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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Quebec City?

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 Quebec City. 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 party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a historical, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Quebec City travel costs.

Atlantic City and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Quebec City. Although Atlantic City and Quebec City are both popular with visitors, Quebec City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Quebec City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Quebec City and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Quebec City is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac.

How is Atlantic City different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City 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 Quebec City?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Quebec City that are not to be missed. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

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 Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Quebec City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is very popular for nightlife. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

The nightlife in Quebec City has something for everybody. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a great destination for its resorts. However, Quebec City 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.

Quebec City is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Quebec City 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.

Quebec City is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Quebec City is revered around the world. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Quebec City?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Quebec City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Quebec City is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

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 Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Quebec City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Quebec City is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

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

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is a good destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Quebec City is popular with students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City 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 Quebec City.

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 Quebec City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Atlantic City or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Quebec City on foot is easy. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlantic City or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

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

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

One day in Atlantic City or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the flashy city of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Quebec City. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the party-oriented destination of Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Quebec City?

The glitzy city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Quebec City. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Atlantic City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

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

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 Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Quebec City, 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.