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

Should you visit Nashville or Norfolk?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Norfolk can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Norfolk

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

Nashville and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Norfolk?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville than Norfolk, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nashville is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Norfolk is known for its shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Nashville different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nashville
Norfolk

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

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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 Nashville or Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Norfolk

Foodies will find both Nashville and Norfolk both to be good destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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.

Is Nashville or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Norfolk

Nashville is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Nashville know how to have a good time. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville or Norfolk Better for Music?

Nashville
Norfolk

Nashville is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Nashville is a world class music destination. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Norfolk

Nashville is a popular place for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Norfolk?

Nashville
Norfolk

Norfolk is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Norfolk Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Norfolk

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Norfolk does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville is a fun destination over Christmas. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Norfolk does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Norfolk Better for Families?

Nashville
Norfolk

Both Nashville and Norfolk are good to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. 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 Nashville or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Nashville
Norfolk

Nashville is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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 Nashville or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Norfolk

Nashville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.


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

Nashville
Norfolk

Norfolk is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Nashville
Norfolk

Norfolk is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Norfolk?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nashville or Norfolk? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Norfolk 1-2

One day in Nashville or Norfolk?

In Nashville, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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


A weekend in Nashville or Norfolk?

In Nashville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nashville has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Norfolk. 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.

Five days in Nashville or Norfolk?

Nashville 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Norfolk. 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.

A week in Nashville or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Norfolk 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Norfolk or Nashville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $172, 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 Nashville and Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Norfolk $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Nashville 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 Nashville


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: Nashville Hotel Prices and Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Norfolk $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128

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 Nashville or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk and Nashville 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
    Nashville $41
    Norfolk $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

For Nashville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Neighborhood Food Tour on E-bikes: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

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: $162
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Norfolk $14

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Music City Self-Guided Walking Tour w/ Audio App: $6.75
  • Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Wander Nashville- Guided Historic Walking Tour: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Downtown Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $13
  • Belmont Mansion All Day Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18
  • Explore Haunted Downtown Walking Tour in Nashville : $20
  • Nashville Unveiled: History, Highlights, and Hacks Walking Tour: $24
  • Cruising Nashville Narrated Sightseeing Tour by Open-Air Vehicle: $24

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

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

  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $95
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $95
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Norfolk $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville's Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl: $31
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Lost Spirits: Murder True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Norfolk?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville or Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Nashville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Norfolk in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Nashville is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 81°F (27°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 Nashville. In the summer, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Nashville gets 276 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. Nashville usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nashville or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Norfolk. Many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Norfolk for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Nashville is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nashville in October average around 62°F (17°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. In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nashville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during autumn. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nashville usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Nashville or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Norfolk can be very cold. Nashville can be very cold during winter. In January, Nashville is generally cooler than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 38°F (4°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Norfolk. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city.

Nashville is a little warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Nashville

Nashville Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)