The two cities are also famous for different reasons. Boulder, for example, is well-known as a college town, since it’s the home of the massive University of Colorado Boulder campus. Colorado Springs, meanwhile, is famed for its sporting associations, being the home base of dozens of sports organizations, including the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

There are many other aspects that separate Boulder from Colorado Springs, including their average costs, food and shopping opportunities, and most popular attractions. So, which one should you visit? Well, that’s what this guide is here to help you find out! Read on for a detailed breakdown of Boulder vs Colorado Springs.

Contents:

• A Quick Overview Of Colorado Springs vs Boulder
• Which Is Best For Activities?
• Which Is Best For Hiking?
• Which Is Best For Nightlife?
• Which Is Best For Shopping?
• Which Is Best For Food?
• Which Is Best For Families?
• Which Is Best For Couples?
• Which Is Best For Backpackers?
• Which Is Cheapest?
• Where To Stay According To Your Budget
• Colorado Springs vs Boulder: Which Is Better?

Wandering Our World’s Ten-Second Comparison:

A Quick Overview Of Colorado Springs vs Boulder

Colorado Springs: A Quick Overview

Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado. It’s situated in El Paso County, near the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, approximately 70 miles south of the state capital, Denver. The total population of Colorado Springs is around 475,000, putting it in the top 40 most populous cities in the United States.

Various indigenous peoples, such as the Cheyenne and Ute, lived off the land that would eventually become Colorado Springs. Then, in the 19th century, a big gold rush – the Pikes Peak Gold Rush – brought lots of settlers to the area, with the foundations of the city being laid in the 1850s. The name “Colorado Springs” was chosen in the 1870s.

As the decades passed, Colorado Springs blossomed into an increasingly large and prosperous city. It developed a strong military presence, with the defense industry making up a big part of the city’s economy. It’s also home to many high-tech companies, along with dozens of sporting organizations, giving it the nickname “Olympic City USA”.

Colorado Springs is also a popular touristic hotspot, during in big numbers of visitors each year. Many people enjoy the city for its excellent outdoor recreation, along with its fun annual festivals and events. Visitors will also find several other ways to spend their time here, including museums, galleries, gardens, and a zoo.

Boulder: A Quick Overview

Boulder is a city in Boulder County, of which it is the county seat. It’s situated just 25 miles northwest of Denver, at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills. With an estimated population of 108,000 people, Boulder is the 12th largest city in the Centennial State. It’s significantly smaller than Colorado Springs, and doesn’t attract the same big tourist crowds.

Native American tribes lived in the area around Boulder for thousands of years before Euro-American settlers arrived in the early 19th century. However, the city as we know it today was founded in 1858 during the Colorado Gold Rush, around the same time as Colorado Springs.

In the years that followed, the gold eventually dried up, but Boulder evolved with the times. It became best-known as the site of the University of Colorado’s largest campus, as well as many other education and research institutions, making it a popular spot for students. Because of this, the average age in Boulder is almost 10 years younger than the national average.

From a touristic perspective, Boulder may not be as well-known or popular as Denver and Colorado Springs, but it still has much to offer. Many people enjoy the distinctive small town feel of this city, along with its amazing mountain surroundings that make it a dream destination for hiking enthusiasts.

Which Is Best For Activities?

As well as having picturesque surroundings and bags of charm, Boulder and Colorado Springs also offer a great range of interesting attractions and fun activities for visitors to enjoy. Let’s take a look at the best things to do in both of these cities to find out which one has more to offer and see how they compare.

Colorado Springs: The Activities

As the bigger and more touristic of the two cities, Colorado Springs undoubtedly has a wider range of activities and attractions than Boulder. For example, many people come to this city to visit the famous Garden of the Gods – an awe-inspiring natural park, filled with unique red rock formations.

The Garden of the Gods is great for hiking and taking in the local scenery, but it’s far from the only outdoor recreation spot in Colorado Springs. Nearby spots like Pikes Peak and Royal Gorge are also amazing places to feel at one with nature or enjoy exhilarating treks, ascents, and even heart-stopping zipline rides.

Meanwhile, back in the city itself, visitors can check out a range of museums. There’s the Ghost Town Museum, which is particularly fascinating for fans of the Old West, as well as the National Museum of World War II Aviation. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in sport, head to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum or take a tour of the Olympic Training Center.

Other popular attractions in and around this city include the fantastic Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which takes you on a train ride through the Rockies, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, home of giraffes, hippos, and more. Those in search of a physical challenge, meanwhile, could tackle the legendary Manitou Incline, featuring over 2,700 steps.

Boulder: The Activities

Boulder doesn’t have quite as many typical attractions or touristic activities as Colorado Springs and other big cities around the Centennial State. However, there are still plenty of ways to spend your time here, such as touring the huge University of Colorado Boulder campus or walking along the ever-lively Pearl Street, home of art galleries, trendy cafes, boutiques, and more.

There are some beautiful buildings to be found by exploring the city, like the Art Deco Boulder Theater, which hosts concerts and arty movie screenings throughout the year, and the decorative Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, which was shipped over in its entirety from Tajikistan, before being rebuilt on the banks of Boulder Creek.

There are also a couple of fascinating museums dotted across Boulder. The Museum of Boulder, for example, charts the history of the city, with a range of fascinating exhibits and kid-friendly zones. The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is also worth checking out, with a curated collection of artworks from local and international artists.

But where Boulder really shines is in its outdoor activities. It’s a fantastic place to get out into nature, exploring the many forests, hills, and mountains nearby. You can head to Chautauqua Park for a plethora of hiking trails to suit all abilities and ages, for instance, or cycle along the creekside Boulder Creek Path.

Overall, both cities offer fun attractions to keep you occupied for several days or even a full week. Boulder is particularly appealing for those who are looking for cozy small town vibes with great outdoor potential, while Colorado Springs has a wider range of activities, from educational museum tours to train rides, wild animal encounters, and extreme adventures.

Which Is Best For Hiking?

Both Boulder and Colorado Springs are famed as two of Colorado’s top hiking cities. Since they’re situated right beside towering mountains, there are lots of awesome trails and awe-inspiring views to discover in either location. But which one is more appealing to the average hiking enthusiast?

Well, if you head to Boulder, you’ll find a multitude of magical trails to check out. The aforementioned Chautauqua Park is one of the best places to begin, with a great mix of paths to suit beginners and seasoned hikers alike.

Eldorado Canyon State Park similarly offers trails for all abilities, and there are famed paths like the Flatirons Loops and Mt. Sanitas Trail that take you thousands of feet above sea level for breathtaking views of Boulder and beyond.

Not to be outdone, Colorado Springs rivals Boulder as a premier hiking haven. The Garden of the Gods is one of the best places to hike, with stunning views and a selection of easy to moderate paths.

For more of a challenge, you can ascend Pikes Peak or tackle the Manitou Incline steps, while Red Rock Canyon offers gentle, family-friendly routes, perfect for leisurely afternoon hikes with the kids.

Overall, it’s impossible to say that one city is better than the other for hiking. They’re both terrific in this department. Given that Boulder is smaller and less touristic, you may find that its trails are quieter. However, the unique red rock formations around Colorado Springs arguably make its paths, views, and vistas more visually impressive.

Which Is Best For Nightlife?

Boulder and Colorado Springs also offer plenty of nightlife opportunities for those who enjoy staying out late and hitting up the local bars and live music venues.

Given that Boulder is a big college town, it’s no surprise that there’s a pretty active nightlife scene here. There are many trendy bars and dance clubs catering to the city’s youthful population, as well as more mature, upscale lounges and wine bars where you can simply sit and relax with great drinks and good company.

Colorado Springs is also a terrific place to spend an evening. The bar scene is particularly impressive here, given that the city is home to quite a lot of breweries. If you love sampling the latest craft beer creations, you’ll love it here. There are also some great clubs in Downtown Colorado Springs where you can enjoy live music and dance the night away.

Overall, it’s again very tough to call a winner here. Colorado Springs has the better bars and the bigger population, feeling really lively and dynamic after dark. However, Boulder has a big student crowd, with awesome clubs and venues that will undoubtedly appeal to younger travelers in search of a good time.

Which Is Best For Shopping?

Shopping is another way to spend your time in Colorado Springs or Boulder. Neither city can exactly rival Denver in terms of massive malls or long boutique-lined streets, but both of them still have plenty of pleasant places to shop for attire, accessories, gifts, and souvenirs of your stay.

As the bigger city, Colorado Springs has the broader range of stores. You can check out upscale brands at The Promenade Shops at Briargate or hit up the First & Main Town Center mall, which features dozens of big chain stores from JCPenney to GameStop. Nearby Manitou Springs is also worth visiting for more arty, independent stores and boho-style craft shops.

Meanwhile, in Boulder, the Pearl Street Mall is the main place to shop. It stretches for four blocks, offering a charming and fully pedestrianized stretch of stores and restaurants. There are also various other small malls and shopping centers, like The Village and Twenty Ninth Street, elsewhere around the city.

Overall, both cities aren’t bad for shopping, but Colorado Springs has more options and a greater number of stores catering to all needs and tastes.

Which Is Best For Food?

Yet another similarity between Boulder and Colorado Springs is that they’re both famed for their fantastic food scenes. Both have awesome craft bars and breweries, combined with innovative restaurants and diverse menus to choose from. In short, you’ll eat well in either city, but one might be a little more appealing than the other.

Colorado Springs is often regarded as one of the premier food hubs in the Centennial State. Part of what makes this such a terrific city to dine in is its variety. Whether you want BBQ, pizza, sushi, European food, Asian food, American food, or almost anything else, you can find it here, and the quality levels are top-notch across the board.

Despite being a much smaller city than Colorado Springs, Boulder is more than a match for its big sibling when it comes to food. It regularly ranks among the best foodie cities in the country, with Pearl Street offering up some terrific options. Whether you want gourmet-level dining, family steakhouse vibes, or something totally different, Boulder’s got you covered.

Overall, as mentioned earlier, you’re sure to eat lots of fantastic food in either city, and they’re both equally impressive. However, given the fact that it’s so small but still has such an amazing food scene, Boulder takes the win in this category.

Which Is Best For Families?

If you’re planning a family vacation to a big Colorado city, Boulder and Colorado Springs are two fine destinations to consider. They’re both safe and friendly places, with lots of things to do for active and adventurous families who love getting outdoors to hike, cycle, kayak, climb, and more. But which is best?

Well, as the larger and more diverse city, Colorado Springs can keep you entertained for longer. It’s not only got amazing hiking opportunities, but also ziplines, cycle paths, climbing routes, and even whitewater rafting tours. Meanwhile, those looking for lazier days can tour the city’s intriguing museums, and kids are sure to adore the animals at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Over in Boulder, there are fewer family attractions. Kids can have fun for a few hours visiting places like The Museum of Boulder or Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, but most of your time in this city will probably be spent in the great outdoors. There are lots of easy hiking paths that are suitable for younger adventurers in places like Chautauqua Park.

Overall, if you’re hesitating between these two cities, Colorado Springs is probably the better option for the average family. It’s simply got more things to do, with several attractions aimed at families. Prices are also lower here, which can make it easier to plan a family trip on a tight budget.

Which Is Best For Couples?

Couples might also find themselves unsure which city to choose between Boulder and Colorado Springs. Both cities are cozy and romantic in their own ways, and the best option for you and your partner will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

If you want somewhere that feels relatively laid-back, with that distinctive small town feel that you don’t get in big cities, Boulder’s the place for you. It’s a really charming and pleasant city to stroll around with your partner, with amazing restaurants for your lunches and evening meals, combined with great entertainment and lots of awesome outdoor recreation.

Colorado Springs also offers fantastic food, impressive entertainment venues, and some of the finest outdoor adventures in the Centennial State. On top of that, it provides additional attractions and activities, like museum tours and sports-related experiences. It’s also more of a hustling, bustling city, which may either appeal to you or turn you off, depending on your taste.

Both cities can appeal to active, outdoorsy couples. But if you’re looking for somewhere quieter and calmer, choose Boulder. For more big city fun, pick Colorado Springs instead.

Which Is Best For Backpackers?

Along with couples and families, backpackers might also like to check out either Boulder or Colorado Springs while touring across Colorado.

Colorado Springs is a backpacker-friendly city. There are plenty of safe, clean hostels to rest your head in the evenings, along with other budget-friendly accommodation options. Prices are generally affordable for food and drinks, too, and there’s lots to see and do, from the Garden of the Gods to the museums, with handy public transport to help you get around.

Boulder is more compact and quicker to get around, and it can also appeal to backpackers who love the outdoors and want to spend most of their time hiking and adventuring. The nightlife scene is also fantastic for younger visitors. However, you might find that you only need a couple of days here, as there’s not too much else to do in Boulder.

Overall then, Colorado Springs is the better choice for most people. It’s got more activities and cheaper prices, which is exactly what backpacking crowds tend to look for.

Which Is Cheapest?

Price-wise, there’s a clear difference between Colorado Springs and Boulder, with the former being notably cheaper. Food, accommodation, and activities all tend to cost less in Colorado Springs, while Boulder has more of an expensive, upscale feel to it, with quite high prices in many restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Where To Stay According To Your Budget

Colorado Springs

Budget: The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs embodies elegance with its stunning architecture and lush surroundings. Cascading water features greet guests, leading to a grand lobby adorned with modern decor and inviting seating areas. The hotel’s serene ambiance, framed by majestic mountain views, promises a luxurious retreat amidst natural beauty.

Luxury: Element Colorado Springs Downtown emanates contemporary sophistication with its sleek design and panoramic city views. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interiors in natural light, highlighting chic furnishings and modern amenities. The rooftop terrace offers a picturesque backdrop for relaxation, inviting guests to unwind amidst urban elegance and charm.

Boulder

Budget: Homewood Suites by Hilton Boulder exudes rustic elegance with its charming mountain lodge ambiance. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, the hotel boasts spacious suites adorned with warm wood accents and contemporary furnishings. The inviting fireplace lounge and outdoor patio offer tranquil spaces to soak in the breathtaking natural beauty of Boulder.

Luxury: Embassy Suites By Hilton Boulder exudes modern elegance with its sleek design and expansive atrium flooded with natural light. Mountain views provide a stunning backdrop to spacious suites adorned with contemporary furnishings. The serene outdoor terrace offers a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city, inviting guests to unwind in style.

Colorado Springs vs Boulder: Which Is Better?

Overall, Colorado Springs and Boulder are both wonderful cities that are well worth checking out. And, since they’re only about 90 minutes apart by car, it’s not too hard to see them both. You could base yourself in one and arrange a day trip to the other without too much hassle, for example.

However, if you want a clear recommendation of which one to visit, Colorado Springs just about takes the win. It’s got lots in common with Boulder in terms of fantastic food, super nightlife, and amazing outdoor recreation, but it also has cheaper prices for almost everything, a better shopping scene, and more things for families to do.

With that said, you shouldn’t just rule out Boulder or cross it off your list of potential destinations. It’s a fabulous city, known as one of the happiest places in the whole of Colorado, with warm, welcoming, small town vibes and a big heart. The food and drinks here are phenomenal, and the local scenery and hiking trails are just as impressive as those in Colorado Springs.