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

Should you visit Atlanta or Richmond?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Richmond, 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 sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Richmond

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

Atlanta and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Richmond?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Richmond. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Atlanta is famous 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. Richmond is famous for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Atlanta different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Atlanta on the map. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Richmond can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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

Atlanta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Atlanta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Atlanta or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Atlanta has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Richmond?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Atlanta is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is Atlanta or Richmond Better for Families?

Atlanta is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Atlanta is known to be 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Atlanta or Richmond Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Richmond 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Atlanta or Richmond Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is very good for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Atlanta is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.

Is Atlanta or Richmond Better for Students?

Atlanta is notable for students. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Atlanta is very popular with students. 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.

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

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

Atlanta and Richmond both offer reasonable 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Atlanta or Richmond a more walkable city?

Atlanta and Richmond 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.

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlanta or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlanta than Richmond 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 Richmond.

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

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Richmond, 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 Richmond?

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Richmond, 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 Richmond has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Richmond?

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Richmond 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 Richmond?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Richmond. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Richmond. 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Richmond?

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

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 Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Richmond because of the family-friendly experiences.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the summer, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

Richmond gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Richmond. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Richmond. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond 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 Richmond during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Richmond. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Richmond. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Richmond. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Richmond. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Richmond and Atlanta