A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Denver for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Denver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a cultural, active, and relaxed coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brisbane travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Denver travel costs.

Brisbane and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Denver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brisbane than Denver, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brisbane is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Denver is known for its skiing. Brisbane is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Brisbane different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Brisbane or Denver Better for Skiing?

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

Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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.

Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

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

Brisbane 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 Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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 Brisbane or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Brisbane. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

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 Brisbane or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane 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.

Brisbane offers plenty to do in the evening. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop 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 Brisbane or Denver Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Denver Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a well-known place for the beach. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Denver Better for Hiking?

You'll find good hiking in both Brisbane and Denver.

Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Denver has hiking trails worth exploring. 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 Brisbane or Denver?

Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in 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 Brisbane or Denver Better for Families?

Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Denver is a family-friendly coastal 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 Brisbane or Denver Better for Couples?

Both Brisbane and Denver are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Denver is a nice destination for couples. 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 Brisbane or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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 Brisbane or Denver Better for Students?

Brisbane is a well-known place for students. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Plenty of students visit Denver. 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.

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

Brisbane and Denver both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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.

Is Brisbane or Denver a more walkable city?

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

Brisbane is a very walkable coastal city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Denver is not a very walkable coastal 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 Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Denver?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

One day in Brisbane or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Brisbane. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Denver offers skiing and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brisbane or Denver?

Brisbane 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.

Denver is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denver, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Brisbane. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Denver is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brisbane and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific and Denver is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Denver?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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.