A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Richmond for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit New Bern or Richmond?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Richmond? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

New Bern

New Bern is a charming, laid back, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

New Bern and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Richmond?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Richmond than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Richmond is better known for its museums and nightlife, while New Bern is more popular for its small town charm. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi. Richmond is well known for its cultural and historical sights. Also, Richmond is famous for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

How is New Bern different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Richmond?

Richmond is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Is the Food Better in New Bern or Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both New Bern and Richmond can be an enjoyable experience.

New Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Richmond has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is New Bern or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Richmond is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Richmond has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Richmond?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Richmond and New Bern.

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is New Bern or Richmond Better for Families?

Richmond is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Richmond. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Richmond Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both New Bern and Richmond make for a notable place to visit.

New Bern is a nice destination for couples. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Richmond makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is New Bern or Richmond Better for Students?

Richmond is a popular place for students. However, New Bern is not popular with students.

Richmond is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

New Bern is not popular with students.

Is New Bern or Richmond Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Richmond is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Richmond a more walkable city?

New Bern and Richmond both are notable when exploring on foot.

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

For even more information, also check out Is New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Richmond Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Richmond or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Richmond?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Richmond than New Bern 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 Richmond.

One day in New Bern or Richmond?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Richmond offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in New Bern or Richmond?

New Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Richmond is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Richmond, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Richmond?

New Bern is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Richmond is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or Richmond?

New Bern is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Richmond is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Richmond, we can see that Richmond 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 New Bern Expensive? and Is Richmond Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Richmond?

Richmond has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern and Richmond, 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 New Bern or Richmond?

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 New Bern or Richmond in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Richmond. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Bern is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 80°F (27°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Richmond. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Bern or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Richmond. Many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene.

New Bern is a little warmer than Richmond in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

New Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Richmond. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Richmond can be very cold during winter. In the winter, New Bern is much warmer than Richmond. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Bern in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Richmond averages at about 36°F (2°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than Richmond. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Bern or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and New Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months.

In April, New Bern is generally a little warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 62°F (16°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

New Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Richmond. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Richmond and New Bern