Las Vegas vs Atlantic City: Which Should You Visit?

Can’t decide between Las Vegas vs Atlantic City?

I recently got back from back-to-back trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and I couldn’t stop comparing them. A lot of people do the same, and I often hear people asking what’s the difference between Las Vegas vs. Atlantic City? The two cities are known for casinos, bright lights, and nightlife, but they have completely different personalities. 

So, which one is actually worth your time (and money)? In this post, I’m breaking down what I saw, felt, and learned after exploring these two entertainment destinations. 

Las Vegas vs Atlantic City: Overview

In short, Las Vegas is bigger, has way more things to do, and I would argue that it is more developed, while Atlantic City has more of a laid-back, beach-town vibe with boardwalk elements that make you think of summertime. Overall, the contrast between the two couldn’t be sharper.

In short, Las Vegas is the better choice. After visiting both destinations multiple times, Vegas consistently stands out for its variety, cleanliness, safety, and overall energy.

You can catch world-class entertainment like Cirque du Soleil shows, stay at iconic hotels such as Paris Las Vegas or Aria, and still fit in unforgettable day trips to places like the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, or Red Rock Canyon.

Atlantic City has its own charm and can be more affordable, but if you want the most packed, exciting, and memorable experience in a short amount of time, Las Vegas delivers every time.

Las Vegas

When I first arrived in Vegas, I was struck by the scale. There are massive resorts that are so carefully thought out (and it’s clear a lot of money was poured into them), neon lights everywhere, and crowds pretty much year-round.

The energy is nonstop, and the city never really slows down. The Strip feels like a theme park for adults, with mega-resorts, world-class shows, and endless nightlife. Everything feels larger than life and designed to impress 24/7, from hotel lobbies to pool parties.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City, on the other hand, moves at a noticeably slower pace. You can still get that classic casino excitement at places like Caesars Palace and Tropicana Resort, but it feels less overwhelming and more laid-back compared to Las Vegas.

One of the biggest differences is the ocean breeze and beach-town atmosphere, which gives the city a more relaxed, coastal feel. There are fewer bright lights and, instead, Atlantic City leans into a nostalgic boardwalk charm that feels especially nice if you’re visiting during the warmer months or looking for a calmer getaway.

Las Vegas vs Atlantic City: History

Both cities have fascinating histories deeply tied to gambling, organized crime, and excessive personalities, but they ultimately evolved in very different directions. While both started as gambling hubs, the paths they took over the decades shaped two destinations with completely distinct identities, atmospheres, and travel experiences.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas started as a dusty railroad stop and transformed in the 1930s when gambling became legal, and hotel development exploded.

Over the decades, Vegas has reinvented itself again and again, moving from a gangster-fueled gambling town to themed hotels like the Venetian Resort and Excalibur, and later to sleek, modern properties like Fontainebleau, Wynn, Aria, and the Cosmopolitan.

Today, Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City was once America’s premier seaside resort in the late 1800s, but it experienced a steady decline through much of the early 1900s. Once gambling became legal in New Jersey in 1976, Atlantic City saw an economic revival that helped boost the city again.

It has kept much of its historic charm and has always been a beach town first and a casino town second. The Atlantic City Boardwalk remains one of the city’s main attractions.

Location & Accessibility

Both cities are relatively easy to reach, whether you’re arriving by plane, car, or public transportation, but getting around once you’re there feels very different. Walkability and transportation options vary in terms of price and safety, and the overall accessibility can shape your experience.

Let’s break down how easy each city is to navigate after you arrive.

Getting Around Las Vegas

Vegas is built around the Strip and Downtown, so walking, rideshares, and the monorail are your best friends. Walking is possible, but distances are deceivingly long. Rideshares, taxis, and the Monorail make transportation easy. I used Uber a lot, but sometimes walking from hotel to hotel was just as quick.

Getting Around Atlantic City

Atlantic City is compact and walkable for the most part, unless you’re heading to hotels like Borgata or Horseshoe. In those cases, it’s best to Uber or rent a car. The Atlantic City Boardwalk connects most major casinos and attractions, and public transportation is another option, although I personally haven’t explored it and can’t speak much to safety.

I’ve gotten around Atlantic City by car, but overall, walking works just fine.

➡️ Make getting around easy by booking your car rental here!

Las Vegas vs Atlantic City:
Cost and Affordability

Budget plays a big role when choosing between these cities. Vegas is generally more expensive but offers more to do, while Atlantic City can still get pricey depending on your plans, but it’s usually cheaper overall.

Las Vegas

Hotel rates and resort fees in Vegas add up fast. A lot of people complain online about “$9 cups of coffee” and pricey buffets, and honestly, that’s pretty accurate. That said, you can still find good deals and affordable hotels on the Strip if you know where to look. Vegas definitely rewards the bargain hunter.

Las Vegas can be affordable or very expensive, but weekends are almost always pricier than midweek stays.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is generally more affordable. Room rates tend to be cheaper, as the city is often trying to attract more visitors, and meals at local spots usually cost less than in Vegas. That said, boardwalk and casino prices aren’t exactly cheap. It’s still a resort town, just a more approachable one compared to Vegas.

Hotels and Resorts

Where you choose to stay can really shape your entire trip, and Las Vegas and Atlantic City offer very different hotel experiences. Between more massive resort-style properties to more compact, walkable hotels, each city brings its own unique vibe when it comes to accommodations.

Best Hotels & Resorts in Las Vegas

I’ve stayed in a good variety of hotels on the Strip so far, including Excalibur, LINQ, and Paris, often for weeks at a time without breaking my wallet. While those stays have been great, there are definitely more beautiful accommodations still on my bucket list. I’ve had the privilege of seeing these rooms, just not staying in them yet.

If you can find a great deal, I highly recommend staying at the Cosmopolitan (you really can’t beat those balcony views), the Venetian, or the Wynn. These hotels are some of the best on the Strip, but even if you stay somewhere like Excalibur or LINQ, it will still do the job perfectly.

Best Hotels & Resorts in Atlantic City

In Atlantic City, I stayed at both Tropicana and Borgata, and the vibe couldn’t be more different. Borgata is definitely the more high-end option, but you can find great deals depending on the season. Tropicana was also super fun to stay at, with plenty of nightlife and dining options, so you don’t even feel the need to leave the hotel.

You can also walk to other boardwalk hotels like Ocean Casino Resort, which is very impressive with ocean views and an airy casino floor. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is another solid option with lots of live music and nightlife. They may not have Vegas’ over-the-top scale, but they’re well-kept and enjoyable.

Casinos

Both cities are famous for their casinos, but the overall experience couldn’t feel more different. The scale and design of the casino floors and the atmosphere and level of entertainment are different in each destination. 

Best Casinos in Las Vegas

Honestly, I think Vegas wins here. Their casinos are on another level. Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and MGM Grand feel like mini worlds of their own. You can walk for what feels like miles between slots, bars, and tables, and the whole experience feels very polished and thoughtfully designed.

Best Casinos in Atlantic City

Atlantic City’s casinos are smaller, but I really liked the vibe at Tropicana and Caesars Palace, which felt more Vegas-like. Ocean also stands out for its sleek, modern layout, and Hard Rock is fun to explore as well. You can still have a great time here, just without the over-the-top scale you’ll find in Vegas.

Attractions & Activities

Beyond the casinos, each city in the region offers a variety of experiences. Las Vegas has more high-end shopping at destinations like The Forum Shops, Grand Canal Shoppes, and Miracle Mile, as well as unique entertainment and cultural attractions.

Atlantic City offers its own mix of experiences, like the historic Boardwalk and beachfront attractions, and also has some boutique shops and seasonal events. 

Best Attractions & Activities in Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers endless attractions, from world-famous Cirque du Soleil shows to luxury shopping. You can also explore nearby natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, which is surprisingly easy and comfortable to visit on a bus tour. Other highlights include Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam.

I’ve been going to Vegas every year for the past few years, and I still feel like I haven’t seen everything. You can also do helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon, visit museums like the Mob Museum and Neon Museum, explore rooftop bars downtown, and so much more.

Best Attractions & Activities in Atlantic City

Atlantic City has fewer attractions, but you can still have a good time. There’s the main show at Caesars Palace, The Hook, plus walking the boardwalk and spending time at the beach if the weather cooperates.

Dining

Honestly, Vegas takes the cake here when it comes to food experiences.

Best Restaurants in Las Vegas

Vegas is basically a playground for celebrity chefs. Every big name has a restaurant, and the buffets are wild, featuring things like snow crab legs and prime-cut filet mignon. We’ve explored both affordable and high-end dining options, and the variety is endless.

Best Restaurants in Atlantic City

In Atlantic City, you can find some pretty decent places to eat, especially if you love seafood. For more upscale dining, higher-end hotels like Borgata have great options. Carmine’s is one of the city’s most popular restaurants, and while I haven’t been myself, I’ve heard consistently good things.

I really enjoyed the happy hour at Cuba Libre inside Tropicana. My friend and I tried almost everything on their happy hour menu and had a blast, especially with the live music. Chickie and Pete’s was another solid choice, and their lobster roll was delicious.

We also had a great time at Biergarten Atlantic City on the boardwalk. It’s a popular spot for beer, and the pretzels and chicken wings were excellent.

Nightlife & Entertainment

If you’re staying up late, both cities offer nightlife, just with very different vibes.

Best Nightlife & Entertainment in Las Vegas

Vegas absolutely owns the nightlife crown. Between world-class DJs, Cirque du Soleil shows, magic acts, and surprise concerts, there’s something happening every night. If you want to go clubbing, XS Nightclub and Omnia are popular (though pricey), but you can also have a great and cheaper time hopping between casino lounges and cocktail bars.

Best Nightlife & Entertainment in Atlantic City

Atlantic City’s nightlife is more relaxed. There are nice bars with live bands, some comedy shows, and smaller clubs, especially inside Tropicana. In my opinion, the best thing to do at night in Atlantic City is to explore the bars and restaurants and walk through the casino hotels.

Safety & Cleanliness

Every city has its good and bad areas, but here’s how I’d compare Vegas and Atlantic City.

Safety in Las Vegas

I’ve always felt safe in Vegas, especially in tourist-heavy areas on the Strip. I’ve heard stories about petty theft or pickpocketing in crowded spots, but I’ve never had an issue. There’s security everywhere, and in case of anything, you can always step inside a casino.

I’ve heard Downtown can feel sketchy at night in some areas, so it’s important to stay aware. Overall, if you’re staying on the Strip and using common sense, you’ll be fine. 

Safety in Atlantic City

Atlantic City felt mostly fine during the day, though I did notice some shady individuals along the boardwalk. I wouldn’t personally venture out alone at night.

During the day, my friend and I walked to the Absecon Lighthouse, which took us off the boardwalk and into areas with run-down houses and fewer people around. I imagine it would feel much scarier at night.

Locals say some neighborhoods can feel sketchy after dark, and I can understand why. Stick to well-lit areas near the boardwalk and stay inside resorts at night when possible.

Las Vegas vs Atlantic City:
Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of both cities.

Pros of Las Vegas

• Huge variety of entertainment and shows
• Luxury hotels and fine dining everywhere
• Great shopping options with good deals
• Nonstop nightlife and activities
• Easy access to desert adventures like the Hoover Dam

Cons of Las Vegas

• Can be expensive, especially with resort fees and food
• Crowds, particularly on weekends
• Can feel overwhelming at times (daytime naps help!)
• No ocean nearby
• Can feel overly commercial

Pros of Atlantic City

• Beach, boardwalk, and casinos in one place
• More relaxed pace with ocean breezes
• Better overall value for money
• Walkable and easy to navigate

Cons of Atlantic City

• Smaller and less glamorous than Vegas
• Limited shows and entertainment options
• Some areas feel less safe at night
• Weather and crowds fluctuate seasonally
• Fewer luxury experiences

Which City is Right for You?

Honestly, it really depends on what kind of trip you want.

Is Las Vegas or Atlantic City better for family trips?

Overall, I think Atlantic City wins for families. There’s the beach, the boardwalk, and a slower pace. Vegas can be family-friendly in parts, but it’s definitely more adult-oriented. While plenty of families visit Vegas, Atlantic City feels easier with kids.

Is Las Vegas or Atlantic City better for couple getaways?

If you want glamour, romantic dinners, and endless entertainment options, Vegas wins. There’s also a lot to explore outside the city, including day trips to lakes, canyons, and hiking spots.

Is Las Vegas or Atlantic City better for backpackers?

Backpackers will probably appreciate Atlantic City more since it’s easier on the budget and is walkable. Vegas can drain your wallet fast, but budget travel is still possible if you know where to look.

Las Vegas vs Atlantic City:
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlantic City just a smaller version of Las Vegas?

Not really. Atlantic City has casinos, but the boardwalk and beach give it a totally different vibe from Vegas.

What makes Atlantic City so special?

It’s the mix of seaside relaxation and casinos. You can gamble, eat seafood, and then take a walk along the boardwalk by the ocean.

Which is better for a holiday between
Las Vegas and Atlantic City?

Overall, I think Las Vegas is better for a holiday. There’s simply more to do, and you can still experience Vegas on a budget. Atlantic City is worth visiting once, but options can feel limited, especially during winter.

Conclusion: Is Las Vegas Better
Than Atlantic City?

In my opinion, yes. After visiting both cities, Vegas stands out for its variety, cleanliness, safety, and overall vibe. Atlantic City is more affordable and charming in its own way, but if you’re looking for unforgettable entertainment, food, and day trips, Las Vegas is the better choice.

Happy travels!