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

Should you visit Orlando or Norfolk?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Norfolk? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for shopping, theater, and nightlife.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Orlando and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Norfolk are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Norfolk is known for its museums. Orlando is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Orlando different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Norfolk and Orlando. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Norfolk?

Norfolk is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Norfolk Better for Theater?

Orlando 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 Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Norfolk is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Orlando and Norfolk.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Norfolk. 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 Orlando or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Norfolk?

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

Orlando is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Norfolk Better for Christmas?

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

Orlando is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Norfolk does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Norfolk Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Norfolk Better for Couples?

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

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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 Orlando or Norfolk Better for Students?

Orlando is a popular place for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Orlando is popular with students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Orlando and Norfolk both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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.

Is Orlando or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Norfolk is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orlando or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Norfolk than Orlando because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

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

One day in Orlando or Norfolk?

In Orlando, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Orlando or Norfolk?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Orlando. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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.

Five days in Orlando or Norfolk?

Orlando is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

A week in Orlando or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Norfolk, 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 Orlando or Norfolk?

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 Orlando or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Norfolk. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

Orlando is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Norfolk. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Orlando is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Orlando during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Orlando is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Norfolk. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Norfolk.

Orlando is much warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Orlando