A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Adelaide or Ottawa?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Ottawa 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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Adelaide travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Adelaide and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Ottawa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Adelaide than Ottawa. Adelaide is bigger than Ottawa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Adelaide is better known for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions. Adelaide is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Also, Adelaide is famous for the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Adelaide different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Ottawa?

Ottawa is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ottawa. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Adelaide and Ottawa.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ottawa. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Adelaide is considered a top beach destination. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Adelaide is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Adelaide is a good destination for hiking. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Ottawa?

Adelaide is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa Better for Families?

Both Adelaide and Ottawa are notable to visit with kids.

Adelaide is a family-friendly city. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Both Adelaide and Ottawa are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Adelaide is a nice destination for couples. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Ottawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide and Ottawa are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa Better for Students?

Both Adelaide and Ottawa are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you to most places easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

You'll find some public transit in Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is Adelaide or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Adelaide is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Adelaide is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adelaide and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adelaide than in Ottawa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

Couples should spend more time in Adelaide than Ottawa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Adelaide that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adelaide than Ottawa 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 Adelaide.

One day in Adelaide or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Adelaide. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Ottawa offers food and shopping. 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 Adelaide or Ottawa?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ottawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ottawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Ottawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Adelaide. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ottawa is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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. Even though Adelaide is in Pacific and Ottawa is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Ottawa?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Ottawa, 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.

When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Ottawa?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Adelaide is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Ottawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Adelaide or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ottawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Adelaide is generally around the same temperature as Ottawain July. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 22°C (72°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Ottawain July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Adelaide during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the shopping scene during these months.

Adelaide is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Ottawain October. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Ottawain October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. In the winter, Adelaide is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adelaide in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F)in January.

Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Ottawain January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Ottawa. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches.

In October, Adelaide is generally much warmer than Ottawain April. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 16°C (61°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the spring, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Ottawain April. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Ottawain April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Adelaide