A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Alexandria for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Charlotte or Alexandria?

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 Charlotte and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlotte and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Alexandria?

Both Alexandria and Charlotte have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Charlotte is very popular for its big city activities, while Alexandria attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlotte or Alexandria?

Alexandria is great for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlotte and Alexandria.

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Charlotte or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Charlotte and Alexandria.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Charlotte or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Charlotte does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Charlotte does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Alexandria?

Alexandria is great for its shopping areas. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Charlotte is a great destination for shopping. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Is Charlotte or Alexandria Better for Families?

Charlotte is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Charlotte or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Alexandria is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Charlotte or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Alexandria Better for Students?

Charlotte is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

Is Charlotte or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Alexandria can take you anywhere. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Charlotte has a few public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Is Charlotte or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Charlotte or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Charlotte 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 Alexandria.

One day in Charlotte or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the evolving city of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Charlotte or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Charlotte, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Charlotte or Alexandria?

Charlotte, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Alexandria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Alexandria?

Charlotte 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.

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Alexandria, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte than you might in Alexandria.

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

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Alexandria?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Alexandria, 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 Charlotte or Alexandria?

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 Charlotte or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Charlotte is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charlotte is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Alexandria averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Alexandria. The winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. In January, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Alexandria. The activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Charlotte