A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlantic City vs. Halifax for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlantic City or Halifax?

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 Atlantic City and Halifax. 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a flashy, party-oriented, and colorful city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Atlantic City and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Atlantic City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Halifax is known for its museums and attractions. Atlantic City is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also home to Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Atlantic City different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Halifax?

Halifax is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Halifax is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Halifax both to be good destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Halifax has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Atlantic City or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is renowned for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Atlantic City or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City has a beach worth visiting. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Halifax?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Halifax and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Halifax. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Atlantic City or Halifax Better for Families?

Halifax is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Halifax Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and Halifax both good destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Atlantic City or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Halifax are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Atlantic City or Halifax Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Atlantic City and Halifax.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

While Halifax offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Atlantic City or Halifax a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Halifax. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlantic City than Halifax. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than Halifax 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Atlantic City or Halifax?

In Atlantic City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Halifax. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Halifax?

In Atlantic City, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Halifax?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Halifax. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Atlantic City or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Atlantic City. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Halifax. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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 G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Halifax, 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.

When is the best time to visit Atlantic City or Halifax?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Halifax. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Atlantic City during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. In January, Atlantic City is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Halifax. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. Atlantic City is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Halifax. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Atlantic City