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

Should you visit Manchester or Denver?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Denver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Manchester and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
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 for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Manchester or Denver?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Manchester than Denver. While Denver is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Denver attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Manchester is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Manchester different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Manchester or Denver Better for Skiing?

Manchester
Denver

Denver is very good for skiing. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a skiing destination.


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

Manchester
Denver

Manchester 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 Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Denver

Manchester is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Denver

Manchester is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Manchester offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or Denver Better for Music?

Manchester
Denver

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

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Denver is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Denver Better for Hiking?

Manchester
Denver

Denver is very good for hiking. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Denver?

Manchester
Denver

Manchester 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.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Manchester or Denver Better for Families?

Manchester
Denver

Manchester 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.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Denver Better for Couples?

Manchester
Denver

Manchester 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Denver

Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester or Denver Better for Students?

Manchester
Denver

Manchester is a well-known place for students. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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.

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

Manchester
Denver

Manchester is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Manchester has some very good public transit options. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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.

Is Manchester or Denver a more walkable city?

Manchester
Denver

Manchester is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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 Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Denver. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Manchester or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Manchester or Denver?

Manchester is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the sprawling city of Denver, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Denver?

Manchester 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.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Denver, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Denver?

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

Denver, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Manchester or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse big city of Manchester. This city 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is $230, 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 Manchester and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester $89
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester $178
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Manchester 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 Manchester


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester $24
    Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    $14
  • Parking in Manchester
    $3.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • 1-Wsy Airport Bus Transfer to/from Leeds: $6.89
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from London: $8.16
  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Manchester: $8.16
  • Manchester Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Alderley Edge: $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Adlington (Macclesfield): $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Eccles: $57
  • Private Transfer from Partington to Manchester Airport (MAN): $57
  • Private Transfer from Cadishead to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford Quays to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58

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: $295
  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Steamboat - Arrival Private Transfer: $284
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $254
  • 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
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury SUV: $136
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Manchester 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
    Manchester $70
    Denver $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $44
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $94
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $95
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

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.
    Manchester $38
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.37
  • Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.38
  • Manchester’s Rebirth and Renewal: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • England's First Industrial City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $13
  • Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Canal & River Cruise: $15
  • City River Tour: $15
  • LGBT+ Manchester Walking Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • 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: $64
  • Best of Denver Tour: $30
  • Bike and Booze Tour of RiNo & Downtown: $76
  • Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver: $139
  • Cheesman Park Ghost Tour: $28
  • Colorado Gold Rush Mountain and Mine Half-Day Tour from Denver: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester $12
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $48
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $102

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 comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Denver, we can see that Manchester 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. Even though Manchester is in Europe and Denver is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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.