A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. New York City for Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or New York City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and New York City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bar Harbor and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City. Although Bar Harbor and New York City are both popular with visitors, New York City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New York City is more popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. New York City is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Bar Harbor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or New York City?

New York City is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is terrific for theatre. However, Bar Harbor is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in New York City that are not to be missed. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Bar Harbor is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is terrific for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

New York City is a must-see party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is terrific for live music. However, Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or New York City?

New York City is terrific for shopping. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Families?

New York City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is terrific for romance. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its romantic activities.

New York City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is terrific for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular city for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is terrific for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of New York City can take you anywhere. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Bar Harbor or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is terrific for its walkability. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or New York City?

Both Bar Harbor and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Bar Harbor 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 New York City.

One day in Bar Harbor or New York City?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

When visiting New York City, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. 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.

When visiting New York City, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or New York City?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town 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.

New York City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or New York City?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

New York City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 1310 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and New York City, 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 Bar Harbor or New York City?

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 Bar Harbor or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Bar Harbor during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bar Harbor is cooler than New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and New York City. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is much colder than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than New York City. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or New York City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as New York City. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

New York City can be very cold during winter. Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than New York City. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New York City because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Bar Harbor is much colder than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than New York City. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Bar Harbor