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

Should you visit Houston or Williamsburg?

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 Houston and Williamsburg. 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.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping. See Houston travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a quaint, well-preserved, and historic town. Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Houston and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Williamsburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Williamsburg are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Williamsburg is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Houston and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Houston different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Houston or Williamsburg?

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Houston and Williamsburg.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Is the Food Better in Houston or Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Houston and Williamsburg both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Williamsburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Houston or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Houston know how to have a good time. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Houston or Williamsburg Better for Music?

Houston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Houston or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Houston or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Houston or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Houston or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Is Houston or Williamsburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Williamsburg.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Houston or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Houston and Williamsburg both are decent when exploring on foot.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Houston Worth Visiting? and Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Houston?

How long in Houston or Williamsburg?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Williamsburg than Houston 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 Williamsburg.

One day in Houston or Williamsburg?

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Williamsburg, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Houston or Williamsburg?

Houston is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Williamsburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Williamsburg has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Williamsburg?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Houston or Williamsburg?

Houston is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Williamsburg?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Williamsburg, 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 Houston or Williamsburg?

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 Houston or Williamsburg in the Summer?

Both Williamsburg and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In the summer, Houston is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. It's quite rainy in Houston. In July, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Houston during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Houston is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Williamsburg. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Williamsburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. Houston is much warmer than Williamsburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In January, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Houston as well as Williamsburg. Many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Houston usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Williamsburg. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Houston