Denver is one of the great American beer cities, and Lower Downtown is where the modern scene began. This walking tour from Denver Microbrew Tour condenses that story into about two and a half hours and four stops, all within a mile of each other. You meet at Wynkoop Brewing Company on 18th Street, the brewpub often credited as a pioneer of Denver craft beer, and then work through Dairy Block, Westbound and Down Brewing Company and finally Oskar Blues Grill and Brew on Market Street, where the tour ends. Each stop gets roughly half an hour, except a short pause at Dairy Block, and Larimer Square and the Daniels and Fisher Tower appear as pass-by sights. The listing promises more than ten samples across the route, a souvenir taster glass and a local guide who covers brewing basics and the city's history between pours. Groups are capped at fourteen, so the guide can actually talk to you, and the format suits both newcomers who want a map of the scene and enthusiasts who want to hear how Colorado brewing grew. Food is not included, so eat something first. Guests must be 21 or older with photo ID, and beers can vary with the season.
What makes this tour useful is the sequencing. Instead of choosing one brewery and hoping for the best, you get a short tour through four distinct styles of venue: a classic brewpub, a small food-and-drink district, a taproom known for its own beers, and a restaurant-brewery from a well-known canned-beer brand. The guide handles ordering and timing, which matters in LoDo on a game night when the bars around Coors Field are crowded. Because the route ends within a mile of the start, you can continue on foot to Union Station or back toward your hotel.
The practical details are straightforward. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring photo ID, and do not park at a two-hour meter because the tour runs longer than that. The listing says it is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. It is an adult activity in practice, since you must be 21 to drink, and the samples are small pours rather than full pints, so most people can enjoy it without feeling wrecked. Drink water between stops, and remember that Denver sits a mile above sea level, which tends to make alcohol hit a little harder than you expect.
It is worth choosing this tour if you want guidance and efficiency, and skipping it if you prefer to wander and linger. Reviewers rate it extremely well and mention the knowledge of the guides, and the number of reviews is large for a beer tour. If you want a more art-focused route, the Beer and Graffiti tour covers RiNo instead, and if you would rather ride between breweries the bike options on this page do that. For a first night in Denver with a group of friends, this is a safe and enjoyable choice.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group walking tour of four LoDo breweries and taprooms with more than ten samples, a souvenir glass and a local guide. Groups are capped at fourteen.
Best time
Afternoon or early evening, before dinner. Eat something first because food is not included.
How long
About two and a half hours.
Tips
Bring photo ID (21 and over only), wear comfortable shoes, drink water between stops and avoid two-hour parking meters.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beer fans and groups of friends who want a guided introduction to Denver brewing.
- Families
- Not suited to children, since the activity centers on alcohol tastings.
- Couples
- A fun, relaxed activity with built-in conversation.
- Pair with
- Union Station, Larimer Square or a Rockies game at Coors Field.
- Time needed
- Two and a half hours.
Good questions
Where does the tour start?+
At Wynkoop Brewing Company on 18th Street. It ends at Oskar Blues Grill and Brew on Market Street.
How many beers do you taste?+
The listing says more than ten samples across four stops.
Is food included?+
No. Eat beforehand, since the tour is built around tastings.
What is the age limit?+
Guests must be 21 or older and bring photo ID.
Is there a souvenir?+
Yes, the listing includes a souvenir taster glass.
