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

Should you visit Venice 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 Venice and Denver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty in Venice as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Venice travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Denver travel costs.

Venice and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
  • Home to St. Mark's Basilica
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Venice or Denver?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Denver. While Denver is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Denver is known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Venice different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Venice or Denver Better for Skiing?

Venice
Denver

Denver is very good for skiing. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a skiing destination.


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

Venice
Denver

Venice is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Venice
Denver

Venice 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 Venice. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables. Many of the restaurants are excellent, but head into the local neighborhoods for the best options.

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 Venice or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Venice
Denver

Denver is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.


Is Venice or Denver Better for its Old Town?

Venice
Denver

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

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Denver does not have a historic old town.

Is Venice or Denver Better for Hiking?

Venice
Denver

Denver is very good for hiking. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Denver?

Venice
Denver

Venice 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 Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice or Denver More Beautiful?

Venice
Denver

Venice is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Venice as well. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Venice or Denver Better for Families?

Venice
Denver

Venice 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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice or Denver Better for Couples?

Venice
Denver

Venice is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice
Denver

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

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice or Denver Better for Students?

Venice
Denver

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

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice
Denver

Venice 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.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice or Denver a more walkable city?

Venice
Denver

Venice is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Venice?

How long in Venice or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Venice and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Denver. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Venice or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Venice 2-7 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Venice or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. 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.

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 Venice or Denver?

Venice 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 Venice or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Venice or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the suburban 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Venice?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Venice Prices
    Italy Prices
    Denver Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Venice $324
    Denver $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Venice is $324, while the average daily cost in Denver is $248. 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 Venice and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Venice $140
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Venice $280
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Venice and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Venice 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 Venice


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: Venice Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Venice $32
    Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice

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


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    $19
  • Vaporetto Ride
    $7.63
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    $21
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    $118

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Private transfer from north to south and vice versa: $3.59
  • Private Long Transfer ! From Venice to Rome , Italy (one way): $10
  • Ljubljana: Bus transfer from/to Venice Marco Polo Airport: $33
  • Venice Marco Polo Airport Link Arrival Transfer: $47
  • Venice Shared Arrival Transfer: Marittima Cruise Port to Central Venice: $47
  • Venice Marco Polo Airport Link Departure Transfer: $47
  • Private transfers from and to Opatija with Mercedes car or van: $60
  • Arrival Transfer from Venice Airport to Piazzale Roma by Sedan: $60
  • Private transfer chauffeur service, from Venice airport to the main car terminal: $61
  • Private transfer, chauffeur service, from Mestre to Venice Marco Polo airport: $61
  • Private transfer, chauffeur service, from Mira to Venice Marco Polo airport: $61
  • Private transfer, chauffeur service, Venice Marco airport to cruise terminal: $63

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
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $276
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport to Downtown Denver: $200
  • Private One-way Transfer from Denver Airport to Denver: $190
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $149
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Venice or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Venice 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
    Venice $131
    Denver $73
Typical Food Prices in Venice

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    $4.69
  • Gelato
    $7.04
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    $9.27
  • Expresso
    $2.29
  • Slice of Pizza
    $2.62
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Venice with Set Lunch or Dinner: $39
  • Eating Venice Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $52
  • Street Food Tour of Venice in 2.5 hours: $58
  • Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties: $58
  • Secret Street Food Tour of Venice in 2,5 hours: $58
  • Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $58
  • Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $58
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $73
  • Venetian Dinner: $75
  • Venice Evening Food Tour: Bites, Drinks & Sit-Down Dinner: $84
  • Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice : $84
  • Venice Bacaro Food Tour - Eat and Drink like a Venetian: $93

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.

  • Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
  • 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $62
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
  • Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
  • RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
  • Denver Food Tour: Wild West Flavors & Downtown Classics: $111
  • Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Venice $118
    Denver $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice

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


  • Venice Boat Ride
    $18
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    $9.39
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    $94
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    $19
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    $3.52
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    $9.39

Tours and Activities in Venice

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

  • Self Guided Tour of Venice's Best Kept Secrets: $3.57
  • Self Guided Tours Venice With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
  • Venice Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.16
  • Venice Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.18
  • San Marco and San Polo Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour in Venice : $5.12
  • Venice Cannaregio Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Venice: $5.95
  • Doge's Palace Venice Audio Tour Experience: $5.99
  • From Doges to Domes Self Guided Tour of Venice with App: $6.93
  • Venezia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $7.16
  • Venice Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
  • Venice Interactive City Tour: $8.42

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
  • 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $30
  • All-Inclusive Twilight Ghost Tour with a Boozy Twist: $55
  • Best of Denver Bus Tour: Highlights, Views & Local Favorites: $39
  • Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
  • Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
  • Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver: $139
  • Capitol Hill Haunts: A Ghostly Walking Tour: $343
  • Dark Side of Denver – RiNo’s True Crime and Murals Tour: $25
  • Deep Dive into Small-Group Walking Tour: $39
  • Denver After Dark Adults Only Walking Ghost Tour: $35
  • Denver Art Museum General Admission Ticket: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Venice $29
    Denver $5.31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice

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


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    $6.10
  • Beer
    $5.75

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

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

  • Venice Food and Wine Tasting Tour with a Local Guide: $24
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $30
  • Natural Wine Tasting in the heart of the Prosecco Hills: $33
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $42
  • Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $43
  • Venice Wine Tasting and Contemporary Art: $78
  • Venice Cicchetti, Spritz and Wine Tour with a Local Guide: $78
  • 2 Hour Cicchetti and Wine Tasting Tour in Venice: $78
  • Natural wine tasting with a Bacaro owner in Venice: $105
  • Rialto Market Food and Wine Tasting Guided Tour in Venice: $113
  • Cicchetti and Wine Tasting Tour in Venice: $137
  • Natural Wine Tasting & Food Pairing with a Sommelier in Venice: $155

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $50
  • Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $50
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
  • Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
  • E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Denver, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Denver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Venice 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 Denver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Denver 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Denver.

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


Which is Bigger, Venice or Denver?

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