A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Aspen for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cincinnati or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Aspen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Aspen

Aspen is a artsy, outdoorsy, and authentic ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Cincinnati and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Aspen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Cincinnati and Aspen are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cincinnati is known for its museums. Aspen is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Cincinnati is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Cincinnati is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cincinnati or Aspen?

Cincinnati is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cincinnati. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cincinnati or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Aspen is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is well known for its live music scene. However, Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is well known for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Aspen?

Aspen is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Aspen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Cincinnati does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Aspen is not to be missed. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Cincinnati does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is well known for its Christmas markets. However, Cincinnati does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen offers plenty of Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Cincinnati does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Aspen.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cincinnati is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cincinnati and Aspen.

You'll find some public transit in Cincinnati, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

While Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Is Cincinnati or Aspen a more walkable city?

Cincinnati and Aspen both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Aspen?

In either Cincinnati or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Cincinnati because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Cincinnati 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 Aspen.

One day in Cincinnati or Aspen?

In Cincinnati, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cincinnati. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cincinnati or Aspen?

Cincinnati is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cincinnati. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen, a popular ski town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this ski town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Cincinnati or Aspen?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen 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 The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Aspen?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Aspen, 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.