A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Aspen vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Resorts

Should you visit Aspen or Las Vegas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Las Vegas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Aspen and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Las Vegas?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Aspen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Las Vegas is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Aspen is more popular for its skiing, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Las Vegas is more touristy than Aspen and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes.

How is Aspen different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Las Vegas Better for Skiing?

Aspen is very popular for snow skiing. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.

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

Las Vegas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Las Vegas. 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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Aspen or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Aspen is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Las Vegas that are not to be missed. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Aspen is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Aspen and Las Vegas.

Many restaurants in Aspen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eat your way through Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Aspen or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife in Aspen has something for everybody. 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.

Is Aspen or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is renowned for its music scene. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for live music.

In Las Vegas you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Aspen has a thriving music scene. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Is Aspen or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is renowned for its resorts. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Las Vegas is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

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.

Is Aspen or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Aspen is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Las Vegas is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Aspen or Las Vegas More Beautiful?

Aspen is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Aspen or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Aspen is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Aspen is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Aspen or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is renowned for couples. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Aspen is a great ski town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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

Aspen is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is Aspen or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Aspen 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.

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.

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 Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Las Vegas?

Both Aspen and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Aspen. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

One day in Aspen or Las Vegas?

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Aspen or Las Vegas?

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. 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 ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Five days in Aspen or Las Vegas?

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski town has to offer.

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Aspen or Las Vegas?

Aspen 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.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Aspen and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Las Vegas, 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.