A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Halifax for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Halifax?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Halifax. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Alexandria is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Alexandria different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Halifax?

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Halifax can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Halifax offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Alexandria or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Alexandria and Halifax.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Halifax. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Alexandria or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Halifax?

Alexandria is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Alexandria or Halifax Better for Families?

Halifax is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Halifax offers lots of family activities. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Halifax Better for Couples?

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

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Alexandria or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Halifax are notable places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Alexandria or Halifax Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Alexandria or Halifax a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its walkability. Also, Halifax 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 Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Halifax 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 Alexandria.

One day in Alexandria or Halifax?

In Alexandria, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Halifax, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Alexandria or Halifax?

In Alexandria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alexandria has to offer.

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

Five days in Alexandria or Halifax?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Halifax, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Halifax 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Halifax, 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 Alexandria or Halifax?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alexandria or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Halifax. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Alexandria is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Halifax. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alexandria or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Halifax. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In October, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 60°F (15°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. Alexandria is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Halifax. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alexandria or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the spring, Alexandria is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. In the spring, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Alexandria