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

Should you visit Baltimore or Denver?

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 Denver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Baltimore and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Denver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Denver are about the same size, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Denver is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Baltimore is more touristy than Denver and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Baltimore different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Baltimore or Denver Better for Skiing?

Baltimore
Denver

Denver is very good for winter skiing. However, Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Baltimore is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Denver?

Baltimore
Denver

Baltimore is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

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

Baltimore
Denver

Baltimore is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. 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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Baltimore or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Denver

Baltimore is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.


Is Baltimore or Denver Better for Hiking?

Baltimore
Denver

Denver is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Denver?

Baltimore
Denver

Baltimore is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Is Baltimore or Denver Better for Families?

Baltimore
Denver

Baltimore is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Denver is a family-friendly city. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.


Is Baltimore or Denver Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Denver

Both Baltimore and Denver are notable 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.

Denver is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Baltimore or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Denver

Baltimore is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Baltimore or Denver Better for Students?

Baltimore
Denver

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

Denver is popular with students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Baltimore is not popular with students.


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

Baltimore
Denver

Baltimore is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Baltimore has some very good public transit options. 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.

Denver has some public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Is Baltimore or Denver a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Denver

Baltimore is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Denver or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Denver?

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

Families should spend more time in Baltimore than Denver. 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 Denver. 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 Denver 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.


  • How many days in Baltimore or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Baltimore or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Baltimore. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Denver. 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 Denver?

Baltimore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the accessible destination of Denver. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the park-filled city of Denver. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Baltimore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Denver is a popular choice for travelers. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, while the average daily cost in Denver is $218. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Baltimore and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Denver? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Baltimore


Hotels in Denver


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $42
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Airport to Baltimore Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Cruise Port to Baltimore city: $42
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore City to Baltimore Cruise Port: $42
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $64
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Baltimore Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $89
  • Baltimore City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $104
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $111

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $177
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury SUV: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $155
  • Denver Airport (BJC) to Beaver Creek Ski Resort -Arrival Transfer: $222
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer : $222
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $242
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $196
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Denver hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $102
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Arrival Transfer: $122
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Round-Trip Transfer: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Baltimore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baltimore $46
    Denver $42
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $119
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $194
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Typical Food Prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.

  • Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $55
  • Denver : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $55
  • Downtown Denver Savory Food Tour: $74
  • RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $79
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $79
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Golden, CO: $80
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver, CO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
  • Downtown Baltimore In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Historic & Cultural Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $17
  • Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $17
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30
  • Sights and Sips Private City Sightseeing Cruise: $31
  • Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $31

Tours and Activities in Denver

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:

  • Denver's Art District Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Discover A Walking Tour of Denver's Top Sights: $5.00
  • Denver's Spokes and Scoops: A Self-Guided Cycle Tour: $5.20
  • Denver’s Downtown: Past and Present In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure on Your Phone: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $14
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $14
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Chesapeake Region Wine Tour: $171

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Through Denver RiNo Arts District : $25
  • 4-Hour Downtown Denver Pub Crawl: $25
  • California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting: $30
  • Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71
  • Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver than you might in Baltimore.

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


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Denver?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Denver, 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.