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

Should you visit Columbus or Norfolk?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Norfolk? 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Norfolk?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Norfolk than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Norfolk, Norfolk has more sights and attractions for tourists. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence. It is also home to the Battleship Wisconsin.

How is Columbus different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbus or Norfolk?

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Columbus or Norfolk.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Is the Food Better in Columbus or Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Norfolk is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Norfolk. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Norfolk.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Norfolk?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Columbus and Norfolk.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Norfolk offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Columbus or Norfolk Better for Families?

Columbus is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbus is a very family-friendly place to visit. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Columbus or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Neither Columbus or Norfolk is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Columbus is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Columbus or Norfolk Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Columbus and Norfolk.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Columbus or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Columbus and Norfolk are good when it comes to walkability.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Columbus or Norfolk to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Norfolk than Columbus 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 Norfolk.

One day in Columbus or Norfolk?

In Columbus, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The city of Norfolk offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Norfolk?

In Columbus, you'll find nightlife 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 Columbus has to offer.

Norfolk is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Norfolk?

Columbus 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.

Norfolk is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Norfolk?

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

Norfolk is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Norfolk Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Norfolk?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Norfolk, 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 Columbus or Norfolk?

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 Columbus or Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbus. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Norfolk. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Columbus is cooler than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Norfolk. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Norfolk. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Columbus is cooler than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Columbus