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

Should you visit Munich or Denver?

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

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

Munich

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Munich and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Munich or Denver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich than Denver, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Munich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Denver is known for its skiing and hiking. Munich is more touristy than Denver and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Munich different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Munich or Denver Better for Skiing?

Munich
Denver

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

Munich is not a skiing destination.


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

Munich
Denver

Munich 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 Munich can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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 Munich or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Munich
Denver

Munich 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 Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Munich
Denver

Munich 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.

Munich is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich or Denver Better for Music?

Munich
Denver

Munich is renowned for its live music scene. However, Denver is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Munich The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Denver is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Denver Better for Hiking?

Munich
Denver

Denver is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Munich 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.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Denver?

Munich
Denver

Munich is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Munich make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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 Munich or Denver Better for Families?

Munich
Denver

Munich 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.

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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 Munich or Denver Better for Couples?

Munich
Denver

Munich 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.

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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 Munich or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich
Denver

Munich is renowned for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich or Denver Better for Students?

Munich
Denver

Munich is renowned for students. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Munich is a great destination for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international 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.

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

Munich
Denver

Munich is renowned 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.

Munich has a great public transit system. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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 Munich or Denver a more walkable city?

Munich
Denver

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

Munich is a very walkable city. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Munich?

How long in Munich or Denver?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Munich or Denver?

Munich 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.

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 Munich or Denver?

Munich 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.

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 Munich or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Munich or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy big city of Munich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, 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 Munich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is $158, 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 Munich and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Munich $96
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Munich $192
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Munich and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Munich 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 Munich


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: Munich Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Munich $20
    Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    $2.46
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    $5.57
  • City transport day ticket
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Airport Transfer by Bus: $12
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Munich Central Station to Munich Airport: $14
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Munich Airport to Munich Central Station: $14
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Erding Thermal - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Arrival Transfer from Munich Train Station to Munich by Sedan: $60
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Van: $65
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich Airport (MUC)- Munich City: $74
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich City - Munich Airport (MUC): $74
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Arber Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $88

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 Munich or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Munich 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
    Munich $29
    Denver $42
Typical Food Prices in Munich

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


  • Bratwurst
    $5.36
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    $2.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Food Tour Beer- 3 small beers & "Brotzeit" in GERMAN: $80
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $100
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $137
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $210
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
  • Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273

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.
    Munich $31
    Denver $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich

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


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    $4.29
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    $9.64
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    $15
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    $26

Tours and Activities in Munich

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Munich Old Town": $3.22
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Victuals Market Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.77
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.31
  • Guided tour through the Sudeten German Museum: $5.38
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.38
  • From Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $5.38
  • Munich through the Centuries: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-guided Walking Tour to River Isar Landmarks: $6.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
  • City Center Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.52

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
    Munich $39
    Denver $5.31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $29
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $38
  • Interactive Wine Tasting Experience @ Max & Moritz: $38
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $96
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $290
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404

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 Munich and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Munich much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Munich 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 Munich would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Munich 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 Munich.

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


Which is Bigger, Munich or Denver?

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