A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers New York City vs. Whistler for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. New York City is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See New York City travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

New York City and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Whistler?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City. Although New York City and Whistler are both popular with visitors, New York City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New York City is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Whistler is known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. New York City is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Whistler is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is New York City different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New York City or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Whistler?

New York City is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 New York City or Whistler Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for theatre. However, Whistler is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Whistler is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

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

New York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City or Whistler Better for Music?

New York City is renowned for live music. However, Whistler is not a live music destination.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Whistler is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Whistler to choose from. 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.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is New York City or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Whistler?

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

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and 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.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Is New York City or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is New York City or Whistler Better for Couples?

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

New York City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City and Whistler are both great destinations for backpackers.

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Whistler is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is New York City or Whistler Better for Students?

New York City is renowned for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Whistler is not popular with students.

Is New York City or Whistler Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is renowned for its public transit. However, Whistler is not a good village for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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

Is New York City or Whistler a more walkable city?

New York City is renowned for its walkability. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or New York City?

How long in New York City or Whistler?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Whistler 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Whistler?

New York City is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Whistler. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 New York City or Whistler?

New York City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in New York City or Whistler?

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

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the charming destination of Whistler. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in New York City or Whistler?

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful village of Whistler. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Whistler, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New York City or Whistler?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 760 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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.

When is the best time to visit New York City or Whistler?

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 New York City or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New York City as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

New York City is a little warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, New York City is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, New York City usually receives less rain than Whistler. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New York City or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and New York City during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. The weather in New York City can be very cold. In January, New York City is generally much colder than Whistler. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. New York City usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Whistler. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

New York City is a little warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, New York City usually receives less rain than Whistler. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and New York City