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

Should you visit Denver or El Paso?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or El Paso, 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 park-filled, suburban, and accessible city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

El Paso

El Paso is a low-key, undiscovered, and laid-back city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Denver and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Denver or El Paso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Denver. Although Denver and El Paso are popular destinations, Denver has more sights and attractions for tourists. Denver is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities, while El Paso attracts visitors for its museums and food. 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. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Denver different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Denver or El Paso Better for Skiing?

Denver is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Denver or El Paso?

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

El Paso offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

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 El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

El Paso 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 El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

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 El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Both Denver and El Paso are nice when it comes to 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is Denver or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Denver is very good for its hiking trails. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Denver or El Paso?

Both Denver and El Paso 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.

El Paso has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Is Denver or El Paso Better for Families?

Denver and El Paso 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.

El Paso is a family-friendly city. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Denver or El Paso Better for Couples?

Denver is very good for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

Is Denver or El Paso Better for Students?

Denver is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, El Paso is not popular with students.

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.

El Paso is not popular with students.

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

Denver is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is Denver or El Paso a more walkable city?

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

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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 El Paso Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Denver?

How long in Denver or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Denver or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Denver than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Denver, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denver than El Paso 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.

One day in Denver or El Paso?

In Denver, you'll find shopping and skiing. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of El Paso. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Denver or El Paso?

In Denver, you'll find skiing and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Denver has to offer.

El Paso 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.

Five days in Denver or El Paso?

Denver is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. 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 El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denver. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Denver. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of El Paso. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Denver and El Paso, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is El Paso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Paso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Paso 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 El Paso.

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

Which is Bigger, Denver or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Denver and El Paso, 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.