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

Should you visit Baltimore or Richmond?

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 Richmond can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Richmond

Richmond is a growing, friendly, and historical city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Richmond?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Richmond, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Baltimore is more touristy than Richmond and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Richmond is popular for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Baltimore different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Baltimore and Richmond.

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 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 Baltimore or Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Baltimore or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

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

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 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 Baltimore or Richmond?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Baltimore. 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.

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 Baltimore or Richmond Better for Families?

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Baltimore or Richmond Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Richmond are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Richmond is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Baltimore or Richmond Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore is very good for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city 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.

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 Baltimore or Richmond Better for Students?

Richmond is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Richmond is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore is notable for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you to most 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Baltimore or Richmond a more walkable city?

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

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.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Richmond Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Baltimore or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Baltimore than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

Families should spend more time in Baltimore than Richmond. 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 Baltimore than Richmond. 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 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 Baltimore.

One day in Baltimore or Richmond?

The city of Baltimore offers food and shopping. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Richmond. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Richmond has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Richmond?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Baltimore 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Richmond. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Richmond?

Baltimore 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.

Richmond is a popular choice for travelers. 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 comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Richmond, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Richmond Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Richmond?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Richmond. The summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Richmond. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Richmond. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the shopping scene.

In October, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. In the autumn, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Richmond. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Richmond can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. Baltimore is much colder than Richmond in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Richmond. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Baltimore is cooler than Richmond. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Richmond averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Richmond. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Richmond and Baltimore