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

Should you visit Norfolk or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Anchorage? 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Norfolk and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Anchorage. Although Norfolk and Anchorage are about the same size, Anchorage has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is known for its nightlife. Anchorage is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. It is also home to Chugach State Park. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Norfolk and Anchorage have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Norfolk or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Norfolk and Anchorage offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Norfolk or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Norfolk. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Norfolk or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Anchorage?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Anchorage and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Norfolk or Anchorage Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Anchorage.

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.

Anchorage offers lots of family activities. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Norfolk or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Norfolk or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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

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

Norfolk is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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 quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Norfolk or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Norfolk is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Norfolk and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Anchorage than in Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Anchorage 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 Anchorage.

One day in Norfolk or Anchorage?

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.

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Norfolk or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the maritime 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.

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Anchorage?

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.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Norfolk or Anchorage?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Anchorage, 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 Norfolk or Anchorage?

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 Norfolk or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Anchorage. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Norfolk is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Anchorage. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the autumn, Norfolk is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Norfolk in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In the autumn, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. The weather in Norfolk can be very cold. In January, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 39°F (4°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Norfolk is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the spring, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Norfolk