A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Williamsburg for Old Town, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Asheville or Williamsburg?

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 Asheville and Williamsburg. 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a quaint, well-preserved, and historic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Asheville and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Williamsburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Williamsburg are both popular with visitors, Asheville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Asheville is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Williamsburg is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Williamsburg is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Asheville know how to have a good time. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Music?

Asheville is a great destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a good destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Asheville is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Williamsburg offers plenty to see. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Williamsburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Williamsburg and Asheville.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Williamsburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Williamsburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Williamsburg does not offer Christmas markets.

During the holidays, visitors often browse through the Christmas markets in Asheville. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Williamsburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Asheville and Williamsburg both excellent destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Williamsburg is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Williamsburg.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Asheville or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Asheville is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable mountain town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Asheville or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Williamsburg 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Williamsburg?

In Asheville, many people enjoy the live music and food that this eclectic mountain town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Williamsburg. 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.

A weekend in Asheville or Williamsburg?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Williamsburg. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Williamsburg?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the open-minded destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Williamsburg. 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.

A week in Asheville or Williamsburg?

Asheville is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Williamsburg 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Williamsburg?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Williamsburg, 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 Asheville or Williamsburg?

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 Asheville or Williamsburg in the Summer?

Both Williamsburg and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In the summer, Asheville is around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during summer. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Asheville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the autumn, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Williamsburg. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Williamsburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Asheville for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. Asheville is much warmer than Williamsburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Asheville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during winter. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Williamsburg. Many visitors come to Asheville in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Asheville is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the spring, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Williamsburg. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Asheville