A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Las Vegas vs. Whistler for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Las Vegas or Whistler?

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 Las Vegas and Whistler. 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Las Vegas and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Whistler?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Whistler is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Whistler is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is Las Vegas different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is very popular for snow skiing. However, Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Las Vegas or Whistler?

Las Vegas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is renowned for theatre. However, Whistler is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Whistler is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Las Vegas or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Las Vegas is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Whistler has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is renowned for nightlife. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Whistler has a large number of nightlife venues. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Music?

Las Vegas is renowned for live music. However, Whistler is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is a world class music destination. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Whistler is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is renowned for its resorts. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its luxury resorts.

Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

In Whistler, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Whistler is well-known for its hiking and trekking. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Whistler?

Las Vegas is renowned for shopping. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Whistler is very family-friendly. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is renowned for romance. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its romantic activities.

Las Vegas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

Whistler makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Las Vegas and Whistler offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Las Vegas or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.

Whistler is very walkable. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

For even more information, also check out Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or Whistler?

In either Las Vegas or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Whistler than Las Vegas 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 Whistler.

One day in Las Vegas or Whistler?

Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the village of Whistler. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Las Vegas or Whistler?

Las Vegas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the outdoorsy destination of Whistler. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Las Vegas or Whistler?

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the adventurous village of Whistler. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer.

A week in Las Vegas or Whistler?

Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone.

Whistler is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Las Vegas or Whistler?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Las Vegas and Whistler, 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.