If you’re planning to explore Denver’s RiNo Arts District, two standout walking tours promise bold murals, colorful stories, and deep local flavor — literally. The Denver Graffiti Tour and the RiNo Arts District Food Tour both take you through this creative hub, but each offers a very different take on the neighborhood.
Here’s how they compare — and why they might just be better together.
🎨 Denver Graffiti Tour: Murals, Messages, and Street Art Stories
The Denver Graffiti Tour is a 2-hour walking tour through the heart of RiNo, focused exclusively on the district’s world-class street art. A passionate local guide leads the way, pointing out the artists behind the murals and the meanings behind their work — including messages around identity, politics, and the evolution of the neighborhood itself.
Great for:
- Art and photography lovers
- Visitors looking to learn about the street art scene
- DIY travelers (the tour ends near local breweries and galleries you can explore on your own)
Limitations:
- No food or drink included
- Tour is strictly focused on murals and street art
- Limited availability for weekdays
Learn more at Denver Graffiti Tour
🍽️ RiNo Arts District Food Tour: Street Art + Street Food
The RiNo Food Tour explores the same vibrant neighborhood — but adds a delicious twist. Over 3 hours, you’ll taste five different dishes from local restaurants and food innovators, while also viewing murals, learning about the artists, and hearing stories about RiNo’s transformation from industrial rail yard to creative hotspot.
What sets it apart:
- Includes five tastings (a filling meal with optional alcoholic pairings)
- Your guide weaves together street art, food, and RiNo’s history
- Optional drink pairings make this a great choice for date night or group outings
- Context for understanding the art and its role in transforming the neighborhood and how that transformation is now threatening the art
See the tastings and restaurants on our RiNo Food Tour
🔍 Quick Comparison
| Feature | Denver Graffiti Tour | RiNo Food Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Street art and mural history | Street art + food + neighborhood culture |
| Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Food Included | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – 5 tastings included |
| Drink Options | ❌ None | ✅ Optional drink pairings |
| Neighborhood Coverage | Murals in central RiNo | Murals + restaurants + backstory |
| Type of Guide | Street art specialist | Local food & culture guide |
🧭 Which RiNo Tour Is Right for You?
- Choose the Denver Graffiti Tour if you’re looking for an art-deep dive with a focus purely on murals, their meaning, and the artists behind them or you are up for DIY touring to learn about the neighborhood itself.
- Choose the RiNo Food Tour if you want a multi-sensory experience that includes art, history, and food — all wrapped into one guided exploration of Denver’s most creative neighborhood.
Want the best of both worlds? Some guests take the Graffiti Tour in the morning, then join the Food Tour in the afternoon — a full-day immersion in Denver’s most artistic district.