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

Should you visit Canberra or Washington?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Washington? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Washington

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Canberra and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Washington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington than Canberra. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Washington is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Canberra attracts visitors for its hiking. Washington is more touristy than Canberra 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. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Canberra different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Washington is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Washington are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Is Canberra or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Canberra is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Washington. 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.

Canberra is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Washington is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Canberra or Washington Better for Nightlife?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Washington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Washington Better for Music?

Washington is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Canberra is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Washington is active and vibrant. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Canberra is not a live music destination.

Is Canberra or Washington Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

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 Canberra or Washington?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Washington is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Canberra does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Washington draws large crowds. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Canberra does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Canberra or Washington Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Canberra or Washington.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Washington is known to be 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 Canberra or Washington Better for Couples?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Washington makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Washington Better for Students?

Washington is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent 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.

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Washington is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Washington can take you anywhere. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Canberra or Washington a more walkable city?

Washington is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Washington. 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Washington or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Washington?

Both Canberra 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 Canberra. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 3-7 days is enough time in Washington.

Families should spend more time in Washington than Canberra. 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 Canberra. 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 Washington than Canberra 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 Washington.

One day in Canberra or Washington?

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Canberra, there's plenty to do. 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.

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 Canberra or Washington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Canberra, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this 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 Canberra or Washington?

Canberra, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Canberra or Washington?

Canberra 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in 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 Canberra and Washington, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra 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 Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Canberra.

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Washington?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Washington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra 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 Canberra or Washington in the Summer?

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

In January, Canberra is generally cooler than Washingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 20°C (68°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In January, Canberra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Washingtonin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Washington. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Washington 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.

Canberra is a little warmer than Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C)in October.

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Washingtonin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Washington in the Winter?

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

Washington can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Canberra is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Canberra in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C)in January.

In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Washingtonin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Canberra is generally a little warmer than Washingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 15°C (60°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Washingtonin April. Canberra gets 95 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 Canberra