Denver: City Highlights Bus Tour & Skyline Views

Summary

Denver’s creative heart, mountain skyline and quirky stories on a relaxed city bus tour

You’ll hop on a small group bus tour through Denver’s most iconic spots — from Union Station to City Park’s sweeping views — guided by a local who knows every story behind each landmark. Expect laughs, unexpected facts (the Mint heist tales!), and time to snap photos on the Mile High Steps. It’s an easy way to feel part of Denver’s rhythm for a morning or afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a city highlights bus tour in Denver. But right from the start at Union Station — which still smells faintly like old wood and coffee — our guide (Sam, born-and-raised here) had this way of mixing local history with these offbeat stories about the city. We rolled past Larimer Square, where the old brick buildings look golden in the morning light, and Sam pointed out a bakery he swears has the best cinnamon rolls in Colorado. I almost jumped off to try one but figured I’d never find my way back.

The bus itself was comfy — not too big, not too small — just enough for everyone to hear Sam’s jokes about the Big Blue Bear peeking into the Denver Convention Center (“He’s probably still waiting for his coffee,” he said). The 16th Street Mall was busy with people even before noon; you could smell street food mixing with something floral from Civic Center Park nearby. Someone asked about the Denver Mint and suddenly we were talking about wild heist attempts that sounded straight out of a movie. I didn’t know money-making could be so dramatic.

We stopped at City Park for these wide-open skyline views — mountains in the distance, city shining up close. There was this cool moment where everyone got quiet for a second, just taking it in. It hit me then how Denver feels both huge and neighborly at once. The last bit was standing on the Mile High Steps at the State Capitol (yep, exactly 5,280 feet up). Sam made us all pose for photos — I’m usually awkward about that stuff but ended up grinning anyway. Still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Denver's top sights and landmarks

• Start tour at Union Station
• Visit historic 19th century landmarks
• Pass by Denver Center for the Performing Arts
• See and photograph the Big Blue Bear
• Walk through 16th Street Mall
• Enjoy views at City Park
• Drive past Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature & Science
• View Titanic survivor's mansion in Capitol Hill
• Snap photo on Mile High Steps
• Pass by Civic Center Park
• See unique Denver Art Museum architecture
• Hear heist stories at Denver Mint
• Pass by other iconic historical landmarks

Top questions

How long does the Denver city highlights bus tour last?

The tour lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes including driving time.

Where does the Denver bus tour start?

The tour starts at Union Station in downtown Denver.

Is there a local guide on this Denver highlights tour?

Yes, you’ll have a local guide leading your group throughout the experience.

What are some key stops or sights on this Denver city tour?

You’ll see Larimer Square, 16th Street Mall, Civic Center Park, City Park with skyline views, Denver Art Museum, Colorado State Capitol and more.

Are children allowed on this bus tour?

Children ages 5 and older can join due to state car seat laws; all guests must have tickets.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Union Station in central Denver.

How many people are on each bus tour?

The bus fits up to 14 guests per group for a small group experience.

Does this day trip include entry fees or meals?

No entry fees or meals are included; it’s mainly sightseeing with stories from your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes a seat on a comfortable small-group bus with space for up to 14 guests, guidance from a knowledgeable local storyteller, plus all taxes and fees covered so you can just relax and enjoy rolling through Denver’s highlights together.