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

Should you visit Zurich or Denver?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Denver. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Denver

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

Zurich and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Zurich or Denver?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zurich than Denver. While Denver is larger than Zurich, Zurich has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zurich is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Denver is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities. Zurich is more touristy than Denver and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. 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 Zurich different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zurich or Denver Better for Skiing?

Zurich
Denver

Denver is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Zurich 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.

Zurich is not a skiing destination.


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

Zurich
Denver

Zurich 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 Zurich can be an interesting and educational experience. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zurich
Denver

Zurich 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 Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Zurich
Denver

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

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Denver Better for Music?

Zurich
Denver

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

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Denver is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Denver Better for its Old Town?

Zurich
Denver

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

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Denver does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Denver Better for Hiking?

Zurich
Denver

Denver is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Denver offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Denver?

Zurich
Denver

Zurich 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 Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Denver Better for Families?

Zurich
Denver

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Denver Better for Couples?

Zurich
Denver

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich
Denver

Zurich is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Denver Better for Students?

Zurich
Denver

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

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Zurich
Denver

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

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars 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 Zurich or Denver a more walkable city?

Zurich
Denver

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

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Denver?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Zurich or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 Zurich or Denver?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Zurich or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Zurich or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. This 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.

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 Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Zurich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $273, 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 Zurich and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $173
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $346
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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 Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Hotels to Zurich Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich Hotels: $59
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Vals Thermal Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $72
  • Private Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $74
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Badenweiler Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $77
  • From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $80
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Business Car: $83
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $92
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Private Arrival Transfer - Denver International Airport (DEN) : $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Denver Airport (DEN): $44
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver International Airport(DEN) to Downtown: $86
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN): $86
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $109
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $109
  • Private One-way Denver Airport Transfer To/From Denver: $114
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Denver International Airport: $125
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Winter Park - Arrival Private Transfer: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury SUV: $137
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Zurich 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
    Zurich $63
    Denver $42
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

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

  • Zürich Food Tour: $100
  • Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $153

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.

  • Denver : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $55
  • Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $55
  • 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.
    Zurich $36
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • St. Gallen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Zurich Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Stein am Rhein Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Rapperswil Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Neuhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • St. Gallen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Entry Ticket Giza Plateau: $18
  • Tour of the old town with a visit to the Textile Museum: $25
  • City e-bike tour: $29
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $29
  • FIFA Museum Tickets: $30
  • Giza: Half-Day Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Private Tour: $33

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 Downtown: Past and Present In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure on Your Phone: $10
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $14
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $14
  • Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket: $16
  • Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Gear: $18
  • History and Architecture Walking Tours: $20
  • Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour: $24
  • Museum of Nature and Science Admission Ticket: $25
  • All Ages Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $30
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

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

  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130
  • Guided Downtown Denver Walking Wine Tour: $190


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Denver, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Denver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Denver Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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.