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

Should you visit Atlanta or Williamsburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Williamsburg, 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Atlanta travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Atlanta and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Williamsburg are popular destinations, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Williamsburg attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. 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.

How is Atlanta different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Williamsburg.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Williamsburg makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Atlanta or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

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 Atlanta or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Williamsburg?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Atlanta or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlanta or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

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.

Is Atlanta or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is a great town for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Williamsburg is a great 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.

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.

Is Atlanta or Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers 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.

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 Atlanta or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Williamsburg is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. 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.

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

Atlanta and Williamsburg 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 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 Atlanta or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlanta or Williamsburg. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Atlanta or Williamsburg?

Each neighborhood in Atlanta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Williamsburg, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Williamsburg?

Atlanta is a fun place to experience. 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.

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

Five days in Atlanta or Williamsburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sprawling big city of Atlanta. 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.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Williamsburg?

Atlanta is a popular place to visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Williamsburg, we can see that Atlanta 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 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 Williamsburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Williamsburg?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 61°F (16°C).

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

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Williamsburg. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Atlanta