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

Should you visit Valencia or Denver?

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

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

Valencia

Valencia is a friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Valencia and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
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 with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Valencia or Denver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Valencia than Denver. Valencia is bigger than Denver, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Valencia is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Denver is more popular for its skiing. Valencia is more touristy than Denver and is known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Valencia different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Valencia or Denver Better for Skiing?

Valencia
Denver

Denver is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Valencia is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. 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.

Valencia is not a skiing destination.


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

Valencia
Denver

Valencia 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 Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Denver Better for Resorts?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Denver Better for Beaches?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Denver Better for its Old Town?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia is renowned for its old town. However, Denver does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Valencia is one of the most recognized in the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Denver does not have a historic old town.


Is Valencia or Denver Better for Hiking?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia and Denver are both places where visitors can find notable hiking trails.

Valencia has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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 Valencia or Denver?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia or Denver Better for Families?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Denver is a family-friendly coastal 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 Valencia or Denver Better for Couples?

Valencia
Denver

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Denver is a good coastal 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 Valencia or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia
Denver

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

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Denver Better for Students?

Valencia
Denver

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

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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

Valencia
Denver

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Denver.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

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.

Is Valencia or Denver a more walkable city?

Valencia
Denver

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

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

Denver is not a very walkable coastal 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 Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Denver?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Valencia or Denver?

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Denver offers skiing and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Valencia or Denver?

Valencia 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denver, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Denver?

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

Denver is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal big city of Valencia. This coastal 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Valencia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Valencia is $132, 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 Valencia and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valencia $62
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valencia $124
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Valencia and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Valencia 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 Valencia


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: Valencia Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valencia $19
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valencia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:

  • One-Way Boat Transfer to/from Port Saplaya: $13
  • Private Transfer: Valencia City Center to Valencia Airport (VLC): $26
  • Private Transfer: Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia City Center: $27
  • Valencia to Valencia Airport (VLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
  • Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Sedan: $37
  • Private Transfer - Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia Cruise Port: $38
  • Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Minivan: $42
  • Arrival Private Transfer Valencia Port to Valencia City by Van: $42
  • Barcelona to Montserrat: Guided Tour & Return Bus Transfers: $46
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Valencia HTL-APT (VLC): $48
  • Roundtrip Transfer to Tabarca Island: $48
  • Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia Round-Trip Privat Transfer: $59

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 (BJC) to Beaver Creek Ski Resort -Arrival Transfer: $219
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $239
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $194
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Arrival Transfer: $120
  • 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: $296
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Steamboat - Arrival Private Transfer: $285
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Winter Park - Arrival Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Valencia or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Valencia 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
    Valencia $43
    Denver $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valencia

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

  • Flamenco at Toro y La Luna with Drinks or Dinner: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Traditional Spanish Home Dinner: $48
  • Valencia Traditional Food Tour: $51
  • Guided Food Tour with Chocolate Tasting Experience: $54
  • Street Food Tour including Paella & Tapas Tasting: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience near the center of Valencia: $59
  • Morning Food Tour with Central Market Visit: $64
  • Cooking Class of traditional spanish food: $65
  • Vegetable Paella cooking class, tapas and visit market: $66
  • Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit: $66
  • Flamenco Show with Dinner at La Bulería: $70

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

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


  • Flamenco Tour
    $17

Tours and Activities in Valencia

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.77
  • Self-Guided City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.77
  • Valencia Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • In love with A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Between Two Gates Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $7.99
  • Between Two Gates: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $7.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
  • Silk Museum Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $8.61
  • Historic Center Audio-Guided Tour with Earphones: $8.61
  • Scavenger Hunt and Monumental Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
  • Scavenger Hunt and Iconic Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84

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 Art District Self Guided Walking Tour: $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valencia $21
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Valencia

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Free Shots: $13
  • Pub Crawl Tour in the Old town of Valencia: $17
  • Pub Crawl With Free Shots: $25
  • Wine Tasting with Professional Sommelier in centre Valencia: $59
  • From Guided Cheese Factory Tour with Wine Tasting: $91
  • Local Tapas & Wine tasting experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas Experience: $102
  • Cheese Factory Workshop with Wine Tasting in Requena, Valencia: $108
  • From Requena Wine Tour with Tastings: $124
  • Small Group - Half-Day Wine Tour: $126
  • Two wineries tour with wine tasting : $131
  • Christmas Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $164

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

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


Which is Bigger, Valencia or Denver?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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.