A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Louis or Aspen?

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 Saint Louis and Aspen. 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music. See Aspen travel costs.

Saint Louis and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions. Aspen is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Saint Louis different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Louis or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for winter skiing. However, Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Aspen?

Saint Louis is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Aspen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Aspen is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is well known for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Aspen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Aspen and Saint Louis.

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Aspen is well-known for its shopping. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen More Beautiful?

Aspen is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen Better for Families?

Saint Louis is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you to most places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

While Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Is Saint Louis or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Aspen?

In either Saint Louis or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Saint Louis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Saint Louis 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 Aspen.

One day in Saint Louis or Aspen?

In Saint Louis, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this unexpected destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This ski town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Louis or Aspen?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Aspen?

You'll find food and shopping around the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Aspen?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Aspen, 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.