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

Should you visit Vienna or Denver?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. You'll find world class beauty in Vienna as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Vienna travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a park-filled, suburban, and accessible city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Denver travel costs.

Vienna and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Denver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Denver. Vienna is bigger than Denver, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Denver is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vienna or Denver Better for Skiing?

Denver is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a skiing destination.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches 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 Vienna or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Denver Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Denver.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Denver has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Denver Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Denver is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Denver Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Denver does not have a historic old town.

Is Vienna or Denver Better for Hiking?

Denver is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Denver has hiking trails worth exploring. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Denver?

Vienna 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 Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Denver More Beautiful?

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

You'll find world class beauty in Vienna as well. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vienna or Denver Better for Families?

Vienna and Denver are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Denver. 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 Vienna or Denver Better for Couples?

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

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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 Vienna or Denver Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Denver a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Denver?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Denver?

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

Vienna 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 Vienna or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. 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 Vienna or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the classical destination of Vienna. 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 sprawling 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 Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vienna and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Vienna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vienna 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 Vienna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vienna 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 Vienna.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Denver?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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.