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

Should you visit Durham or Lewisburg?

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 Durham and Lewisburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a historical, quaint, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include shopping and museums.

Durham and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Durham or Lewisburg?

Both Lewisburg and Durham have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Durham is better known for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Lewisburg is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team. Lewisburg is well known for its historical charm and friendly personality.

How is Durham different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or Lewisburg?

Durham
Lewisburg

Durham is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Lewisburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.


Is the Food Better in Durham or Lewisburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham
Lewisburg

Durham is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Durham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Durham or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Durham
Lewisburg

Durham is a popular place for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Durham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Durham or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Durham
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

Lewisburg offers a nice historic old town area. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Durham does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Lewisburg?

Durham
Lewisburg

Both Durham and Lewisburg are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lewisburg. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Durham or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Durham
Lewisburg

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Durham or Lewisburg.

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Lewisburg is a family-friendly city. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.

Is Durham or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Durham
Lewisburg

Durham is a popular place for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.


Is Durham or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Durham
Lewisburg

Durham is well known for students. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

It's common for students to visit Lewisburg. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

Is Durham or Lewisburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Durham
Lewisburg

Both Durham and Lewisburg offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Durham or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Durham
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable town. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.


For even more information, also check out Is Durham Worth Visiting? and Is Lewisburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Durham?

How long in Durham or Lewisburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Durham or Lewisburg to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Durham than Lewisburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lewisburg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durham than Lewisburg 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 Durham.


  • How many days in Durham or Lewisburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Durham 1-3 
    Lewisburg 1-2

One day in Durham or Lewisburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Durham. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Durham has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Lewisburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Durham or Lewisburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Durham. 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.

Lewisburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Lewisburg?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the student-filled city of Durham. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lewisburg. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Durham or Lewisburg?

Durham is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Lewisburg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lewisburg or Durham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Durham is $162, while the average daily cost in Lewisburg is $136. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Durham and Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durham $92
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durham $184
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Durham and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Durham or Lewisburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Durham


Hotels in Lewisburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Durham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durham $33
    Lewisburg $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Durham or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg and Durham change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Durham $44
    Lewisburg $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Durham $26
    Lewisburg $18

Tours and Activities in Durham

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Durham are as follows:

  • True Crime Tour: $13
  • Downtown Durham Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • Durham African American History Tour: $16
  • Durham NC: Art Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Durham $34
    Lewisburg $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durham and Lewisburg, we can see that Durham is more expensive. And not only is Lewisburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lewisburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lewisburg 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 Durham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durham than you might in Lewisburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Durham or Lewisburg?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lewisburg. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Lewisburg, 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 Durham or Lewisburg?

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 Durham or Lewisburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Lewisburg. Most visitors come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lewisburg because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Durham is a little warmer than Lewisburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lewisburg this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Lewisburg during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Lewisburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Durham 79°F (26°C) 
    Lewisburg 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Durham or Lewisburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Durham as well as Lewisburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Durham because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year.

In October, Durham is generally a little warmer than Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the autumn, Durham often gets more sunshine than Lewisburg. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 194 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets less rain in October than Lewisburg. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Durham 61°F (16°C) 
    Lewisburg 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Durham or Lewisburg in the Winter?

Both Lewisburg and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lewisburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lewisburg. It's quite cold in Durham in the winter. Durham is much warmer than Lewisburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Durham usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Durham 40°F (5°C) 
    Lewisburg 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Durham or Lewisburg in the Spring?

Both Lewisburg and Durham during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lewisburg in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Durham is a little warmer than Lewisburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Lewisburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the spring, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 237 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lewisburg. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Durham 60°F (16°C) 
    Lewisburg 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Lewisburg and Durham

Durham Lewisburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.5 inches (65 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)