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

Should you visit Canberra or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Las Vegas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a fun-filled, entertaining, and sexy entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Canberra and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Las Vegas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Canberra. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Canberra attracts visitors for its hiking. Las Vegas is more touristy than Canberra and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Canberra different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Canberra and Las Vegas.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Many visitors head to Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Is Canberra or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Canberra is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Canberra is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Canberra or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Las Vegas is a must-see party destination. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is terrific for its live music scene. However, Canberra is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Las Vegas. 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.

Canberra is not a live music destination.

Is Canberra or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. 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.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Canberra or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Las Vegas draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Canberra is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Canberra is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Las Vegas Better for Students?

Canberra is notable for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Las Vegas is not popular with students.

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

Canberra 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.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Canberra and Las Vegas are nice when it comes to walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Canberra Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Las Vegas?

Both Canberra 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 Canberra. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Canberra. 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.

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

One day in Canberra or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Canberra. 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.

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.

A weekend in Canberra or Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Canberra. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Canberra or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Canberra. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Canberra or Las Vegas?

Canberra is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Canberra and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific and Las Vegas is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Canberra.

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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.