Denver’s Art District Self Guided Walking Tour

If you’re visiting Denver and have a curiosity for urban art and local culture, the Denver’s Art District Self-Guided Walking Tour offers a chance to explore the River North (RiNo) district’s colorful murals at your own pace. For just $5 per person, you get a smartphone-guided experience that promises flexibility, a wealth of murals, and insight into Denver’s street art scene. The tour runs approximately 45 to 55 minutes, but how much you see and learn is entirely up to you.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it lets you avoid large tour groups—perfect for independent travelers or those who prefer to explore on their own schedule. Starting at the Denver Central Market, a lively hub with food and coffee options, the tour takes you through notable murals, alleyways, and iconic art sites like the IMAC building and Mural Alley. It’s a quick way to get a vibrant snapshot of the neighborhood and its creative heartbeat.

One potential drawback is that, because murals frequently change and get painted over, some artwork described in the guide might no longer be there. Also, a handful of reviews mention technical hiccups, like issues with the audio system or outdated descriptions, which can disrupt the experience. Still, if you’re flexible and ready to embrace some surprises, this tour offers an engaging way to experience Denver’s street art.

This tour is especially suited to independent travelers, art enthusiasts, and those wanting to explore without a rigid schedule. If you’re curious about local murals, enjoy walking at your own pace, and don’t mind some minor technical quirks, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile and enjoyable adventure.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration: Self-guided means you control your pace and start time.
• Affordable price: At just $5 per person, it offers good value for a quick urban art experience.
• Rich mural content: The tour covers several key murals, including well-known works like the Breonna Taylor piece and the Love This City mural.
• Potential for updates needed: Murals are painted over or changed, so some descriptions might be outdated.
• Convenient starting point: Begins at Denver Central Market, a lively spot for a coffee or snack.
• Limited in-person engagement: No guide present, relying solely on your smartphone app.

A Detailed Look at Denver’s Art District Self-Guided Walking Tour

Walking through Denver’s RiNo district with a smartphone in hand is a modern, flexible way to enjoy urban art. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to reconnect with the neighborhood’s murals, this tour offers both convenience and insight. Let’s explore what makes this experience worthwhile and where it might fall short.

Starting Point: Denver Central Market

The tour kicks off at Denver Central Market, a vibrant hub filled with local food vendors and coffee shops. This is a smart choice—fuel up before wandering the streets, as you’ll cover a fair amount of ground. Several reviews praise this spot as a “great place to grab a coffee or a meal”, making it a natural starting point. Plus, it’s easy to find and centrally located.

Key Stop 1: Larimer Boy and Girl Murals

Just a few steps from the market, on 2715 Larimer St, you’ll encounter one of the most captivating murals—the Larimer Boy and Girl. This piece is more than just eye-catching; it’s a three-dimensional canvas that offers a dual image: a girl’s sad face from one side and a boy’s animated face from another.

This mural is praised for its uniqueness and depth, providing an immediate spark of curiosity. The review from Justin highlights how the tour “was excellent with some interesting facts,” though he noted that some murals described as part of the tour might no longer be visible, illustrating how quickly street art can change.

Stop 2: Breonna Taylor Mural at Stem Ciders

A short walk brings you to Stem Ciders’ patio, where the Breonna Taylor mural is painted by renowned social justice artists Hiero Veiga and Thomas Detour Evans. It’s powerful and politically charged, showcasing Denver’s commitment to social justice through street art. The reviews indicate that this is a favorite spot because it combines art with social commentary, and many find it to be among the most meaningful murals along the route.

Stop 3: The IMAC Building Mural

On the walls of the IMAC building at 2550 Larimer Street, you’ll find the famous Orange, Blue, and Red Eyes mural. It’s one of Denver’s most recognizable street art pieces and wraps around the building’s corner, creating a visual spectacle. Visitors appreciate how this piece has become a landmark in the district, and it’s a great example of how street art can transform urban spaces.

Stop 4: Mural Alley and Crush Walls

Walking down Mural Alley at 1346 27th St, you’ll experience what’s often called Denver’s street art hub, especially during the annual Crush Walls Festival in September. Artists from across the country fill this alley with fresh, dynamic murals. Several reviews note that this is “where some of the best street art in Denver” can be seen.

If you’re lucky, you might catch new murals being painted, but keep in mind—some artwork can get overpainted or covered over time, making descriptions in the guide sometimes outdated.

Stop 5: The Ramble Hotel Murals

Next, outside the Ramble Hotel, murals adorn the building’s sides, showcasing contemporary art. This adds a touch of urban sophistication and provides a great photo opportunity. Travelers love that it’s easy to access and visually striking.

Final Stops: The “Love This City” Mural and 27th Street Murals

The tour concludes at the “Love This City” mural, which is one of Denver’s most visited murals for good reason—its bright colors and optimistic message resonate strongly with visitors. The last stop on 1200 27th St features a street of murals, some of the most vibrant and diverse in Denver, including stories about local artists and the Crush Walls event.

Overall Experience: What Works and What Could Be Better

Based on reviews, many travelers find the tour “very informative” and appreciate the ability to pause and restart as needed. Patty notes, “The directions were simple & easy to follow,” and many agree that ending back at Central Market feels natural and convenient.

However, several comments mention the outdated content—murals painted over or no longer existing—that can cause confusion. Some reviews also report technical issues, like non-functioning audio or difficulty obtaining the app code, which can detract from the experience. For instance, JOSIANE L described the podcast as “outdated”, making it hard to orient herself, especially if the murals she was told to look for were gone.

Value for Money

At just $5, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see some of Denver’s most interesting murals. While it’s not a guided tour with a person, the app provides narration and artist stories that add depth to your stroll. But keep in mind—Murals do change and some descriptions might be outdated, so it’s wise to approach the tour as an informative guide rather than an authoritative source.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for independent travelers, art lovers, and those who want flexibility in exploring the RiNo district. Think of it as a self-paced art crawl—perfect if you enjoy discovering murals on your own and are comfortable with some minor technical quirks. It’s also a good option for families or couples seeking a casual, urban adventure.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the Denver’s Art District Self-Guided Walking Tour offers a cost-effective, flexible way to experience the vibrant murals of the RiNo neighborhood. While it has some limitations—such as murals being repainted and occasional technical issues—the core experience is engaging and informative.

You’ll love the variety of murals, from social justice pieces to playful street art, and the chance to explore at your own pace. It’s especially suited for those who value independence, appreciate urban art, and enjoy a relaxed walking experience. Be prepared for some murals to have changed since the guide was created, but that’s part of the dynamic charm of street art.

If you want a quick, affordable, and informative introduction to Denver’s street art scene, this tour will serve you well. Just keep in mind that it’s not a guided tour with a person—so a bit of patience and a sense of adventure will help you make the most of it.

FAQ Section

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s a casual walking tour that can be enjoyed by anyone interested in urban murals and street art.

Do I need to download anything special?
Yes, you’ll need the WalknTours app and a smartphone to access the audio guide and directions.

How long does the tour usually take?
The tour lasts approximately 45 to 55 minutes, but you can take more or less time depending on how long you linger at each mural.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is self-guided and flexible, so you can start whenever it suits you.

Are there opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route?
Yes, the tour begins at Denver Central Market, a great spot for snacks, coffee, and meals.

What if some murals I see are not as described?
Murals in the neighborhood are often painted over or changed, so descriptions might be outdated. Use the app for the best guidance, but enjoy the surprises along the way.

In every sense, this self-guided mural tour is a practical, budget-friendly introduction to Denver’s creative spirit. It’s a great option if you prefer exploring independently and want to see some of the city’s most dynamic street art. Just remember—urban art is ever-changing, so embrace the unexpected and enjoy Denver’s colorful side.