district. On this beer-centric tour , you’ll immerse yourself in four iconic breweries, guided by an expert who pairs Denver’s rich history with its vibrant beer scene.

• Rock Bottom Brewery : Experience the allure of its original spot where award-winning brews have been concocted for decades
• Oskar Blues Grill & Brew : Delight in the pioneering ales of this iconic spot, especially the famed Dale’s Pale Ale
• Westbound & Down : Set in the artsy Dairy Block, savor their acclaimed Hazy IPAs amidst vibrant street art
• The Wynkoop : Conclude at Colorado’s first brewpub, a beacon in the city’s brewing narrative

Inclusions:  Over 10 unique beer tastings, a keepsake tasting glass, guided expertise, and gratuities.

Top Self-Guided Free Tours in Denver

Dive deep into Denver’s allure at your own pace with the top selection of self-guided tours. Armed with just a map or app, embrace the freedom of your own tour to pause, wander, and delve into the nooks and crannies that pique your curiosity.

From historic landmarks to art districts and natural wonders, customize your journey and discover Denver’s gems on your terms. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family seeking adventure, these self-guided tours offer a personalized touch to your Mile High City experience. Explore, enjoy, and be enchanted!

Take the Denver Story Trek

The Denver Story Trek is a journey not just through locations but time itself. From the city’s pioneer roots to its contemporary vibrancy, this trek introduces you to the heroes, dreamers, and pioneers who crafted Denver’s rich tapestry. Venturing through diverse neighborhoods, you will be captivated by the tales of prospectors, artists, suffragettes, and more. 

The Trek seamlessly integrates historic hubs like the Molly Brown House Museum and the Black American West Museum, offering a full-bodied experience. For those with an adventurous spirit, the bicycle route adds a thrilling dimension. The innovative Trek Connect signs, encouraging visitors to share their own Denver tales, are a touch of genius, creating an ever-evolving narrative of the city.

As a tip for fellow trekkers, carry water and sunscreen, and if biking – don’t forget your helmet. The Denver Story Trek is more than just a tour; it’s an immersion into Denver’s soul, where every step has a story waiting to be told.

Audio Adventure at Denver Free Walking Tours

Discovering Denver through Denver Free Walking Tours’ Audio Adventure is a delightful experience. Expertly narrated by their talented friendly guides, each self-guided tour is a seamless blend of Denver’s rich history, striking architecture, and notable landmarks.

Utilizing the user-friendly app is a breeze — with clear, GPS-like turn-by-turn directions, ensuring you never miss a beat. You will be especially impressed by the ability to download tours in advance, ideal for those wandering without Wi-Fi. For a truly immersive Mile High City journey, I recommend taking the tours in their suggested sequence — Mile High Highlights, Best of Denver, followed by Denver’s Hot Spots + History.

A perfect place for solo explorers, couples seeking a unique date idea, or locals aiming to rediscover their city, these tours offer an unparalleled Denver experience. Don’t forget to check your emails for the unique passcode, and embark on a Denver adventure like no other!

Ready to Join a Denver Walking Tour?

And there you have it! Nine incredible options for Denver walking tours to choose from.

Considering the options cover a variety of interests, you’re sure to find something to fit your needs while visiting Denver.

So which walking tour of Denver is best for you??

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A small-town girl originally from Wyoming, Kara fled the state as soon as she could. She has called Colorado home since 2003 aside from ~9 months spent traveling the world full-time in 2019. When she isn't traveling you will find her exploring Denver, CO, petting any animal that will let her and laughing (quite loudly) as much as possible.

Denver Ghost Tours | Best 15 Walking Tours & More in 2023

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Walking Tours

June 5, 2023 - october 31, 2023.

Join Historic Denver for one of walking tours, either exploring LoDo, checking the view from the Daniels and Fisher Tower, or exploring historic Capitol Hill, you’ll learn something new about Denver’s past! Book your ticket today!

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9 Best Denver Walking Tours to See Historic Downtown [2023]

This website may contain affiliate links and we may be compensated (at no cost to you!).

If you’re looking for the very best Denver walking tour available, keep reading. 

As locals living in Colorado, we love exploring Denver and there’s no better way to experience it than one of these guided walking tours.

From small group tours to art walks and food tastings, here is a list of the best and most historic Denver walking tours that we recommend.

We even took the time to chat with a local tour company and get the lowdown on what makes each tour a must-do.

What are the top Denver walking tours?

✔️ History & Highlights Walking Tour: Best for history buffs 🤩

✔️ Downtown Food Walking Tour: Best for foodies

✔️ LoDo Denver Walking Tour: Best for small groups

Each of these Denver walking tours, and lots more options, are listed below with more detailed information.

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

Keep reading to find out which Mile High City walking tour is the best one for you and your loved ones.

1. Denver History & Highlights Tour

Dive deeper and explore all that the city has to offer on this Downtown Denver History & Highlights Tour .

Join a local Colorado guide to check out the city’s historic artichecture and listen to engaging stories. The capital of Colorado has come a long way from being a Pioneer town!

This 2-hour walking tour gives you a deeper look into Denver’s history so you can see why locals love it so much.

Plus, this is a kid-friendly tour as it’s wheelchair accessible and perfect for families with strollers.

What stops are included with this History & Highlights walking tour?

✔️ Colorado State Capitol

✔️ LoDo (Lower Downtown)

✔️ Brown Palace Hotel

✔️ Denver Union Station

✔️ Larimer Square

Throughout the tour you’ll also learn about the best places to eat, drink, shop, and play in and around the city of Denver.

This History & Highlights tour is also capped at a maximum of 12 travelers per session, making it the perfect activity for small groups.

And we’re not the only ones who think this Denver walking tour should make your list. Read nearly 200 five star reviews from other visitors and tourists.

Book this Denver History & Highlights Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (170+ reviews)

2. Downtown Denver Food Tour

What is better than a Denver walking tour enjoying a delicious bite to eat along the way? 

Eat and walk your way through the city on this Downtown Denver Food Tour over a relaxing 3-hour period.

Sample yummy food from five different award-winning restaurants like wood-fired pizza, fresh empanadas, and local Colorado pork green chile.

Alcoholic drinks are available for additional purchase with each food tasting as an expert pairing (for adults only).

What’s included with this downtown Denver walking food tour?

✔️ 5 food tastings

✔️ Exclusive discounts

✔️ Insider’s guide to dining

✔️ 3-hour guided experience

Still not convinced this tour is for you? With more than 900 five star reviews you really can’t go wrong. 

Discover award-winning eateries and authentic local food all while learning about Denver’s Wild West history.

Get insider tips for where to eat during the rest of your visit during this Denver food tour.

Book this Downtown Denver Food Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (900+ reviews)

3. LoDo Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a shorter and less expensive walking tour in the city, check out this Denver LoDo Walking Tour . 

With more than 575 five star reviews, this Denver walking tour has been named Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best in 2022. 

It’s a fun 1.5 hour tour where you and your group will discover the lowdown on one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods.

LoDo is short for Lower Downtown and is home to some of the city’s hippest bars, best restaurants, and quirky hotels.

As you make a loop around LoDo you’ll see interesting landmarks and hear tales from Denver’s Wild West and gold rush days.

Stops along this Lower Downtown walking tour include:

✔️ The Dairy Block

✔️ Coors Field

✔️ 16th Street Mall

✔️ Oxford Hotel

If you want tips for where to dine, drink and party, this tour has it all. A local tour guide who knows the area well will divulge the best places to eat and drink in the Mile High City.

Book this budget-friendly walking tour in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood today. It’s been given the Badge of Excellence from TripAdvisor!

Book this LoDo Walking Tour in Denver 🤩 5/5 stars (575+ reviews)

4. Denver Terrors Ghost Walking Tour

If you’re into spooky stories and ghostly sightings then check out this Denver Terrors Ghost Walking Tour . 

For one hour you and a small group will venture into one of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods.

Visit the unique highlights of the Capitol Hill neighborhood and check out long-time landmarks like the Molly Brown House. 

Along this walking ghost tour, you’ll hear detailed accounts of hauntings past activities from thoroughly researched true stories.

Plus, you’ll see creepy hotels and spooky apartment blocks with their own ghostly myths.

Stops along this Denver ghost walking tour include:

✔️ Acacia Apartments

✔️ Molly Brown House Museum

✔️ Newhouse Hotel

✔️ Grosvenor Arms

You may even have a chance to see real-life ghost sightings or other paranormal activity.

And if you need to cancel your plans you can do so 24 hours before the event and still get a full refund. 

This Denver Terrors walking tour is a fun activity for both kids and adults.

Book this Denver Terrors Ghost Tour 😃 4.5/5 stars (100+ reviews)

5. “Best of” Denver Walking Tour

See the most popular landmarks in the Centennial State on this Best of Denver Walking Tour . 

Check out the biggest attractions like the The Brown Palace Hotel, Alma Temple, the United States Mint and 12 other historical stops.

You and your family can explore Denver like a true local thanks to unique details about the city and tips for where to dine, drink, and hidden gems.

You’ll also learn the history and culture of the Mile High City and learn juicy trivia from decades past to its modern society.

Finally, this tour will stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a tasty treat.

Stops along the “Best of” Denver walking tour include:

✔️ Civic Center Park

✔️ Denver Art Museum

✔️ Firefighters Museum

✔️ United States Mint at Denver

✔️ Paramount Theatre

In just over 2 hours you and your group will be able to enjoy the best of what Denver has to offer.

But don’t wait too long as this Denver walking tour is likely to sell out quickly, especially during the summer months.

Book this “Best Of” Denver Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (99 reviews)

6. Denver Graffiti Tour

If you’re looking for a less touristy walking tour then we highly recommend this Denver Graffiti Tour . 

Receiving the Badge of Excellence from TripAdvisor and 100+ five star reviews, this tour shares the Colorado stories that aren’t mentioned in the guidebooks.

You and a small group will spend about 2 hours walking around the RiNo Art District, the city’s prominent graffiti and street art location. 

Learn about the art and artists whose cultural underground is hiding in plain sight. 

Check out some of the most incredible murals, street art and legal graffiti available in this newly hip Denver neighborhood.

What’s included with this Denver graffiti tour?

✔️ Paved walking path

✔️ Nearly 100 murals

✔️ Private tours

✔️ Wheelchair accessible

Once the tour is complete you’ll end at the Denver Central Market which is a large food hall with 10+ gourmet restaurants for snacks or drinks.

And the best part is that this tour is designed for wheelchair accessibility so it’s perfect for all fitness levels.

Explore a different side of Denver in the River North Art District with this unique graffiti tour.

Book this Denver Graffiti Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (100+ reviews)

7. Haunted Pub Walking Tour

The city of Denver is home to some of the most haunted parks, museums, and mansions. 

And there’s no better way to explore these historic buildings and addresses than on this Haunted Pub Walking Tour . Who doesn’t love a haunted pub crawl while listening to ghost activity and spooky stories?

Meet up with local, friendly guides dressed in full costume as you explore Denver’s trendy Lower Downtown neighborhood. 

Over 2.5 hours you’ll visit four of the city’s historical bars and haunted pubs, all while listening to spooky ghost stories.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible but service animals are allowed. You must also be 21 years of age or older, with a valid photo ID.

Stops along this Ghost & Pub walking tour include:

✔️ Daniels Fisher Tower

✔️ The Oxford Club

✔️ Cruise Room Bar

This small group tour is capped at 10 people for a unique and customized experience. 

Drinks can be purchased along the tour and you’ll even be able to take home a free commemorative can or cup!

Book this Denver Ghost & Pub Walking Tour 😃 4.5/5 stars (160+ reviews)

8. Private Walking Tour of Denver

If you really want to see all that the Mile High City has to offer, then check out this Private Walking Tour of Denver .

In about 2.5 hours you’ll explore historic Denver gems like the Colorado Capitol, Union Station, and the Molly Brown House Museum. 

Then it’s onto more modern landmarks like the big blue bear at the Denver Art Museum. 

You’ll also pass by the United States Mint, which is one of six places in the country where money is printed.

Make the most of your time on this tour with a local guide who is knowledgeable about the city, the history and culture.

What’s included with this private walking tour of Denver?

✔️ 3-hour private guided tour

✔️ 1x beer or soft drink

✔️ Admission tickets

✔️ 7 popular Denver landmarks

Plus, since this is a private tour you won’t have to worry about too many people and can even create your own custom, personalized experience.

Included with your booking is a local snack and drink as well as plenty of time to take photos at each stop.

Book this Private Walking Tour of Denver 🤩 5/5 stars (likely to sell out)

9. Whiskey and History Tour

Due to popular demand this Whiskey and History Tour from Denver Like a Local Tours is back this year!

This walking tour is about 1.5 miles but is completed over three hours so it’s a slow-paced tour of the city.

Along the way you’ll stop at Nallen’s Pub, Denver’s oldest Irish Pub to sample some Irish Whiskey.

Then it’s onto Modern Saloon for some Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye then ending at a Denver distillery for a sample of spirits.

In between stops you’ll hear tales of the Wild West and the Outlaws who had dreams of making whiskey in Denver.

After speaking to Will, the owner of Denver Like a Local Tours , we learned very quickly how much there is to see and to learn about Denver. 

And this Whiskey and History Tour does not disappoint!

With nearly 600 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor , it’s no wonder that this is one of their most popular Denver walking tours.

This Whiskey and History Tour is for adults only ages 21 or older. It’s a great activity for a small group tour with friends or a night out on a date as a couple. 

Book this Whiskey & History Walking Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (100+ reviews)

Is downtown Denver a walkable area?

Yes, the city of Denver is very walkable and is bicycle friendly as well. It also offers additional transportation available via railway or bus.

The famous 16th Street Mall is an outdoor mall that caters to being outdoors and walking from shop to shop.

Getting around on foot in Denver is one of the best ways to see the streets and local sights.

Denver also makes a great base for exploring the local museums and historic buildings as well as the vast Rocky Mountains.

Most of the day trips from Denver can be reached within a 1 hour drive from the city.

Does Denver have a historic district?

Denver is actually home to two different historic districts! The first is LoDo or the Lower Downtown Historic District which hosts many of the coolest restaurants, bars, and shops.

The second is Denver’s Downtown Historic District which consists of 40+ buildings that are classified as architecture or historically significant to the state.

There are also many historic homes and neighborhoods in Denver that were built in the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

The downtown area of Denver is thriving with retail shops, delicious local cuisine, and rich history from the gold rush days.

To best explore any of Denver’s historic districts, I highly recommend booking a walking tour to take in the epic sights and sounds.

From historic downtown tours to ghost stories and street art, there are so many amazing walking tours available, it can be hard to choose. 

Not to mention there’s always something new to see and to do along the historic 16th Street Mall.

But we hope this list helped narrow down the very best walking tours in Denver that have hundreds of five-star reviews from locals and visitors alike.

Colorado Native & Personal Chef

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.

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THE 10 BEST Denver Historical & Heritage Tours

Historical & heritage tours in denver.

• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. BEYOND Light Show & Meditation

2. Twilight Ghost Tour

3. 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver

4. Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour in Red Rocks Evergreen and Echo Lake

5. Downtown Denver History & Highlights - Small Group Walking Tour

6. Small-Group Half-Day Tour Foothills of the Rockies from Denver

7. Denver Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour - Lower Downtown

8. 3 Hour Private Walking Tour in Denver with Professional Guide

9. Denver's Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided E-Bike Tour

10. Colorado Gold Rush Mountain and Mine Half-Day Tour from Denver

11. Denver in a Day-, RiNo Art District, Sites Downtown, Red Rocks

12. Gotham Private Haunted Driving Ghost Tour in Denver, CO

13. Denver - Capitol Hill Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour

14. Denver History and Highlights Walking Tour

15. Private Jeep Tour in Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak

16. Best of Denver Tour

17. RiNo Beer and Graffiti Walking Tour in Denver

18. Smartphone Driving Tour b/w Breckenridge & Denver

19. Denver Terrors Ghost Tour

20. Exploring Denver by Bike on Half Day Tour

21. Denver Cocktails Tour

22. Denver After Dark Adults Only Walking Ghost Tour

23. Denver's Best Guided EBike Tour - all the highlights of the Mile High City

24. 1-Hour Ghost Tour with Ghost Hunting Gear in Cheeseman Park

25. Denver's Wild History Tour & Ballpark Museum

26. Foothills Explorer Tour from Denver

27. Combo Tour: Best of Denver Tour / Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour

28. Historical Walking Tour Of Denver With A Haunting Twist

29. Relive Colorado's Gold Rush Experience - Private Guides

30. Private Garden of the Gods & Manitou Springs 6 Hour Driving Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
• Downtown Denver Food Tour
• Twilight Ghost Tour
• 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver
• Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour in Red Rocks Evergreen and Echo Lake
• Aspire Tours
• Best Tours of Denver
• Denver Local Tours
• Denver Free Walking Tours
• Electric Revolution Tours
• Denver Insider Tours
• Delicious Denver Food Tours
• Historic Denver Tours

Historic Denver Walking Tours

Services Offered

Virtual Consultations

Review Highlights

“ Chris led a great tour through the home of Margaret Brown . ” in 3 reviews

“ I am a bit of a Titanic enthusiast , and was surprised to learn the "Unsinkable Molly Brown" lived in Denver! ” in 2 reviews

“ Loved the people working there, very helpful even though I had a self-guided tour (thanks Wallis!). ” in 3 reviews

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1420 Ogden St

Denver, CO 80218

Capitol Hill, Southwest

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Great museum and tour!! The tour guide was very knowledgeable about Margaret Brown- she never actually went by Molly! I wish the tour was a little longer but it was super informative and cool to see all the different rooms in the house! I definitely recommend it if you live in Denver or are visiting- especially if you are a Titanic fan.

I've been meaning to visit for most of my life and finally took the self guided tour this weekend. it was lovely and the staff are very knowledgeable. I loved having a little information basket in each room so you can read more about the specific room and sometimes you have a sample of the wallpaper etc. in the basket to hold and examine closer. such a cool place.

What a terrific experience. There is so much fascinating information about Margaret and her family. She is a true inspiration. Riley is a delightful guide. She was engaging, and she really made the tour special.

This was a fantastic experience. I brought my seven-year-old and 10-year-old, and both really enjoyed themselves.

Phenomenally preserved and presented historic site. Our tour guide, Ryleigh (sp?), was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. I appreciated how she left no question unanswered and gave us appropriate time to explore several of the spaces in the home without feeling rushed.

Rebecca was a fabulous tour guide. She talked about the geology of the houses built out of Rhyolite and Castle Rock Sandstone. We also learned about "poets row" that was constructed after the great depression. Poets row is an eclectic group of apartments, named after famous poets and other writers. This tour is well worth one's time to understand Denvers rich history as a supplier to mining communities during the gold rush. A time when many individuals became wealthy overnight. A fun walking tour!

See all photos from Leigh G. for Historic Denver Walking Tours

We were going to be heading thru Denver on our way to see my son and wanted something interesting to do. I am always up for a historical adventure and this one did not fail. Titanic artifacts made it a plus! We chose the self guided tour, but staff were available to answer any questions. The only down side was it was a bit warm, which is to be expected from an older building, and also, the one hour seemed a bit rushed. We had the final reservation for the day, and as such, missed out on the gift store as it closed promptly at 5. It would be nice to keep it open at least 30 minutes after the final tour. Other than that, a great field trip destination for all ages!

Beautiful home, great tour guides, gorgeous area. Lots of neat stuff to see and learn about.

Chris led a great tour through the home of Margaret Brown. Very informative and interesting. Fun for the whole family!!

Even if I wasn't a Titanic enthusiast, this would be an awesome experience. The amount of restoration and reservation in this legendary home is Phenomenal. Milly Browns story and what she stood for lies way beyond the Titanic. I got goosebumps walking through the home and the audio, just made it that much better. The audio gives you an opportunity to feel each room and what it stood for. Highly recommend this experience!

See all photos from G A. for Historic Denver Walking Tours

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Business | Take a tour through four of Denver’s most historic homes

The mile high city is home to around 300 spaces listed on the national register of historic places, according to history colorado.

Denverites are trying to keep the city’s history alive by preserving its historic houses, maintaining them as inns, museums and more.

The Mile High City is home to around 300 spaces listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with buildings, parks, cemeteries, bridges and districts making the list, according to History Colorado. However, a handful have since been destroyed, because of fires, dismantling and other causes.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, hundreds of historic properties fell victim to demolition “as part of so-called urban renewal efforts,” according to Historic Denver. The nonprofit group, joined by History Colorado, has responded by working to protect and restore these places for generations to come.

History Colorado was established in 1879, serving as both a charitable organization and a state agency under the Department of Higher Education. Historic Denver was initially formed in 1970 to save the Molly Brown House from demolition, said Andrea Malcomb, director of the Molly Brown House Museum.

The city’s historic buildings are “a direct connection to those people in the past,” she said. “Those are the people that shaped our city, that made Denver what it is today.”

In some of Denver’s neighborhoods, including downtown and Capitol Hill, historic homes have been converted into multi-unit apartments, attempting to mitigate the area’s housing shortage.

A drive through the capital city means paying tribute to architectural styles popular in years past: Queen Anne of the 1880s to 1910s, Beaux-Arts of the 1880s to 1930s, and art deco of the 1930s and 1940s, according to History Colorado. Locals and visitors alike can travel back to previous time periods when they stop by the city’s historic houses.

Here’s a look at four of the city’s most historic buildings:

Kathryn Scott, Special to The Denver Post

The top floor is often used to host events inside the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver, pictured on May 13, 2022.

The door leading into Molly Brown's bedroom inside the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver on May 13, 2022.

The basement was renovated to add more education and display space inside Denver's Molly Brown House Museum on May 13, 2022.

The Molly Brown House Museum in Denver is pictured on May 13, 2022.

Inside the library at the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver on May 13, 2022.

The kitchen inside the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver on May 13, 2022.

Hand-written letters inscribed by Molly sit on the kitchen table inside the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver on May 13, 2022.

The drawing room on the first floor of the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver on May 13, 2022.

A servant's bedroom on the top floor inside the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver on May 13, 2022.

The museum gift shop is inside the carriage house at the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver, pictured on May 13, 2022.

1. Molly Brown House Museum

Tucked in beside Capitol Hill offices and apartment buildings, the Molly Brown House Museum at 1340 Pennsylvania St. stands out as a mansion of Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque styles.

Built in 1889 by architect William Lang for Isaac and Mary Large, the home was purchased in 1894 by James Joseph – known as J.J. – and Margaret Brown. The latter went down in history as the “unsinkable” Molly Brown, a socialite and activist who survived the Titanic’s sinking in 1912.

“Our house is made of Colorado,” Malcomb said on a tour, pointing out the stones used to build the four-level mansion: rhyolite from Castle Rock and Manitou sandstone from Garden of the Gods.

After the Brown family sold their home in the early 20th century, it served as a boarding house, an apartment building and more.

In non-COVID years, the museum hosts 55,000 to 60,000 visitors annually. Ticket prices range between $10 and $16, with free admission for members and children aged five and younger.

The museum is showing a special exhibit, “Heroine of the Titanic,” until Sept. 25.

The Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn is pictured on May 12, 2022.

Bailey Surface works with her father Carl Schmidt II at the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn in Denver, pictured on May 12, 2022.

The living room has the original fireplace inside the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn, pictured on May 12, 2022.

The hallway leading to the rooms on the second floor is lined with historic photos inside the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn, pictured on May 12, 2022.

The dining room inside the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn is pictured on May 12, 2022.

Original relief molded plaster is visible on the wall in the entrance of the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn, pictured on May 12, 2022.

The Gold Banner room inside the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn is pictured on May 12, 2022.

The Forget-Me-Not room inside the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn is pictured on May 12, 2022.

2. Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn

Denver’s Capitol Hill Mansion at 1207 N. Pennsylvania St. was originally constructed for the Keating family in 1891, but travelers are now welcome to spend the night. Transformed into a bed and breakfast inn, it opened for business in 1994.

The inn’s brochure calls the Capitol Hill Mansion “one of the last splendid homes erected before the Silver Crash of 1893 when the government stopped buying silver to support the currency.” It’s built in Richardsonian Romanesque style, with an eight-foot stained glass window, fireplaces and a porch.

Owner and innkeeper Carl Schmidt II, who originally hails from southern Texas, bought the ruby sandstone house in 2001. He and his daughter Bailey cater to visitors, who have their choice of eight guestrooms named after Colorado wildflowers, including the bluebell, gold banner and elk thistle. Schmidt also cooks for his vacationers, with egg soufflé with sausage, chèvre and herbs listed for breakfast on the chalkboard menu on May 10.

His guests travel from as close as Fort Collins and Littleton to as far as New York and Germany.

Schmidt described business as steady, adding that guests appreciate the complimentary on-site parking. The inn earns the maximum score of five on online travel company Tripadvisor’s bubble rating system, and ranks as No. 1 out of six B&Bs in the city.

The price of a one-night stay ranges from $199 to $289, depending on the room.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

The exterior of the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022. The Center for Colorado Women's History is housed in a home that was built in 1883 for William and Elizabeth Byers.

A bench belonging to the Evans family is in the original place it was put by the family in the music room in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver, pictured on May 17, 2022. The Center offers tours of the home along with exhibitions, lectures, field trips and events.

The music room in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022. The wallpaper in the music room is original from 1912. Margaret Evans Davis, whose family owned the house, grew up to be a professional pianist and singer. The piano in the room isn't her original piano—it's a 1904 parlor grand. Margaret's original piano was given away later in life to the first female conductor of the Colorado Symphony, named Antonia Brico. On several occasions in her life, Margaret sang on the stage with the Colorado Symphony.

Old postcards are on display in the music room in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver on May 17, 2022. The Center for Colorado Women's History is housed in a home that was built in 1883 for William and Elizabeth Byers. It was sold to William and Cornelia Evans in 1889. Members of the Evans family lived in the home until 1981 and donated the house and its contents to History Colorado. Members of both families played pivotal roles in Denver's early growth by helping to establish and develop religious, educational, legal and social institutions, including the Denver and Northern Railroad Company, the Denver Public Library, the University of Denver, the Denver Art Museum, Women's Council of Defense, the regional Red Cross and Fitzsimmons Hospital.

The library in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022.

A bronze bas relief of Margaret Gray Evans in the library in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022. Members of the Evans family lived in the home from 1889 until 1981, and donated the house and its contents to History Colorado.

A room with a fireplace at the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022. The Italianate-style house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

A picture of Margaret Gray Evans sits in the library in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver, pictured on May 17, 2022. The large painting on the wall in the center of the room was commissioned in 1882 and features three generations of Evans women. Two of them are Margaret Gray Evans and Anne Evans. Both of these women are part of the four generations of women who spent time in the home through its 92 year period while the Evans family lived here.

The library in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022. The large painting on the wall in the center of the room was commissioned in 1882 and features three generations of Evans women, the family who purchased the home in the late 1880s. During the 92-year-long tenure of the Evans family, four generations of women spent time in the home.

A portrait of three generations of women from the Evans family hangs in the library in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver, pictured on May 17, 2022. The painting was commissioned in 1882 and features three generations of Evans women. Two of them are Margaret Gray Evans and Anne Evans (when she was only 12 years old). Both of these women are part of the four generations of women who spent time in the home through its 92 year period while the Evans family lived here.

The dining room at the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022. Most of the room has items that belonged to the Evans family, who purchased the home in 1889. Members of the family lived in the home until 1981, and donated the house and its contents to History Colorado.

Pictures of daughters Josephine Evans, left, her sister Katharine Evans, with the family dog Dick, right, and their parents William and Cornelia Evans in the middle on a bureau with poppy wallpaper in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver, pictured on May 17, 2022. The women of the Evans family, who owned the house for more than 90 years, played important roles as members of the Red Cross during the war both locally and abroad and poppy imagery is present throughout the house. The Center offers tours of the home along with exhibitions, lectures, field trips and events. Using the beautifully restored interiors and the family's original artifacts, tours weave together the stories of the many women who lived and worked in the house and Colorado women's history.

A room for the seamstress in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022.

The kitchen at the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022. The kitchen includes the Evans family's original ice box and coal burning stove, both of which would have been used by Carrie Erickson, a Swedish immigrant who worked for the family for over 30 years and lived in the house. The Evans family purchased the home in 1889. Members of the Evans family lived in the home until 1981 and donated the house and its contents to History Colorado.

Pictured are copies of the naturalization papers for household manager Carrie Erickson, who immigrated to the United States from Sweden, at the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver. Erickson was a manager in the house for over 30 years.

The conservatory in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022. The Center for Colorado Women's History is housed in a home that was built in 1883 for William and Elizabeth Byers. Using the beautifully restored interiors and original artifacts belonging to the Byers and the Evans family, who purchased the house in 1889, tours weave together the stories of the many women who lived and worked in the house and Colorado women's history.

The main bedroom belonging to Cornelia and William Evans, with poppy wallpaper, in the Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver is pictured on May 17, 2022.

3. Center for Colorado Women’s History

The Byers-Evans House at 1310 Bannock St. was first constructed in 1883 for Elizabeth and William Byers, who founded and published the Rocky Mountain News. It’s now home to History Colorado’s Center for Colorado Women’s History.

The Italianate-style house is situated in the Golden Triangle near the Denver Art Museum and Civic Center park.

In 1889, Byers sold the two-story house to the Evans family, who lived there for over 90 years. Out of the objects and artifacts currently on display at the museum, 90% originally belonged to the Evans, said guest services coordinator Cat Jensen.

Nine of the people who lived in the house, including family members and domestic servants, were women. Among them, Cornelia Evans served in a leadership position at Denver’s chapter of the American Red Cross, with daughter Josephine Evans supporting the war effort in France during World War I.

Tours purposely begin in the kitchen to acknowledge “the work of the women behind the scenes,” Jensen said. A maid for the Evans, Esther Allspach, provided her grandchildren with an oral history, giving the museum “an insight into what life was like for women who were poor or working class or immigrant, as opposed to the Evans.”

The house officially became a museum in the 1990s. Its team offers six tours on days with regular hours. Ticket costs range between $4 and $8, with free entry for military, History Colorado members and children aged five and younger.

The exterior of the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver is pictured on May 16, 2022. Built in 1908, the mansion was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

The main foyer at the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver is pictured on May 16, 2022.

The library, in the foreground and the drawing room, in the background, of the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver are pictured on May 16, 2022. The house was originally built as a residence for the widow and the daughter of Denver real estate tycoon Walter Scott Cheesman and designed to accommodate two families.

A portrait of Edna Boettcher hangs in the library in the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver, pictured on May 16, 2022. Claude K. Boettcher purchased the mansion in 1923. Boettcher was the head of a financial empire that eventually included sugar, livestock, cement, steel, securities, utilities, and transportation. Boettcher was famous for his lavish parties which included President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952. After the couple died in 1957 and 1958, the house was inherited by the Boettcher Foundation, which offered the house to the State of Colorado as an Executive Residence. On the last day of 1959, Colorado Gov. Stephen McNichols accepted the building as a gift to the state.

A portrait of Edna Boettcher with an inscription on the back is on display in the library in the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver on May 16, 2022. The photograph of Boettcher was a personal gift to Mrs. Helen Vanderhoef in 1974. Vanderhoef gifted the photograph to the Colorado State Historical Society to be displayed at the Governor's Mansion in the library because she said "the house is such a lovely reflection of Mrs Boettcher's taste."

The Palm Room in the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver is pictured on May 16, 2022.

A wall of photos of Colorado governors is on display in the bar in the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver on May 16, 2022.

The library in the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver is pictured on May 16, 2022.

A piano has an autograph by well-known pianist Liberace inscribed inside it in the drawing room in the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver is pictured on May 16, 2022.

The drawing room in the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver is pictured on May 16, 2022.

The main foyer and large staircase at the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver is pictured on May 16, 2022.

The Palm Room in the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver features a fountain shipped from Italy, pictured on May 16, 2022.

4. Colorado Governor’s Residence

Before it was dubbed “Colorado’s Home,” the Colorado Governor’s Residence at 400 E. Eighth Avenue was built for businessman Walter Cheesman for $50,000 in 1908. However, he died before construction was finished, with Colorado native Claude Boettcher buying it in 1923 for $75,000.

The Boettcher Mansion, which spans 25,000 square feet, includes 27 rooms, three floors and a ballroom in the basement. Notably, “this house was always owned by women,” said History Colorado docent Shellie Hochstadt, listing the owners as Alice Foster Sanger Cheesman and Edna Boettcher.

The Boettcher Foundation offered the house to the state of Colorado in 1959, which agreed to the deal in 1960.

Former Gov. Stephen McNichols was the state’s first chief executive officer to reside in the house. Every governor has spent some of his term at the mansion, with some living there full-time like the Lamms or part-time like the Hickenloopers, said Hochstadt.

Gov. Jared Polis lives primarily in Boulder with his family, but uses the house for news conferences, weekly cabinet meetings, roundtables and other events.

In 1997, the inter-governmental political forum known as the Group of Eight, or “G8,” was hosted at the mansion. Foreign dignitaries, including the Jordanian king and Japanese emperor and empress, have also dined there.

The Colorado Governor’s Residence plans to open for public tours this summer. After a COVID hiatus, the return of school and December holiday tours are also in the works.

Do you have an idea for a historic building for The Denver Post to profile? Email reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton at [email protected] .

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7 Unique Things to do in Denver

S ome of the most unique things to do in Denver include visiting the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, browsing the eclectic shops and galleries in the River North (RiNo) neighborhood, some offbeat tours and exploring some of Denver’s historic treasures. And of course, a day isn’t complete without sampling craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries.

With so many options, Denver is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for an a foodie, beer, or historic focused adventure.

Denver’s Best Breakfast

Begin your day in Denver with breakfast at WaterCourse Foods (837 East 17th Street). They offer an all-vegetarian menu that promises to satisfy even the hardiest of carnivorous eaters. WaterCourse Foods also strives to reduce its impact on the environment by using completely biodegradable take out boxes, providing water on request, and offering discounts to patrons who ride their bikes to the restaurant.

Another breakfast option is Crepes ‘N Crepes (1512 Larimer St) on the northeast side of Writer Square. Savory or sweet, they will have a crepe to satisfy your taste buds and jumpstart your morning with enough sustenance to carry you through a busy day exploring the history of Denver.

Visit the Molly Brown House

Once nourished at this environmentally conscious eatery, continue your day with a tour of the Molly Brown House Museum.

The Molly Brown House (1340 Pennsylvania St) was built in 1889 and although Ms. Brown wasn’t the original owner, she was certainly the most famous. Best known for surviving the sinking of the Titanic, she spoke seven languages, traveled extensively throughout Europe alone as a divorcée, and ran for the U.S. Senate three times before women were even given the right to vote.

When the house was built, electricity and running hot and cold water were included and considered luxuries beyond imagination for the times. Highlights of the tour include the original light fixture that still graces the front foyer and the interactive museum at the back of the house where you’ll find place settings of the first class Cunard china Ms. Brown would have dined from while aboard the Titanic.

Explore the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art

After your museum tour, head to the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art (1311 Pearl Street), located just a few blocks away. Although not nearly as old as the Molly Brown House, the Kirkland Museum is housed in Denver’s oldest commercial art building. It was once Colorado painter and founder of the School of Art at the University of Denver, Vance Kirkland’s, studio.

This building has been preserved to showcase not only Kirkland’s paintings, but the work of more than 170 other Colorado artists in its Colorado Modernist Collection. The museum’s other collection, Decorative Arts, includes home interior pieces from a variety of styles dating from the 1880’s to the 1970’s. Highlights of this collection include two dining suites designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

An Irish Lunch in Denver

After your two museum stops, celebrate Molly Brown’s heritage by refueling at Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub 2030 Larimer St). Their menu boasts two varieties of boxty (Irish potato pancakes), along with other traditional Irish fare; best when washed down with a perfectly poured pint of stout .

Afternoon Walking Tour & Denver History

Few perfect days have the option to include tales of lechery and treachery, but if you’re at all interested in the history of Denver, head downtown where you can experience a Denver History Walking Tour , visit historic sites, and even tour a late 19th century home.

Blending some new with the old, today’s exploration of Denver’s and its history will include taking a ride on the free 16th Street Mall shuttle, powered by electricity rather than petrol to the Capitol Hill neighborhood known for its government buildings, large parks, and culture. The epitome of historic downtown, many of the structures in this neighborhood date back to the 1920’s, including some of Denver’s oldest single-family homes.

While many may know Denver as the Mile High City, many may not know how dark some of its history is. For example, Market Street was so named because it was lined with women’s “boarding houses” where they would sell their services to paying male customers.

Did you realize that Cheesman and Civic Center Parks that surround the Capitol Hill neighborhood, while beautiful today, were built upon a cemetery that was not fully emptied of all interred there and a large neighborhood of multi-family buildings that were simply razed to the ground, displacing hundreds of residents.

While we enjoy these parks today as large green spaces with fountains and monuments, the City Beautiful style of municipal development that inspired then Mayor Robert Williamson Steele during his trip to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 was achieved at a high and not altogether fair price, thus the deviant side of Denver’s history.

Walk through Writer Square. It would not be a stretch of the imagination to picture one-time Capitol Hill resident and famed author Jack Kerouac reposed at one of the courtyard bistro tables with coffee and a pastry. Take the time to enjoy the flowers and sculptures that grace the middle of this square.

Next, head towards the clock tower at 16th and Arapahoe; notice that this section of 16th Street is designed for the pedestrian, with only the environmentally-friendly free electric shuttles whirring back and forth. This is the 16th Street Mall – designed by I. M. Pei before he became famous for his glass pyramids that now mark the public entrance to the Louvre in Paris.

Discover how the streets of downtown received their names; how short-lived the Denver gold rush was until someone realized, “There’s gold in them thar hills,” and set out for higher elevations; and where the past and future meet at the soon to be redeveloped Union Station.

The walks are designed to be interactive, so never hesitate to ask questions of your tour guide. The most important of which may come at the end of the tour: “What else would you recommend we see in Denver before we leave?”

Byers Evans House

The Byers Evans House (1310 Bannock St) is one attraction your walking tour guide might recommend as a must-see, and it’s just one block away from Mad Greens on Bannock St. Built in 1883 by Rocky Mountain News publisher William Byers, the structure and its furnishings are original and have been preserved in this museum. The last tour is at two o’clock, so be sure to give yourself enough time to get there.

16th Street Mall

If you have time in the late afternoon or early evening, stroll over to Denver’s pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall. Here you’ll find the Denver Pavilions which, along with many retail stores, also contains a bowling alley, and movie theater. You may also happen upon one of the many art festivals, open-air markets, or concerts that are held during the spring and summer months.

Two Perfect Dinner & Hotel Options in Denver

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of great food and comfortable accommodations in Denver, Castle Marne and Hotel Teatro are two excellent options.

Castle Marne is a charming bed and breakfast located in a historic Victorian mansion. Hotel Teatro, on the other hand, is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Denver.

Castle Marne

After exploring two of Denver’s preserved gems and doing some shopping, top off your day with a romantic, six-course dinner for two at Castle Marne (1572 Race Street); a charming bed and breakfast nestled in Denver’s Wyman Historic District. Another of Denver’s treasures, this mansion was built in the same year, by the same architect, as the Molly Brown House.

Choose from the dining room or the tower room located to the side of the drawing room as the setting for your gourmet dining experience. Every dinner menu is custom, and Castle Marne only serves one party each evening, so be sure to make reservations.

Let one perfect day lead into another by staying in one of the Castle’s nine bedrooms, each with its own bathroom – complete with a claw footed, cast iron tub. Some rooms also feature a private, two-person hot tub hidden amongst the castle’s gables on a private balcony. Imagine toasting someone special under the evening twilight and waking the next morning to the smell of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen below.

Hotel Teatro

Another hotel option and one that just make the day unforgettable, consider checking in at the Hotel Teatro (1100 Fourteenth St).

Consistently rated as one of Denver’s best hotels, its location and amenities can’t be beat.

End your perfect day right in the hotel with dinner at Restaurant Kevin Taylor. Ruminate over your day’s discoveries and Denver’s dark past at this Paris inspired eatery, which features a gourmet menu and extensive wine list. Nothing concludes the perfect day better than enjoying a decadent meal, good conversation, and retiring to the bed awaiting you only a few floors above.

Recommended Travel Resources

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads .
• Transport: CheapOAir and Skyscanner (Best Sites to Research Flight Prices) 
• Best Car Rental Deals: Rentalcars.com
• Best Sites to Find Hotel Deals: Hotels.com and Booking.com
• My Favorite Hotel Review Website: TripAdvisor
• Best Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide

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Watch CBS News

New national tour of "Company" brings modern take on classic tale to Denver Center for the Performing Arts

By Dillon Thomas

Updated on: April 24, 2024 / 6:19 PM MDT / CBS Colorado

The national tour of "Company,' visiting the Denver Center for the Performing Arts next month, promises to bring audiences a new take on a classic musical. The show, which plays at the Buell Theatre from May 22 through June 2, has been redesigned to make the story more applicable to modern audiences.

The show, which was first written in the late 1960s, originally followed the story of a man named Bobby. Bobby was a single man who had not been married nor had any children.

Now, this new version of the production follows the story of a woman named Bobbie who has a similar lifestyle.

"The societal pressures for women today, turning 35 especially without children, are very different than an unmarried man," said Britney Coleman, the actress cast as "Bobbie."

Bobbie is a woman who is celebrating her 35th birthday in the production.

"It would be like any other birthday if it weren't for the fact that she is single, doesn't have any kids, isn't in any committed relationship. And yet all of her very close friends are, and they have strong opinions about it," Coleman said.

Coleman said the storyline is one that she can personally connect with, and one which she feels many in the audience will be able to as well.

"I have personally experienced a lot of people saying, 'hmm, it is about time (to get married and have children), isn't it?'" Coleman said.

Matt Rodin, the actor who portrays "Jamie" in the production, said the new take on the gender of characters has modernized the story in a way more people will be able to relate with.

"It is sort of shocking to see how these men treat these women (in the original production). To now have that flipped on its head, it makes it feel like it is happening right now," Rodin told CBS News Colorado's Dillon Thomas. "It gives us, the audience in 2024, the opportunity to know these people in a way that we might not recognize them if they were playing the same roles in the 1970s. They are contemporized."

Those who loved the original production should still find the current take to be funny, fun and lively, according to Coleman.

"A lot of our script hasn't changed, other than the pronouns," Coleman said.

"What I love about this show is that it poses questions rather than giving us answers of what it means to be in partnership, what it means to be married, what it means to have relationships," Rodin said.

If your would like tickets to see the show while it's in Denver visit DCPA's official website . 

CBS News Colorado is a proud partner of the DCPA. 

Dillon Thomas is multi-Emmy Award winning general assignment reporter/MSJ for CBS News Colorado. Read his latest reports or check out his bio and send him an email .

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