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If you’re looking for a raucous getaway filled with excess, glitter, glamor, and gambling, there are two destinations that might come to mind. These are, of course, Las Vegas and Atlantic City. For many, the OG Sin City Las Vegas is the place to go, given Atlantic City’s largely undeserved reputation for being a tired and less trendy version of its Nevada counterpart.
However, both cities are unforgettable destinations in their own right, each of which has its own unique appeal depending on what kind of vacation experience you are looking for. Check out this impartial comparison of Las Vegas versus Atlantic City to help you decide where to go.
The Vibe
First off, it’s worth pointing out that Vegas and AC both have very distinct vibes of their own.
In a nutshell, Las Vegas is the epicenter of American excess. It is crowded, vibrant, manic, and overwhelming in all of the best ways. It also places a much higher premium on style, clout, and celebrity, which is why anyone heading here should pack their sharpest and fiercest outfits if they’re hoping to make it past face control.
Atlantic City, meanwhile, is much more laid back. It is popular with people of all ages and tastes and revels in its status as a happy-go-lucky beach destination. The pace of life in AC is slower, and many visitors find this one to be the more relaxing option of the two.
The Casinos
Like most visitors, you’re probably planning on trying your luck at the casinos.
If you’re looking for ultra-modern resorts with the most high-end amenities imaginable, Las Vegas is your best bet. The city is home to state-of-the-art developments such as The Aria, Cosmopolitan, and Encore, which offer five-star service, spas, and Michelin-starred dining. Meanwhile, the manmade beach at Mandalay Bay or the recreated Venice canals at The Venetian are destinations in their own right.
Atlantic City offers more historical casinos such as Resorts or The Claridge, which offer opulent Art Deco gambling for those feeling like getting their Gatsby on.
It’s also worth noting that the games on offer can differ in each city. One of the most notable examples here is blackjack, with Las Vegas blackjack and Atlantic City blackjack using different deck numbers, side bets, and dealer rules. This online blackjack hub explains the differences and allows you to try your hand at virtual versions of each, to help you get a feel for your favorite variant.
The Culture
As well as world-class gambling, both cities offer culture in spades. In Las Vegas, you will find an emerging arts destination that is home to a growing number of important gallery spaces, such as The Metropolitan, SKYE, and the Origen.
Atlantic City, meanwhile, is more prone to celebrating its fascinating history and has no shortage of engrossing museums for this task. Some of the most-visited cultural attractions in AC include the Absecon Lighthouse, The African American Heritage Museum, and the Historic Smithville Village.
Of course, Vegas is also not one to shy away from its unique past. You can visit the Atomic Museum to learn more about Vegas’ history as a site for nuclear bomb testing, or the Mob Museum to learn about the city’s close ties to some of the underground’s most notorious figures.
The Food
If you’re more of a culinary traveler, these cities have a lot to offer. At both, you’ll find gourmet casino buffets that provide ample opportunity to overindulge.
For us, our favorite Las Vegas buffets include The Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon, the Drag Brunch buffet at Senor Frogs, and the iconic Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars. In Atlantic City, the best overeating opportunities can be found at the Borgata Buffet, Kelsey’s, and Fresh Harvest, which is located inside the Atlantic Hard Rock.
One important difference between the two is that, if you’re looking for cutting-edge cuisine and Michelin-starred dining, Vegas wins hands down. Some of America’s most celebrated restaurants and culinary brands can be found in Las Vegas, with the top Michelin eateries in 2022 consisting of Picasso, Guy Savoy, and Wing Lei. Meanwhile, institutions such as Bonito Michoacan provide refined fare on a budget.
While Atlantic City does have a few fine dining outposts, such as Wolfgang Puck’s, the level of refinement on offer does not compare to Vegas.
The Logistics
If you’re wondering what the day-to-day experience of getting around Las Vegas and Atlantic City is like, there are some important points to note. First off, Atlantic City is much more accessible and walkable than Las Vegas. The Boardwalk is where all of the casino resorts are located, and it can easily be traversed on foot in a very short period of time.
You do not need to rent a car in Atlantic City, nor do you need to use public transport. Vegas, meanwhile, is massive. While you can zip between certain casinos via the ultra-smooth Las Vegas monorail, this does not connect you to the entirety of the Strip, nor does it connect you to Fremont Street.
If you are planning on visiting popular local attractions such as the Hoover Dam or Death Valley, you will need to rent a car. In addition, the Las Vegas climate is much warmer. While this can be pleasant in the spring of fall, it is merciless in the high summer. The temperature regularly tops 100 degrees in the shade, which makes long walks down the Strip an uncomfortable affair.
Both Las Vegas and Atlantic City are unmissable destinations that are worth your time. However, if you can only choose one, make sure to keep these facts in mind.
Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash