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

Should you visit Norfolk or New York City?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or New York City? 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Norfolk and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or New York City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Norfolk, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 Norfolk or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Norfolk is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Norfolk is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Norfolk or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Norfolk or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Norfolk does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Norfolk does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Norfolk or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Norfolk does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Norfolk does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Norfolk or New York City Better for Families?

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

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is a must-visit destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City Better for Students?

New York City is a must-visit destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

New York City is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Norfolk or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or New York City?

Both Norfolk and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Norfolk or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the maritime destination of Norfolk. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Norfolk or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Norfolk. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Norfolk. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Norfolk and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as New York City. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Norfolk is around the same temperature as New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than New York City. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In the autumn, Norfolk is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Norfolk in October average around 62°F (16°C), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

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

Should I visit Norfolk or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Norfolk during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In January, Norfolk is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 39°F (4°C), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Norfolk usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as New York City. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and New York City. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Norfolk is a little warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Norfolk usually receives less rain than New York City. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Norfolk