The 13 Best Drinking Tours in Denver
Denver’s lively drinking scene is as diverse as its mile-high elevation. From innovative craft breweries to ghostly pub crawls through haunted neighborhoods, Denver offers a wide array of tours tailored for every interest. The city’s brew culture has earned it the nickname the “Napa Valley of Craft Beer“—and it’s no surprise, with local breweries pouring out some of the best beers in the country. But Denver isn’t just about beer: it also boasts unique spirits tours, historic pub crawls, and even themed adventures like its Wild West pub crawl or haunted pub experiences. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated craft beer enthusiast, this city has an experience waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 13 drinking tours in Denver, balancing their standout features, pricing, and reviews to help you pick the perfect experience. From the historic streets of LoDo to the artsy streets of RiNo, Denver’s eclectic neighborhoods serve as the backdrop for unforgettable drinks and stories. Ready to toast to your trip? Let’s dive into Denver’s best drinking adventures.
1. Denver Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown
At number one, the Denver Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown is a standout for those wanting an in-depth look at Denver’s craft beer scene. This 2.5-hour tour includes visits to four top breweries, where you’ll sample over 10 different Colorado craft beers. Led by a knowledgeable beer aficionado, the tour offers insights into Denver’s rise as the “Napa Valley of Craft Beer” and how local breweries innovate with techniques and flavors. The tour’s small size (capped at 14) makes for a personal experience, and you’ll even take home a souvenir tasting glass.
What makes this tour special is its combination of education and tasting. The Rock Bottom Brewery stop, for example, features a local Brewmaster tapping unique in-house brews. Reviewers praise guide Matt’s knowledge and enthusiasm, making it not just a tasting but an engaging cultural experience. The value is high: $58 for roughly 2.5 hours, with a walk through Denver’s historic LoDo district. It’s ideal for craft beer fans who appreciate depth and local insight.
Bottom Line: For craft beer lovers wanting a well-rounded, small-group experience, this tour offers exceptional value and fun.
2. Wild West Pub Crawl
At number two, the Wild West Pub Crawl takes you to Golden, Colorado, a real cowboy town with a rugged past. This 3-hour guided tour immerses you in Golden’s cowboy and outlaw history while hopping between four curated brew spots. Drinks are included at each stop, and your guide spins tales of gold rush days, infamous outlaws, and legendary figures like Buffalo Bill.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on storytelling. The tour visits historic spots such as the Golden City Brewery and the Astor House, blending history with lively pub atmosphere. It’s perfect if you want to combine a bit of the Old West with your beer tasting. With a price of $68, you get a relaxed, small-group experience—limited to 12 travelers—that’s both fun and educational.
Guests say Chris’s storytelling really brings the wild west to life, making this tour memorable even for non-beer drinkers. The walk between breweries also lets you soak in Golden’s charming streets.
Bottom Line: If history and a casual, engaging atmosphere appeal to you, this pub crawl offers a fun, thematic twist on Denver’s beer culture.
3. Colorado on Tap Private Craft Beer Crawl
At number three, the Colorado on Tap Private Craft Beer Crawl offers a flexible, personalized experience in Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo). This 2.5-hour tour is pay-as-you-go, allowing you to choose beers based on your preferences, from IPAs to specialty brews. The guide will help you navigate the lively scene and pick beers that suit your taste buds.
This tour’s strength is its flexibility: support local breweries at your own pace while learning about the craft beer scene. It’s wheelchair-friendly and welcomes service animals, making it accessible for many travelers. The relaxed format makes it suitable for those who prefer a more spontaneous experience, stopping whenever you find a brew you love.
One guest remarked that the guide was helpful in selecting beers, and the freedom to linger adds to the relaxed vibe. The cost, at $58, offers good value for a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want control over their tasting experience and enjoy exploring Denver’s vibrant artsy district.
4. Denver: RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour
At number four, the Denver: RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour combines Denver’s street art with its craft beer. This 2.5-hour tour takes you through RiNo’s murals and breweries, including a stop at a brewery founded by punk-rockers where you’ll sample 10 different beers. Your guide shares stories behind the murals while you relax with a cold one.
What makes this experience unique is the blend of visual art and brewing culture. You’ll sip a German-style pilsner and enjoy the sour “Sippin’ Pretty,” all while exploring one of Denver’s most colorful neighborhoods. The tour boasts excellent reviews, with guests praising the guide’s humor and local knowledge. The $55 price includes multiple beer tastings and street art insights.
Best suited for those who like combining art appreciation with craft beer, and want to see Denver’s underground scene.
Bottom Line: For a lively mix of street art and local brews, this tour delivers on fun and culture.
5. Denver Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
Number five is the Denver Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl, which marries Denver’s haunted tales with its cocktail scene. This 2-hour tour visits historic Millionaires Row, with stops at bars serving handcrafted cocktails and local brews. As you sip, your guide shares ghost stories about eerie mansions and restless spirits.
This tour’s charm lies in its spooky ambiance and storytelling. It’s budget-friendly at $27 per person, making it accessible for many. Guests love the lively atmosphere and the chance to learn about Denver’s supernatural side while enjoying drinks in historic settings like the Cottage House.
Ideal for those interested in Denver’s darker stories and a fun, atmospheric night out. The tour is limited to small groups, ensuring an intimate experience.
Bottom Line: A great pick if you’re curious about Denver’s haunted history paired with good drinks.
6. 4+ Hour Party Pub Crawl – Downtown Denver’s Ballpark District
Number six, the 4+ Hour Party Pub Crawl, is designed for those wanting a lively night in Denver’s Ballpark District. Over about five hours, you’ll visit four venues with free appetizers, welcome shots, exclusive discounts, and fun games. Your party host keeps the energy high as you move from bar to bar.
This experience is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying Denver’s nightlife with new friends. The $35 price includes VIP access and no cover charges, boosting perceived value.
Reviewers note the energetic guides and the variety of venues make for a memorable night. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a social, fun-filled evening.
Bottom Line: For a longer, party-focused experience, this pub crawl offers a lively way to enjoy Denver’s downtown scene.
7. Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
At number seven, the Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl explores Golden’s spooky side over about 2.5 hours. Starting at historic Goosetown Station, your guide walks you through golden-lit streets while sharing tales of restless spirits and notorious characters from the Wild West.
The tour includes stops for drinks at local bars, with stories of haunted houses and ghostly encounters along the way. It’s an intimate experience, limited to small groups, and well-suited for those fascinated by Denver’s supernatural stories. Many reviewers highlight the engaging storytelling and fun atmosphere.
Best suited for ghost enthusiasts and those interested in Denver’s haunted past. The $45 price makes it a compelling value for a memorable night.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice if haunted tales and local spirits intrigue you.
8. Denver: LoDo Craft Beer Guided Walking Tour
Number eight features the Denver: LoDo Craft Beer Guided Walking Tour. This 2.5-hour tour showcases Denver’s microbreweries and the historic LoDo district. You’ll taste at least 10 beers, learn about brewing techniques, and walk through the city’s oldest neighborhood.
Reviewers mention guide Matt’s enthusiasm and knowledge, which makes the experience engaging. The tour’s price, $55, reflects good value for a well-structured walk that combines culture, history, and beer. It’s perfect if you enjoy walking and want a taste of Denver’s brewing roots.
Best for those wanting a comprehensive look at Denver’s microbrewery scene without the crowds of larger tours.
Bottom Line: For a focused, educational beer walk in downtown Denver, this tour hits the mark.
9. 4+ Hour Themed Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District
Number nine, the 4+ Hour Themed Bar Crawl, introduces Denver’s first international-style pub crawl. This evolving experience offers themed drinking games, exclusive drink specials, and skip-the-line VIP access across 5-6 venues in RiNo. It’s perfect for those looking for a lively, social night with a global twist.
The tour includes stops like American Bonded, a whiskey haven, and Federales for tequila shooters. Guests praise the guides’ energy and the engaging, fun atmosphere. It’s a longer, more interactive experience at $35 per person, ideal for travelers who want to mix cultural elements with drinking.
Best for those who enjoy themed nights, social games, and discovering Denver’s eclectic neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: A dynamic option for travelers seeking a lively, themed experience with a global flavor.
10. Denver: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
Number ten offers the Denver: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl, combining haunted Denver with its cocktail and spirits scene. Over 2 hours, you’ll visit historic mansions like the Dunning Benedict House, hearing ghostly tales while sipping crafted drinks.
Guests love the mix of spooky stories and local spirits, with many praising the guide’s lively narration. At $30, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore Denver’s haunted history with drinks in atmospheric settings.
Ideal for those interested in paranormal tales combined with a spirited night out, especially in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Bottom Line: Great for ghost story aficionados who want a fun, spooky night with drinks.
11. Denver Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit/Beer Tasting
Number eleven features the Denver Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit. This 2-hour on-foot exploration takes you through RiNo’s colorful murals, Art Alleyway, and a local brewery, with opportunities to taste fresh beers.
Reviews highlight the quality of street art and murals, with visitors enjoying the chance to combine art and drink. For $39, it offers a compelling mix of visual and liquid culture. It’s best suited for travelers who love outdoor art and want to see Denver’s creative side.
Bottom Line: Perfect for art lovers who want to combine sightseeing with local beer tastings.
12. Downtown Denver Pub Crawl – Food & Drinks Included!
Number twelve, the Downtown Denver Pub Crawl, is a 5-hour journey through Denver’s lively core. With VIP entry, free appetizers, and multiple venues, you’ll experience the city’s nightlife in style. The tour includes 5-6 bars, with optional dancing and games.
Guests love the organized flow and the mix of local spots. At $35, it’s a solid choice for those who want an all-in-one night out with food, drinks, and socializing. The tour is ideal for celebrating or just enjoying Denver’s vibrant scene.
Best for travelers who prefer a longer, social night with all the extras included.
Bottom Line: For a full evening of fun with food, drinks, and VIP access, this pub crawl provides excellent value.
13. Denver: Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit
Number thirteen offers the Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour. This 3-hour ride in the nation’s first licensed cannabis bus combines a visit to a high-tech cannabis grow operation with a brewery tour. You’ll learn about cultivation techniques and enjoy a relaxed ride with opportunities to sample products.
The tour is unique for its focus on cannabis cultivation, combined with beer tasting, at a cost of $67. It’s perfect for travelers interested in Colorado’s legal cannabis scene alongside its brewing scene, and it offers a different perspective on Denver’s innovative industries.
Bottom Line: A rare opportunity to combine cannabis education with brewery visits in a fun, relaxed setting.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Denver
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time, and personal interests. If you love craft beer and want a comprehensive, educational experience, the Denver Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown is hard to beat. For a themed adventure, the Wild West Pub Crawl combines history and beer in a fun, immersive way. Ghost fans should look at the Haunted Pub Crawl or Spirits & Spirits for spooky stories and eerie atmospheres.
If you prefer a flexible, personalized experience, the Colorado on Tap Private Craft Beer Crawl allows you to choose beers as you go. For a lively night with friends, the Downtown Denver Pub Crawl offers food, drinks, and VIP access. Budget travelers might enjoy the Haunted Pub Crawl in Golden, while those interested in Denver’s arts scene should consider the Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit.
Book early, especially during peak seasons, to lock in your preferred date and ensure your spot in these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Denver’s drinking tour scene offers something for virtually every traveler. For craft beer aficionados, the LoDo Craft Beer Tour and RiNo Beer and Graffiti Tour provide immersive, flavorful journeys. For those intrigued by history — whether wild west or haunted — the pub crawls in Golden and downtown give a taste of Denver’s legendary past. And for a more eclectic experience, themed pub crawls or the cannabis industry tour add a modern twist.
Whatever your style, these tours promise a fun, authentic way to toast Denver’s diverse drinking culture. Be sure to check availability and book early—these popular experiences tend to fill up during peak times. Cheers to a memorable Denver adventure filled with good drinks and great stories!