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

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Aspen? 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.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking.

Chapel Hill and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Chapel Hill and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chapel Hill attracts visitors for its museums. Aspen is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is very popular for winter skiing. However, Chapel Hill is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Aspen?

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Chapel Hill and Aspen.

Chapel Hill is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Many people head to Aspen for the nightlife scene. 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 Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is well known for its music scene. However, Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is not a live music destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is well known for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Aspen?

Aspen is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Chapel Hill does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Aspen is not to be missed. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Chapel Hill does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is well known for its Christmas markets. However, Chapel Hill does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Chapel Hill does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chapel Hill or Aspen.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chapel Hill. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

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 Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is renowned for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular town for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Aspen is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Chapel Hill and Aspen.

You'll find some public transit in Chapel Hill, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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

Is Chapel Hill or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. 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.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Aspen?

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

Families should spend more time in Aspen than Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Aspen?

In Chapel Hill, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this southern destination offers. This town 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 Chapel Hill or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill or Aspen?

Chapel Hill is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill or Aspen?

You'll find food and shopping around the southern destination of Chapel Hill. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, 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 Chapel Hill and Aspen, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Chapel Hill much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chapel Hill would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.

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

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Aspen?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill 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.