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

Should you visit Ljubljana or Denver?

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

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

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming capital city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Denver

Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Ljubljana and Denver: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Ljubljana or Denver?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Ljubljana than Denver. While Denver is larger than Ljubljana, Ljubljana has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ljubljana is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Denver attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Ljubljana is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also well known for The Ljubljana Castle. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Ljubljana different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ljubljana or Denver Better for Skiing?

Ljubljana
Denver

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

Ljubljana is not a skiing destination.


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

Ljubljana
Denver

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

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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 Ljubljana or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ljubljana
Denver

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

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 Ljubljana or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Ljubljana
Denver

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Ljubljana and Denver.

If you're looking for night time activities Ljubljana has a few options to choose from. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

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.


Is Ljubljana or Denver Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana
Denver

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

Many visitors go to Ljubljana to see the historical old town. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Denver does not have a historic old town.

Is Ljubljana or Denver Better for Hiking?

Ljubljana
Denver

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

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ljubljana or Denver?

Ljubljana
Denver

Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

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 Ljubljana or Denver Better for Families?

Ljubljana
Denver

Denver is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Denver offers lots of family activities. 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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Ljubljana or Denver Better for Couples?

Ljubljana
Denver

Ljubljana and Denver are both nice to visit as a couple.

Ljubljana is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Denver makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Ljubljana or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana
Denver

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

Ljubljana is a great capital city to visit for backpackers. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Ljubljana or Denver Better for Students?

Ljubljana
Denver

For students, both Ljubljana and Denver are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Ljubljana. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Denver is a good capital 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.

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

Ljubljana
Denver

Ljubljana and Denver both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Ljubljana offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a city bus system.

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.

Is Ljubljana or Denver a more walkable city?

Ljubljana
Denver

Ljubljana is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Ljubljana is a very walkable capital city. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Denver is not a very walkable capital 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 Ljubljana Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Ljubljana?

How long in Ljubljana or Denver?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Ljubljana or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ljubljana 1-3 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Ljubljana or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Ljubljana or Denver?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ljubljana. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 suburban 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 Ljubljana or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Ljubljana. This capital 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.

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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ljubljana is $93, 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 Ljubljana and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ljubljana $58
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ljubljana $116
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Ljubljana and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana


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: Ljubljana Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ljubljana $22
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
  • Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Ljubljana City: $46
  • Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $55
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Kranj: $56
  • Ljubljana Private Airport Transfers : $65
  • Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $66
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Koper Port: $68
  • Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Kamnik: $70
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kamnik : $74
  • Private transfer from Kranj to airport Ljubljana: $89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Denver Airport Transfer To/From Aspen for 6-14 Sprinter Van: $1,950
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Snowmass/Aspen - Arrival Private Transfer: $296
  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Steamboat - Arrival Private Transfer: $285
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $254
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $239
  • Denver Airport (BJC) to Beaver Creek Ski Resort -Arrival Transfer: $219
  • Private One Way Transfer From and To Denver Colorado: $200
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $194
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $175
  • Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Denver Intl. Airport to Downtown: $173
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $161

Is it cheaper to fly into Ljubljana or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Ljubljana 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
    Ljubljana $18
    Denver $42
Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    $2.14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $54
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $65
  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $65
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $66
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $107
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $129
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210

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.
    Ljubljana $15
    Denver $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    $8.57

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.35
  • Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
  • Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
  • Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $18
  • Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Colorado Green Friendly Mountain Sunset Tour from Denver: $79
  • Denver's Wild History Tour & Ballpark Museum : $24
  • Shared Golden's History Wagon Ride Tour in Colorado: $65
  • Small-Group Cocktail Tour in Denver: $99
  • 1.5 Hour RiNo Art District Walking Tour: $28
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $69
  • 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $28
  • Beginner Rock Climbing Tour: $200
  • Best of Denver Tour: $30
  • Best of Denver Tour: $64
  • Best of Denver Tour: $24
  • Bike and Booze Tour of RiNo & Downtown: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ljubljana $12
    Denver $5.31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    $6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $94
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $193
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $218
  • Wine Tours Slovenia: $218
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $261
  • Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $263

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • 4-Hour Downtown Denver Pub Crawl: $25
  • Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71
  • Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74
  • Guided Downtown Denver Walking Wine Tour: $190


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ljubljana or Denver?

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