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

Should you visit Norfolk or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Lancaster? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Lancaster?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lancaster than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Lancaster, Lancaster has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lancaster is better known for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its nightlife. Lancaster is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its history and long running Amish community. Also, Lancaster is famous for Bird-in-Hand Village. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Norfolk or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Norfolk and Lancaster 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.

Lancaster has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Norfolk or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Lancaster?

Lancaster is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Norfolk or Lancaster Better for Families?

Lancaster is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. 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 Norfolk or Lancaster Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Lancaster frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Norfolk or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Norfolk is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

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

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Lancaster?

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Norfolk or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the maritime 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.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Lancaster. 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 Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Lancaster?

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

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the summer, Norfolk often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Lancaster. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Norfolk is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Lancaster in the Winter?

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

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. Norfolk can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during spring. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Norfolk