A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Lancaster for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Alexandria or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster. 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 charming, quaint, and historic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Alexandria and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Lancaster?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Alexandria is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Alexandria different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Lancaster and Alexandria.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. 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.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Lancaster 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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Alexandria or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Alexandria or Lancaster Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Lancaster?

If you're looking to go shopping, Alexandria and Lancaster both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Is Alexandria or Lancaster Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

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 Lancaster Better for Couples?

Alexandria and Lancaster both great destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Is Alexandria or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Alexandria or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Lancaster?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and food around the picturesque town of Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, 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 town.

Five days in Alexandria or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Alexandria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lancaster, a popular town, 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 Lancaster?

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lancaster 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Lancaster?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alexandria or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lancaster. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Lancaster. The winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lancaster in the winter. The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alexandria or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Lancaster. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lancaster for the natural beauty.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In the spring, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Alexandria