A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Colorado Springs for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Colorado Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore than Colorado Springs. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Baltimore is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Baltimore different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Colorado Springs and Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

Colorado Springs is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Baltimore is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Baltimore makes for a great culinary experience. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Baltimore know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Baltimore is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Baltimore is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Colorado Springs.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Colorado Springs are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Colorado Springs is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore and Colorado Springs are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is popular with students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is a great destination for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Baltimore or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Colorado Springs. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Baltimore than Colorado Springs. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Baltimore, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Baltimore than Colorado Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Baltimore that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Colorado Springs if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Baltimore.

One day in Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Baltimore. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and museums around the mountain town of Colorado Springs. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse city of Baltimore. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy mountain town of Colorado Springs. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Baltimore is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Colorado Springs, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Colorado Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colorado Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colorado Springs and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Colorado Springs.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Colorado Springs, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Colorado Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In July, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Baltimore during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Baltimore is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the winter for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

Colorado Springs can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. In the winter, Baltimore is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Baltimore