A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Denver for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Denver?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Denver can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Bar Harbor and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Denver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Denver. Although Bar Harbor and Denver are popular destinations, Denver has more sights and attractions for tourists. Denver is very popular for its skiing, museums & sights, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Denver and is known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also well known for Red Rocks Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bar Harbor or Denver Better for Skiing?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. 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.

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Denver?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Denver is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Denver offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor
Denver

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Bar Harbor or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.


Is Bar Harbor or Denver Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Denver Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Denver Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Both Bar Harbor and Denver are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Denver offers some nice hiking trails. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Denver?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Bar Harbor or Denver Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Both Bar Harbor and Denver are nice to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Denver is a family-friendly coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor or Denver Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Denver is a good coastal town 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 Bar Harbor or Denver Better for Students?

Bar Harbor
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Denver is a good city to visit for 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.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Bar Harbor
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Bar Harbor or Denver a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Denver

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

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Denver is not a very walkable coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Denver. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denver than Bar Harbor 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 Denver.


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

One day in Bar Harbor or Denver?

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the sprawling city of Denver, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Denver?

Bar Harbor 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.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Denver, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. 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.

Denver, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Bar Harbor or Denver?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Bar Harbor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $202, 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 Bar Harbor and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Denver Airport Private Transfer to Denver(downtown): $76
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $96
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver International Airport(DEN) to Downtown: $98
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN): $98
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $111
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $111
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Round-Trip Transfer: $124
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Denver International Airport: $125
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury SUV: $140
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $140
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor $57
    Denver $42
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

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.

  • Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
  • Denver : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $55
  • Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $60
  • LoHi Neighborhood Food Tour: $71
  • 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
  • walking Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Denver $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

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

  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $9.50
  • Ocean Path: Acadia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $13
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Historic Self-Guided Audio Guide Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia's Natural Wonders Driving Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $4.69
  • Discover A Walking Tour of Denver's Top Sights: $5.00
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.23
  • 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
  • Sights & Highlights Walking tour: $11
  • Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $14
  • Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket: $16
  • General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16
  • Denver Nuggets NBA Game Ticket at Ball Arena: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Denver Pub Crawl in RiNo Arts District: $33
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $35
  • Denver Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit/Beer Tasting: $39
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
  • Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor 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.