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

Should you visit Lancaster or Denver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster 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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a traditional, picturesque, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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.

Lancaster and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Denver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Denver than Lancaster, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Denver is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Lancaster is known for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Lancaster is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its history and long running Amish community. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also home to Red Rocks Park.

How is Lancaster different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lancaster or Denver Better for Skiing?

Denver is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a skiing destination.

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Denver is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Denver has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Lancaster or Denver Better for Hiking?

Denver is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Denver?

Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster or Denver Better for Families?

Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly town. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Denver is a family-friendly town. 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 Lancaster or Denver Better for Couples?

Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Denver is a good town 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 Lancaster or Denver Better for Students?

Denver is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

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.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Denver is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Lancaster or Denver a more walkable city?

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

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

Denver is not a very walkable town. 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 Lancaster Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Denver?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denver than Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Denver?

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

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.

A weekend in Lancaster or Denver?

Lancaster 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.

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.

Five days in Lancaster or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. 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.

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.

A week in Lancaster or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Lancaster. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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.