Downtown

Group of four friends enjoying pizza at a restaurant with a brick wall background. One woman is holding a slice of pizza while smiling, and another woman is serving pizza.
Award badge for the 10th annual Best of the West Revue Readers Poll, with red stars and a red starburst at the top, dated 2025.
Five yellow stars with black text saying "Rated 5 Stars" underneath.

Explore the flavors that earned Grand Rapids its place among the Top 25 Foodie Cities in the U.S. on our original downtown walking food tour

1000+ Happy Guests

Please Note: Spots are limited to keep groups small - book now to secure a spot before it’s gone!

Check Availablilty

  • Price: $65 per person

  • Start Time: 11:30 AM on Saturdays May thru October

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Food Tastings: Five

  • Activity Level: Light walking — about 1 mile with frequent stops

  • Wheelchair Accessible: No

  • Group Size: 12 Guests Total

A barista in a black shirt with tattoos on his arm is holding a coffee mug with a spark ignited from it causing sparks to fly. The background shows a commercial coffee machine, a grinder, shelves with cups, jars, and metal containers in a coffee shop setting.

Tour Overview

Whether you’re visiting Grand Rapids for the first time or looking for things to do downtown, our original Downtown Food Tour makes exploring easy. This guided walking food tour takes place entirely in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids—where the city’s food scene, public art, and history come together.

Recognized as one of the Top 25 Foodie Cities in the U.S., downtown is home to many of the flavors that earned Grand Rapids that distinction. You’ll enjoy a curated lineup of tastings from locally loved spots while your guide shares stories, fun facts, and insider insight along the way.

As you walk, you’ll spot iconic murals, explore downtown streets, and take in views of the Grand River, the city’s namesake. With light walking and plenty of time at each stop, this tour helps you experience more of Grand Rapids in less time leaving you with a full belly and unforgettable memories.

  1. Free Cancellation up to 72 hours prior

  2. Great Tour Gaurantee (or 100% of your money back)

  3. Lowest Price Gaurantee

Two women sitting at a table with a wooden cake board containing toasted marshmallows and chocolate bars, a small flame in a cup, and a glass of water. One woman is holding a toasted marshmallow over the flame. The background features colorful tribal art on the wall.
Book Now
Five gold stars at the top, followed by a quote about a tour praising the food, Kate's hosting skills, and learning about Grand Rapids, ending with the name Laura N.
Five yellow stars in a row with black text above that reads "Customer Reviews."

Great for ALL Personalities Bold Bites at Every Stop Explore Stress-Free

1000+ Happy Guests

Voted Best in West Michigan for Group Activities

Hear it from Fellow Foodies

  • "This tour was great. The food was delicious! Kate was so great at hosting a group of strangers and making everyone feel at ease. I also enjoyed learning little bits about the history of Grand Rapids as we walked and stopped at just a few points along the way."

    -Laura N

  • "Amazing tour, 10/10! Kate is just fantastic. I've been on many food tours this year and the order and placement of the stops were well-done. Plenty of historical context and opportunities to learn about the public art works. Highly recommend."

    -Romie R, @roamingwithromie

  • "Explore new restaurants and foods, meet the staff and hear the stories behind the restaurants. Plus bits of GR history along the way. Great for food lovers, but also art lovers! GR is loaded with art and historic buildings! I definitely recommend the Taste of GR tour! Our guide was a blast, very welcoming, and knowledgeable! The time flies by and you are wanting more!"

    -Angelina L

  • "My work booked a private tour earlier this week and we were blown away. We had a great time and even better food and drinks. We highly recommend Taste of GR for your next work outing or get together with friends. Thanks again Kate for a fun time!"

    -Meredith L

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! We design every stop with variety in mind—different flavors, stories, vibes—so there’s truly something for everyone. Even picky eaters and low-key friends end up loving it.

  • You’ll definitely be full. Each stop includes generous tastings, and most groups leave saying, “Okay wow… that was more food than I expected.”

  • Just let us know ahead of time—we accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common needs at most stops.

  • Nope! Think fun, relaxed, and social—not a lecture. We share cool stories, then step back so you can enjoy your people.

  • We have backup plans and indoor-heavy routes for rain, snow, or cold. Your celebration stays fun no matter what Michigan decides to do that day.

  • About a half mile to a mile, broken up into short, easy segments. It’s more “stroll with snacks” than “fitness challenge.”

  • We’ll help them catch up or guide them to the next stop if needed — we won’t leave anyone behind.

  • Yes. The price includes all food, tastings, gratuities, and your guide—so you’re not splitting checks, tipping multiple servers, or guessing costs.

  • Absolutely. Private tours are your people only—your vibes, your celebration, your inside jokes.

  • We get it. Every group has “that friend.”

    The good news? This experience has enough variety that even the skeptics end up having fun.

  • Yes! Most groups leave full and satisfied, and the whole experience feels more special than sitting at one restaurant for hours.

  • Perfect—we handle everything. You just pick the date, show up, and look like the hero.

  • ASAP—private tour dates fill up fast, especially weekends. Most last-minute planners find their first-choice date is already gone.

  • Definitely! Drinks aren’t included, but every stop has great options you can order if you want them.

  • It’s more fun, more unique, and way more memorable. Plus, you’re not stuck at one table or one bar—you’re exploring the best flavors and stories of GR together.

Surprise the food lover in your life with a Walking Food Tour Gift Card

A woman holding a small gift box with a red ribbon in one hand and a card with a city skyline and 'Taste of City' logo in the other.

  • Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or “just because” gifting

  • 74% of people prefer experiences over products — this gift delivers just that

  • Recipients can explore the best bites in Grand Rapids at their own convenience

  • 3 out of 4 travelers say local food experiences are their favorite way to explore a city

  • Easy to give, exciting to receive

  • Share the joy of great food and unforgettable memories

Give the Gift of Experience

Follow our culinary adventures!