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

Should you visit Norfolk or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Detroit? 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 maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Detroit?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit than Norfolk. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Norfolk different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Norfolk and Detroit have nice 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.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Both Norfolk and Detroit offer a number of nice 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.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Norfolk or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Detroit know how to have a good time. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Norfolk or Detroit Better for Music?

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

Detroit is a world class music destination. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Detroit?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Detroit 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 Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Norfolk or Detroit Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Detroit.

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.

Detroit offers lots of family activities. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Norfolk or Detroit Better for Couples?

Most people don't think of either Norfolk or Detroit 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 Detroit as a couple's destination. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Norfolk or Detroit 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 Detroit.

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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Norfolk or Detroit a more walkable city?

Norfolk and Detroit both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Detroit?

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Detroit?

In Norfolk, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Detroit, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Detroit?

In Norfolk, 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 Norfolk has to offer.

In Detroit, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Detroit has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Detroit?

Norfolk 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.

Detroit 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Detroit. 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.

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 Detroit, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Norfolk would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Norfolk than you might in Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Norfolk or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Detroit. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Norfolk is around the same temperature as Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Norfolk in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In the summer, Norfolk often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 62°F (16°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Detroit. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Norfolk during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Detroit can be very cold. Norfolk can be very cold during winter. Norfolk is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Detroit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In the spring, Norfolk is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Norfolk in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Detroit. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Norfolk