A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Washington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Brisbane or Washington?

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 Brisbane and Washington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Washington

Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Brisbane and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Washington?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Washington than Brisbane. While Brisbane is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Washington is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Brisbane is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Washington is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Brisbane different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Washington?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Washington has many famous sights for visitors. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is great for its shows and theatre. However, Brisbane is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Brisbane is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Brisbane or Washington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Brisbane and Washington.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Washington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Music?

Washington is very good for its music scene. However, Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Washington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Washington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is great for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

Brisbane is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is very good for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Washington?

If you're looking to go shopping, Brisbane and Washington both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Washington is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Brisbane does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Washington is a top place to visit during Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Brisbane does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Brisbane or Washington.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Washington is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Couples?

Washington is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Brisbane is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Students?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Is Brisbane or Washington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

Public transit in Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Brisbane or Washington a more walkable city?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Washington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Washington or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Washington?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Washington 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 Brisbane.

One day in Brisbane or Washington?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed coastal city of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Brisbane or Washington?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Washington?

Brisbane, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Washington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Washington?

Brisbane 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.

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brisbane and Washington, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific and Washington is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Brisbane.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Washington?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane and Washington, 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 Brisbane or Washington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Washington has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In the summer, Brisbane is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brisbane in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C)in July.

It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives less sunshine than Washington during summer. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In January, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Washingtonin July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brisbane or Washington in the Autumn?

Both Washington and Brisbane during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Brisbane is generally a little warmer than Washingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 22°C (71°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the autumn, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Washingtonin October. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually gets more rain in April than Washingtonin October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Washington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Washington. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Brisbane is much warmer than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C)in January.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Washington during winter. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Brisbane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Washingtonin January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brisbane or Washington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Washington. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Brisbane is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brisbane in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the spring, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Washingtonin April. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Washingtonin April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Washington and Brisbane