A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. Denver for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Denver?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Denver? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

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.

Portland, Maine and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Denver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Denver than Portland, Maine, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Denver is more popular for its skiing, museums, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine is known for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Denver and is known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. 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 Portland, Maine different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland, Maine or Denver Better for Skiing?

Denver is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Denver?

Denver is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Denver offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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 Portland, Maine or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Portland, Maine and Denver.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

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.

Is Portland, Maine or Denver Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a well-known place for the beache. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Denver Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Portland, Maine and Denver both have good trails.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Denver?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Denver and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Denver. 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 Portland, Maine or Denver Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its Christmas activities. However, Denver does not offer Christmas activities.

The Christmas holiday can be fun in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Denver does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Portland, Maine or Denver Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Portland, Maine or Denver.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

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.

Is Portland, Maine or Denver Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Portland, Maine and Denver make for a good place to visit.

Portland, Maine is a good coastal town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Denver is a nice destination for couples. 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 Portland, Maine or Denver Better for Students?

Denver is a popular place for students. However, Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

Denver is popular with 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.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Denver is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Denver, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Portland, Maine or Denver a more walkable city?

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

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

Denver is not a very walkable coastal 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 Portland, Maine Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portland, Maine and Denver. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denver than Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The accessible destination of Denver offers nightlife and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Denver?

Portland, Maine 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.

The city of Denver offers shopping and skiing. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. 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 is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Denver. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Portland, Maine and Denver, we can see that Denver 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine 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.