If you’re planning a trip to Denver, chances are Union Station is on your list. This iconic downtown hub blends history, architecture, and dining in one beautifully restored building. But here’s something many visitors don’t realize:
When you join a Downtown Denver Food Tour, you won’t just walk by Union Station — you’ll actually stop there with a knowledgeable local guide, learn its rich history, and experience the space in a deeper, more engaging way.
Let’s take a closer look at how a self-guided visit to Union Station compares to visiting it as part of a Delicious Denver Food Tour.
🏛️ Denver Union Station: Historic Landmark Meets Modern Marketplace
Union Station has anchored Denver since 1881, when it first opened as a train depot for the growing city. After a major renovation, it’s now a vibrant hub filled with restaurants, boutique shops, bars, and even a hotel — all under one grand Beaux-Arts roof.
You can visit Union Station on your own for free, grab a drink at Terminal Bar, or enjoy a meal at one of its acclaimed restaurants like Mercantile or Olive and Finch.
Great for:
- Admiring architecture and taking photos
- Dining or grabbing coffee or a cocktail
- Exploring at your own pace
Limitations:
- Little signage or context for the building’s layered history
- Easy to miss the fascinating backstory unless you do outside research
🍽️ Downtown Denver Food Tour: Experience Union Station With Context
On our Downtown Denver Food Tour, we take you inside Union Station as part of a curated, guided experience. You’ll learn:
- Why this station was vital to Denver’s growth in the 1800s
- What the building looked like before its stunning 2014 renovation
- The untold stories behind its architectural details and history
All while enjoying tastings from some of the city’s best locally owned restaurants — and discovering hidden gems nearby.
Best for:
- Travelers who want more than surface-level sightseeing
- People who love food, history, and stories
- Anyone new to Denver or hoping to connect more deeply with the city
🧭 Why Not Do Both?
By visiting Union Station as part of a guided food tour, you’ll understand and appreciate it more — then you’ll have the freedom to stick around after to explore on your own, maybe with a cocktail or a sunset selfie on the plaza.
🔍 Quick Comparison
| Experience | Self-Guided at Union Station | Food Tour (Includes Union Station) |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Union Station | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Guided History & Stories | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – led by local expert |
| Dining & Drinks | ✅ Yes – self purchase | ✅ Yes – includes tastings at top spots |
| Duration | 1–2 hours, self-paced | 3 hours guided |
| Cost | Free to enter | Ticketed tour, food included |
📌 Plan Your Visit
- Delicious Denver Food Tours: Book your Downtown Food Tour here and experience Union Station (and much more!) with an expert guide.
- After your tour: Return to Union Station to grab a cocktail, hop a train, or explore more on your own.