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

Should you visit Baltimore or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a outdoorsy, laid-back, and bustling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Baltimore and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle. Although Baltimore and Seattle are both popular with visitors, Seattle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, music, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore is known for its shopping. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Baltimore different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Baltimore and Seattle.

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 Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is very good for its theatre productions. However, Baltimore is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Baltimore is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Seattle both to be excellent destinations.

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.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Baltimore and Seattle.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Seattle for the nightlife scene. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is well known for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is very good for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Seattle to enjoy the beach. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Seattle?

Baltimore is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Families?

Baltimore is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore and Seattle 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 Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Baltimore or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is well known for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Seattle is very popular with students. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

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

Baltimore offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Baltimore or Seattle a more walkable city?

Baltimore and Seattle both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Seattle?

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

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Seattle?

In Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. 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 Seattle?

In Baltimore, 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 Baltimore has to offer.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. 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 Seattle?

Baltimore 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling city of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle 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 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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Seattle?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Seattle. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 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 Seattle. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Seattle. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. Baltimore is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Seattle. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Baltimore is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Baltimore