A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baltimore vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Baltimore or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking, impressive, and iconic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Niagara Falls?

You'll generally find more things to do in Baltimore than Niagara Falls. Baltimore is bigger than Niagara Falls, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Baltimore is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Niagara Falls is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium.

How is Baltimore different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Baltimore is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. 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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Baltimore or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Baltimore or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Niagara Falls?

Baltimore is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Baltimore or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family destinations. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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.

Is Baltimore or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Niagara Falls frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore and Niagara Falls are notable 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 Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

Baltimore is notable for its public transit. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. 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.

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Is Baltimore or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Baltimore is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Niagara Falls. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Niagara Falls. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Baltimore. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Niagara Falls. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Baltimore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking city of Niagara Falls. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Baltimore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Niagara Falls is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, and The Best Contiki Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Niagara Falls, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Niagara Falls?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

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 Baltimore or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Niagara Falls. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

In the autumn, Baltimore is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Niagara Falls. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the spring for the natural beauty.

Baltimore is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Baltimore