Bikes, Brews & Hidden Bars: A Ride Through RiNo & Downtown

Bikes, Brews & Hidden Bars: A Ride Through RiNo & Downtown

If you’re considering a way to see Denver that goes beyond typical sightseeing, the Bikes, Brews & Hidden Bars tour offers a lively, authentic taste of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. This 3-hour guided bike ride takes you through downtown Denver’s top landmarks, the colorful RiNo district, and some secret spots most visitors overlook. It’s a fantastic mix of culture, history, art, and good old-fashioned fun.

What really makes this tour stand out is its combination of urban exploration and local drinking culture—all on comfortable bikes with a friendly guide. We love how it’s not just about ticking off sights but about experiencing the city’s vibe on two wheels. A second highlight is how the route includes stunning murals and local breweries, giving you a taste of Denver’s creative soul and craft beer scene.

The only possible downside? The tour covers about 8 miles, so it’s best suited for those who are comfortable cycling a bit and enjoy a moderate pace. Also, since part of the fun involves stopping at bars and local eateries, it’s worth noting that the focus is on a relaxed, social experience rather than rigorous exercise or sightseeing.

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy a casual, engaging way to explore a city, especially those curious about Denver’s art scene and craft beer culture. It’s also a great choice for groups or solo travelers looking for a small, friendly group adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines city sights, murals, and local breweries for a well-rounded Denver outing.
• Authentic Insights: Guided by locals who share stories and background behind the neighborhoods.
• Relaxed Pace: About 8 miles of cycling, suitable for casual riders with a love for exploration.
• Exclusive Access: Stops at hidden murals and local watering holes most travelers don’t find on their own.
• All-Inclusive: Bike, helmet, snacks, bottled water, and two alcoholic beverages are included.
• Small Group: Limited to only 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and friendly atmosphere.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The adventure begins in downtown Denver, where you’ll meet your guide in front of a designated meeting spot near your bike rental. Cycling here offers a fantastic way to get your bearings; the route is designed to cover key attractions at a leisurely pace. Our impression? The tour manages to fit a lot into three hours without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

Downtown Highlights

The ride kicks off with some of Denver’s most recognizable landmarks. Passing by Coors Field, home of baseball’s Rockies, you get a glimpse of Denver’s sports culture. Next, the historic Dairy Block and Union Station offer a window into the city’s past and present, with beautifully restored architecture and lively gathering spots. Larimer Square—known for its string lights and boutique shops—introduces a touch of downtown chic, perfect for photo ops.

Our guide shared stories about Denver’s growth and how each site played a part in shaping the city, making the experience educational as well as scenic.

Cherry Creek River Ride and RiNo District

From the downtown core, you’ll cycle along the Cherry Creek River, a scenic route that offers peaceful views away from traffic. As you approach the RiNo district, the real color explosion begins. The area is renowned for its vivid murals, with more than a dozen masterpieces showcasing local talent. We loved the way the guide pointed out the stories behind some murals, revealing Denver’s artistic pulse.

In RiNo, you get to explore the neighborhood’s creative energy. The tour includes stops at two or three local breweries or bars like Lincoln’s Speakeasy, Our Mutual Friends, or Improper City. These spots are favorites among locals, giving you a taste of Denver’s thriving craft beer scene and relaxed vibe. The tour’s inclusion of hidden murals adds a layer of discovery, making it feel like a treasure hunt through alleys and side streets.

More Great Tours Nearby

Food, Drinks, and Social Vibes

The experience isn’t just about riding bikes. It’s about tasting and socializing. The stops at local bars and markets feature delicious food and tapas-style snacks, which add flavor to the experience. The two included alcoholic beverages provide a chance to unwind and soak up the neighborhood atmosphere.

Reviewers repeatedly mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the tour engaging and fun. One traveler from France said, “Lidée de combiner tour en vélo avec visite de bars est excellente,” highlighting how well the mix worked.

Practical Details

The bikes and helmets are provided, making logistics straightforward. The meeting point is conveniently located in front of your guide’s apartment complex, and parking is simple. The tour is typically offered in the evening, allowing you to enjoy the city lights and cooler temperatures. It’s limited to 6 participants, so you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience without feeling lost in a crowd.

The cost of $95 per person offers solid value. You get a guided tour, bike rental, snacks, bottled water, and two drinks—plus the memories of seeing Denver from a different perspective. Since extra food and drinks are not included, you might want to bring extra cash or plan for additional stops if you’re hungry or thirsty.

The Verdict

This tour is highly praised for its great mix of sights, art, and local flavor. Multiple reviews mention how the guide’s knowledge and friendliness make a difference—“Jeremy showed us much more than we hoped,” says one. Another traveler appreciated the route’s diversity, remarking how it provided a “really good layout of Denver”.

Most importantly, the experience captures Denver’s creative spirit and craft beer culture, making it especially appealing for those who love to see a city’s authentic side. It’s a fun, relaxed activity that suits travelers who enjoy moderate exercise and socializing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love cycling and want to combine it with discovering local neighborhoods, this is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate street art, beer, and a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups, it offers a chance to meet like-minded explorers in a small setting.

Keep in mind that since the tour covers 8 miles, it’s best for those comfortable on a bike. However, it doesn’t demand a high level of fitness—just a casual ability to pedal and enjoy the scenery.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just the usual highlights—those eager to uncover Denver’s hidden murals and local drinking spots in a fun, friendly way.

Final Thoughts

Bikes, Brews & Hidden Bars offers a lively, insightful look at Denver’s artsy, spirited side. It’s a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with local flavor, especially if you’re curious about the city’s craft beer scene and street art. The small group size and knowledgeable guide make it a personalized experience full of stories and surprises.

While it’s not a rigorous exercise tour, it’s a great way to see a lot without tiring out. The value for the price is clear—you’re getting a guided ride, local snacks, drinks, and a chance to explore Denver’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

This tour is best suited for curious, social travelers who want a relaxed but engaging way to experience Denver’s creative and cultural heartbeat. It’s a memorable, authentic addition to any Colorado adventure.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all bike skill levels?
Yes, the route is designed to be manageable for most casual cyclists. It covers about 8 miles at a relaxed pace, making it suitable for those comfortable on a bike.

What is included in the price?
You get a bike and helmet, bottled water, snacks, and two alcoholic beverages. Extra drinks and food are not included, so plan accordingly.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is in front of the guide’s apartment complex, where the bikes are located, making it convenient to park nearby.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers flexible booking options—you can reserve now and pay later.

When is the tour usually available?
Most tours are offered in the evening, which is ideal for experiencing Denver’s city lights and cooler weather.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly mentioned, the experience involves cycling and visits to bars, so it’s best suited for travelers of legal drinking age who are comfortable on bikes.

In sum, if you’re looking for an engaging way to get a feel for Denver’s local neighborhoods, art, and craft beer scene, this small-group bike tour checks all the boxes. It’s a fun, friendly way to see the city with a local’s touch—and for just under a hundred bucks, you get a memorable adventure that’s worth every penny.

You can check availability for your dates here: