A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Detroit vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Detroit or Niagara Falls?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Niagara Falls, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Detroit

Detroit is a hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Detroit travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking, impressive, and iconic city. The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Detroit and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Niagara Falls?

You'll generally find more things to do in Detroit than Niagara Falls. Detroit is bigger than Niagara Falls, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Detroit is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Niagara Falls is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. Also, Detroit is famous for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Detroit or Niagara Falls?

Detroit is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Detroit or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and Niagara Falls can be an enjoyable experience.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Niagara Falls area. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Detroit has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls Better for Music?

Detroit is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Niagara Falls is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Detroit Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Niagara Falls is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Niagara Falls?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Detroit and Niagara Falls.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Many visitors go to Niagara Falls to go shopping. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Niagara Falls is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Niagara Falls is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Detroit or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Detroit and Niagara Falls are notable when it comes to walkability.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Detroit and Niagara Falls. In our opinion, Niagara Falls has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Niagara Falls than Detroit. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Detroit 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 Niagara Falls.

One day in Detroit or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the overlooked destination of Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Niagara Falls has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the overlooked destination of Detroit. This city 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.

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Detroit or Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Detroit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Niagara Falls. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Detroit and Niagara Falls, we can see that Detroit 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 Detroit Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Niagara Falls?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Niagara Falls, 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 Detroit or Niagara Falls?

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 Detroit or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Niagara Falls. Many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Detroit is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls in the summer. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Niagara Falls. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In the summer, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

Both Niagara Falls and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Detroit is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Detroit in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Detroit usually receives around the same amount of rain as Niagara Falls. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

It's quite cold in Niagara Falls in the winter. The weather in Detroit can be very cold. In January, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 25°F (-4°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

In the winter, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Niagara Falls. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Niagara Falls. The activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the natural beauty.

Detroit is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls in the spring. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 49°F (9°C) in April, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Detroit