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

Should you visit Adelaide or Washington?

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 Washington 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 under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Washington

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Adelaide and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Washington?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Washington than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Washington is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Adelaide is known for its beaches and hiking. Washington is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House. Adelaide is popular for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Washington 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 Washington?

Washington is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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 Adelaide or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is a very popular place for theatre. However, Adelaide is not a theatre destination.

Washington attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Adelaide is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Washington have been singled out for their culinary prowess. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Nightlife?

Washington is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Washington has a large number of nightlife venues. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Music?

Washington is a city with good options for live music. However, Adelaide is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Adelaide is not a live music destination.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is great for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

Adelaide is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Hiking?

Adelaide is very good for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many people include a hike when visiting Adelaide. 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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Washington?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Adelaide and Washington.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Washington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Adelaide does not offer Christmas activities.

Washington offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Adelaide does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Families?

Washington is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. 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.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Couples?

Washington is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Washington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Adelaide is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Adelaide or Washington Better for Students?

Washington is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Washington is a very popular city for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

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

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

Washington has a great public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Adelaide has some very good public transit options. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Is Adelaide or Washington a more walkable city?

Washington is renowned for its walkability. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Washington. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Washington or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Washington?

Both Adelaide and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Adelaide. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 3-7 days is enough time in Washington.

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

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

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

One day in Adelaide or Washington?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Washington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Washington?

Adelaide, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Washington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Washington?

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Washington, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Washington 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 Adelaide would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adelaide 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Adelaide.

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Washington?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Adelaide or Washington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Washington. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Adelaide is cooler than Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Washington during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Washingtonin July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Washington. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Adelaide is a little warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Adelaide in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Washingtonin October. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Washingtonin October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Washington in the Winter?

Both Washington and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In July, Adelaide is generally much warmer than Washingtonin January. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 11°C (52°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Washington during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives around the same amount of rain as Washingtonin January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Adelaide is a little warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C)in April.

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Washingtonin April. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Washingtonin April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Washington and Adelaide