A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Denver vs. Anchorage for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Denver or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Anchorage, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

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.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a scenic, breathtaking, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Denver and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Denver or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denver than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Denver is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, and big city activities, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Anchorage is more touristy than Denver and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. 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 Denver different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Skiing?

Denver is a city with good options for snow skiing. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not a skiing destination.

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

Anchorage is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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 Denver or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Anchorage 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 Anchorage. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

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 Denver or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Denver is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Anchorage draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Denver or Anchorage?

Both Denver and Anchorage are nice shopping destinations.

Denver offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Anchorage has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Families?

Denver and Anchorage are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Denver or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage 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 Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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 Denver or Anchorage Better for Students?

Denver is a city with good options for students. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Denver is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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 quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Denver or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Anchorage is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Anchorage is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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 Denver Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Denver?

How long in Denver or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Denver and Anchorage. In our opinion, Anchorage has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Anchorage than Denver. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Denver, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

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

One day in Denver or Anchorage?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Denver or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the sprawling 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.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Denver or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the sprawling 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Denver or Anchorage?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Denver and Anchorage, 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 Denver Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Denver or Anchorage?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Denver and Anchorage, 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.