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

Should you visit Dublin or Denver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Denver, 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Dublin and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Dublin or Denver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Denver. Dublin is bigger than Denver, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Denver is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Dublin is more touristy than Denver and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Dublin different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dublin or Denver Better for Skiing?

Dublin
Denver

Denver is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Dublin is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. 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.

Dublin is not a skiing destination.


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

Dublin
Denver

Dublin 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 Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dublin
Denver

Dublin 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 Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

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 Dublin or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Dublin
Denver

Dublin is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin or Denver Better for Music?

Dublin
Denver

Dublin is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Denver is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Dublin is very popular with diverse venues. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Denver is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Denver Better for its Old Town?

Dublin
Denver

Dublin is a well-known place for its old town. However, Denver does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Denver does not have a historic old town.

Is Dublin or Denver Better for Hiking?

Dublin
Denver

Denver is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Denver?

Dublin
Denver

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin or Denver Better for Families?

Dublin
Denver

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Denver is a family-friendly 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 Dublin or Denver Better for Couples?

Dublin
Denver

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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 Dublin or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin
Denver

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

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin or Denver Better for Students?

Dublin
Denver

Dublin and Denver are notable places to visit for students.

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

It's common for students to 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 Dublin or Denver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dublin
Denver

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dublin and Denver.

You'll find some public transit in Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

While Denver offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.


Is Dublin or Denver a more walkable city?

Dublin
Denver

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

It is easy to get around Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dublin and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than in Denver. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dublin or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dublin 2-5 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Dublin or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Denver. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or Denver?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Denver 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 Dublin or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denver. 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 Dublin or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back destination of Dublin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the accessible destination of Denver. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Dublin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dublin is $154, 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 Dublin and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dublin $73
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dublin $146
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Dublin and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Dublin 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 Dublin


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: Dublin Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dublin $21
    Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • One-Way Bus Transfer from/to Dublin Airport: $10
  • Belfast | Coach transfer from / to Dublin: $13
  • Airport Transfer and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $37
  • Private Transfer from Dun Laoghaire Port to Dublin Airport (DUB): $46
  • Private Transfer from Dublin city to Dun Laoghaire Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Dun Laoghaire Port: $46
  • Private Dublin Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $61
  • From Dublin Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Dublin: $74
  • 4 to 8 People Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to City Centre: $76
  • Private Sedan (4 seats) Transfer from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Center: $95
  • Private Sedan(4 seats) Transfer from Dublin City Center to Dublin Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Business Car: $103

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $136
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $161
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $194
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Round-Trip Transfer: $121
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $175
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Snowmass/Aspen - Arrival Private Transfer: $295
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Steamboat - Arrival Private Transfer: $284
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $254
  • Denver Airport Transfer To/From Aspen for 6-14 Sprinter Van: $1,950
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Dublin or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Dublin 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
    Dublin $53
    Denver $42
Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    $4.23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.

  • Discover the Flavors of Dublin on a Guided Street Food Tour: $30
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $62
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $72
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $81
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
  • Dublin Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $96
  • Bread, Beer & Bia: Irish Cooking Class & Dinner in Dublin: $99
  • Irish Craic & Cuisine: Cooking Class & Dinner in Central Dublin: $106

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.

  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dublin $27
    Denver $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    $28
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    $29
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    $4.82
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    $6.75

Tours and Activities in Dublin

Here are a few actual costs in Dublin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Self Guided Tours Dublin With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
  • Dublin Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.37
  • Retracing Viking Origins on a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.63
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.38
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide for smartphone in French: $5.38
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Dublin: $5.46
  • Temple Bar Self-Guided Must-See Highlights Tour: $6.35
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $6.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.46
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.46

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Discover A Walking Tour of Denver's Top Sights: $5.00
  • Denver's Spokes and Scoops: A Self-Guided Cycle Tour: $5.20
  • Denver’s Downtown: Past and Present In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure on Your Phone: $10
  • Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $14
  • Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket: $16
  • General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dublin $18
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

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

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery - Guided Tour and Whiskey Tasting: $19
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
  • Exclusive Brewery Tour and Tasting at Kildare Brewing Co, Sallins: $22
  • Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
  • The Black Experience Pub Tour: $22
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $24
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dublin and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dublin is in Europe 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 Dublin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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


Which is Bigger, Dublin or Denver?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Dublin 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.