Walk Denver’s mile-long 16th Street Mall with a guide, sampling pastries, empanadas, bison chili, wood-fired pizza and bao while learning the city’s architectural and culinary history. This 2.5-hour tasting tour pairs local stories with approachable bites and easy walking.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The tour begins inside the Brown Palace, where the hotel’s atrium hums with history and the smell of a warm, seasonal pastry draws you in. You step out onto the 16th Street Mall and the city opens like a map — pedestrian lanes, planted medians, and the steady jingle of the free MallRide beckoning you down a mile of urban flavors.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — requires short, mostly flat walking and standing during tastings.
Wildlife
History
The 16th Street Mall was redesigned in 1982 by architect I.M. Pei to create a pedestrian-focused downtown spine; the Brown Palace predates it, opening in 1892 as a downtown landmark.
Conservation
Support local businesses and minimize waste by bringing a refillable bottle, choosing restaurants that source locally, and disposing of trash and compost properly in downtown bins.
Reserve your spot on the Denver Downtown 16th Street Food Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers about a mile with several street-to-restaurant transitions — choose supportive, broken-in shoes for standing and short walks.
Hydrate at the start
Denver sits at ~5,280 ft; start with water and sip between tastings to reduce altitude effects.
Flag dietary needs early
This tour includes dairy, gluten, and meat-heavy items; notify the operator in advance if you need substitutions.
Use the MallRide for return
If you prefer not to walk back after the tour, the free mall shuttle runs frequently and stops near the start and finish.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes keep you comfortable during the mile of walking and standing at food stops.
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated at Denver’s elevation helps prevent fatigue between tastings.
Light daypack
A small pack holds layers, purchases, and any souvenirs you pick up on the mall.
Sun protection (hat/sunscreen)
Bring sun protection for exposed stretches and outdoor patio stops, especially in summer.
summer