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

Should you visit Norfolk or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Seattle? 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife.

Norfolk and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Seattle?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seattle than Norfolk. Seattle is bigger than Norfolk, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seattle is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

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 Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for theatre. However, Norfolk is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Norfolk is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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, Seattle makes for a great culinary experience. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Seattle know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is Norfolk or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a popular place for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Norfolk or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Seattle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Seattle 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Norfolk or Seattle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Seattle.

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.

Seattle offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Norfolk or Seattle Better for Couples?

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

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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 Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

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 Seattle Better for Students?

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

Seattle is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Seattle?

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

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Seattle?

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.

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Seattle?

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.

Because Seattle 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. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seattle has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Seattle. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Seattle. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Seattle. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Norfolk is a little warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In the autumn, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Seattle. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Norfolk can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Norfolk is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Seattle. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In April, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the spring, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Norfolk