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

Should you visit Baltimore or Alexandria?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic, charming, and quaint city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Alexandria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Alexandria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Baltimore is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Alexandria is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Alexandria is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Baltimore different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Alexandria?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Baltimore and Alexandria.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Baltimore or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Baltimore or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Alexandria is revered around the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Alexandria?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Alexandria and Baltimore.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Baltimore or Alexandria Better for Families?

Baltimore is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Baltimore or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Alexandria is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Alexandria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore and Alexandria are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Is Baltimore or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Alexandria can get you around easily. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Baltimore or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Alexandria on foot is easy. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Alexandria?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Baltimore 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 Alexandria.

One day in Baltimore or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alexandria. 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 Baltimore or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Alexandria. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Alexandria?

Baltimore, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Alexandria. 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 Baltimore or Alexandria?

Baltimore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Alexandria 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Alexandria?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Alexandria, 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 Baltimore or Alexandria?

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 Baltimore or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Alexandria averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Alexandria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Alexandria. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Alexandria. The winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. Baltimore is much colder than Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Alexandria in the Spring?

Both Alexandria and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Baltimore is cooler than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Alexandria averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Baltimore