A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Norfolk for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Norfolk?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Norfolk, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Norfolk?

You'll generally find more things to do in Atlanta than Norfolk. Atlanta is bigger than Norfolk, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Atlanta is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Atlanta different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Norfolk?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Atlanta or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Atlanta know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Norfolk?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Atlanta or Norfolk Better for Families?

Atlanta is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Atlanta or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Atlanta is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Atlanta or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

Is Atlanta or Norfolk Better for Students?

Atlanta is a great destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Norfolk Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and Norfolk both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Atlanta or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Atlanta and Norfolk are notable when it comes to walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlanta or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlanta than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Norfolk 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Norfolk?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Norfolk, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Norfolk?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlanta has to offer.

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

Five days in Atlanta or Norfolk?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. 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.

Norfolk is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Atlanta or Norfolk?

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

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

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 comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Norfolk, we can see that Atlanta 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Norfolk?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Norfolk, 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 Atlanta or Norfolk?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Norfolk. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the summer, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene.

In October, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. Atlanta is much warmer than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Norfolk. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Norfolk. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In the spring, Atlanta is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Norfolk averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Atlanta