A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. Denver for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Denver travel costs.

Williamsburg and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Denver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denver. Although Williamsburg and Denver are both popular with visitors, Denver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Denver is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Williamsburg is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Denver and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also home to Red Rocks Park.

How is Williamsburg different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Williamsburg or Denver Better for Skiing?

Williamsburg
Denver

Denver is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a skiing destination.


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

Williamsburg
Denver

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg
Denver

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Denver

Denver is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.


Is Williamsburg or Denver Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Denver

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

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Denver does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Denver Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Denver

Denver is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Denver?

Williamsburg
Denver

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg or Denver More Beautiful?

Williamsburg
Denver

Williamsburg is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Williamsburg or Denver Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Denver

Williamsburg is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Denver is a family-friendly town. 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 Williamsburg or Denver Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Denver

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Denver is a good town 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 Williamsburg or Denver Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Denver

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

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

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

Williamsburg
Denver

Denver is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Williamsburg or Denver a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Denver

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

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Denver is not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.


For even more information, also check out Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Williamsburg and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Williamsburg than in Denver. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Williamsburg or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Williamsburg or Denver?

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

In Denver, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this suburban city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Denver?

Williamsburg 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Denver?

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

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the sprawling destination of Denver. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Williamsburg or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Williamsburg. This town 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Williamsburg?

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

  • Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Denver Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Williamsburg $135
    Denver $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $135, 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 Williamsburg and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg


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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Denver $101

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 Business Car: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $149
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $144
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $144
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - 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
  • Denver International Airport Private Transfer Pick up: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $54
    Denver $73

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.
    Williamsburg $34
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

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

  • Williamsburg Colonial Adventure: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Williamsburg's Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Williamsburg, VA: History of Slavery Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Dark History Conspiracy Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • The Patriots Historical Walking Tour: $25

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
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $7.19
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
  • Denver's Heart A Self Guided Tour of the State Capitol and Beyond: $8.99
  • Denver’s Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past: $9.99
  • Winding Pathways of Denver's City Park A Self-Guided Tour : $9.99
  • Fun Royal Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Arvada, CO: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Denver Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $15
  • General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

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

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48

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

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


Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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.