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

Should you visit Greensboro or Norfolk?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Greensboro and Norfolk. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a under-rated, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Greensboro and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Norfolk. Although Greensboro and Norfolk are about the same size, Norfolk has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Norfolk is more touristy than Greensboro and is known for its naval base and military presence. It is also well known for the Battleship Wisconsin. Greensboro is famous for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Greensboro
Norfolk

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Greensboro and Norfolk.

Greensboro offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Norfolk. 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 Greensboro or Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greensboro
Norfolk

Norfolk is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Norfolk. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Is Greensboro or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Norfolk

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Greensboro and Norfolk.

Greensboro has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. 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 Greensboro or Norfolk?

Greensboro
Norfolk

Shopping is a popular activity in both Norfolk and Greensboro.

Greensboro offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Norfolk has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.


Is Greensboro or Norfolk Better for Families?

Greensboro
Norfolk

Both Greensboro and Norfolk are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Greensboro. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

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 Greensboro or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Norfolk

Most people don't think of either Greensboro or Norfolk as a couple's destination.

Most people don't think of Greensboro as a couple's destination. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Norfolk is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Greensboro or Norfolk Better for Students?

Greensboro
Norfolk

Greensboro is a popular place for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Greensboro is popular with students. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Norfolk is not popular with students.


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

Greensboro
Norfolk

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Greensboro and Norfolk.

Public transit is generally limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Public transit is mostly 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 Greensboro or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Norfolk

Norfolk is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Greensboro or Norfolk to fill your time. In our opinion, Norfolk has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Norfolk than Greensboro. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Norfolk than Greensboro. 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 Greensboro 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.


  • How many days in Greensboro or Norfolk? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Norfolk 1-2

One day in Greensboro or Norfolk?

In Greensboro, 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.

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


A weekend in Greensboro or Norfolk?

In Greensboro, 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 Greensboro has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Norfolk, 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.

Five days in Greensboro or Norfolk?

Greensboro 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, 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.

A week in Greensboro or Norfolk?

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

Norfolk 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Norfolk or Greensboro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $162, while the average daily cost in Norfolk is $166. 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 Greensboro and Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Norfolk $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Norfolk? 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 Greensboro


Hotels in Norfolk


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: Greensboro Hotel Prices and Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Norfolk $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk and Greensboro 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
    Greensboro $48
    Norfolk $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.

  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Norfolk $14

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

Here are a few actual costs in Greensboro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • True Crime Tour: $16
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • African American History Walking Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $84
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $84
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104
  • Mother's Day Signature Brunch Cruise Norfolk: $124

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Norfolk $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Downtown Norfolk: $30


When comparing the travel costs between Greensboro 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 Greensboro Expensive? and Is Norfolk Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Greensboro. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro 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 Greensboro or Norfolk?

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 Greensboro or Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 81°F (27°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during summer. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. It's quite rainy in Greensboro. In July, Greensboro usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Greensboro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Greensboro is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the autumn. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the autumn, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Norfolk. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Norfolk. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Norfolk can be very cold during winter. Greensboro can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Greensboro is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the winter temperatures in Greensboro in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Norfolk averages at about 39°F (4°C).

Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during winter. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Norfolk.

In April, Greensboro is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 61°F (16°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In the spring, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets more rain in April than Norfolk. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Greensboro

Greensboro Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)