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

Should you visit Norfolk or Providence?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Providence? 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.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Norfolk and Providence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Providence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Providence than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Providence, Providence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. Also, Providence is famous for WaterFire.

How is Norfolk different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Norfolk and Providence 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.

Providence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

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

Providence is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Providence makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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 Providence Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Norfolk or Providence has a better nightlife scene.

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Providence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Providence 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 Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Norfolk or Providence Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Providence.

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.

Providence offers lots of family activities. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Norfolk or Providence Better for Couples?

Providence is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

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 Providence Better for Students?

Providence is a great destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Providence is a popular place for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel 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 Providence a more walkable city?

Providence is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Providence is very walkable. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Providence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Providence or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Providence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the blue collar city of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, one day is sufficent for most.

In Providence, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Providence, 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 Providence has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Providence?

Norfolk, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Providence 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 Providence?

Norfolk is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. 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 Providence, we can see that Providence 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 Providence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Providence 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 Providence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Providence?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Providence, 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 Providence?

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 Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the summer, Norfolk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Providence. The autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Norfolk is a little warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Providence. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Norfolk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Providence. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Providence. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Providence and Norfolk