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

Should you visit Norfolk or Bangor?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Bangor? 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 authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Norfolk than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Norfolk is better known for its nightlife, while Bangor is more popular for its small town charm. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence. Also, Norfolk is famous for the Battleship Wisconsin. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Norfolk different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bangor 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 Bangor?

Both Norfolk and Bangor have notable 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.

Bangor offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

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

Both Norfolk and Bangor offer a number of notable 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.

Bangor has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Norfolk or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

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 Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Bangor?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bangor 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 Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Norfolk or Bangor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Bangor.

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.

Bangor offers lots of family activities. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Is Norfolk or Bangor Better for Couples?

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

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

Most people don't think of Bangor as a couple's destination. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

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

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

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 mostly limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Is Norfolk or Bangor a more walkable city?

Norfolk and Bangor both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Bangor is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Bangor?

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Norfolk. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bangor, you'll find museums and food. This town 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 Bangor?

Norfolk is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Bangor, you'll find food 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 Bangor has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bangor 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.

A week in Norfolk or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Norfolk. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Bangor. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Norfolk and Bangor, we can see that Bangor is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Bangor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangor than you might in Norfolk.

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Bangor?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Bangor, 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 Bangor?

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 Bangor in the Summer?

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

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Bangor. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Bangor. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bangor because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Norfolk is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Norfolk usually gets less rain in October than Bangor. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor 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 Bangor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bangor in the winter. The weather in Norfolk can be very cold. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Bangor. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm.

In April, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Norfolk usually gets less rain in April than Bangor. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Norfolk