A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlanta vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Ottawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Ottawa, 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 suburban, cultural, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Atlanta travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Ottawa travel costs.

Atlanta and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Atlanta, Atlanta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Atlanta is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Ottawa is famous for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Atlanta different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Ottawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

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

Atlanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Atlanta or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Atlanta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Ottawa?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. 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.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Atlanta or Ottawa Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Atlanta or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Ottawa are both nice to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Atlanta or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Ottawa are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Ottawa is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Atlanta or Ottawa Better for Students?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

While Ottawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Atlanta or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Atlanta and Ottawa are nice 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.

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Ottawa?

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

Families should spend more time in Atlanta than Ottawa. 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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Atlanta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Ottawa, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Ottawa?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Ottawa, 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 Ottawa has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sprawling big city of Atlanta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ottawa. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ottawa. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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 Atlanta or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa 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 Ottawa during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Ottawa. 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 Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Atlanta is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Ottawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

Atlanta is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Atlanta