A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roanoke vs. Lewisburg for Couples, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Roanoke or Lewisburg?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Lewisburg? 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a historical, quaint, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping and museums.

Roanoke and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Roanoke or Lewisburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Roanoke than Lewisburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Roanoke is better known for its nightlife and hiking, while Lewisburg is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Roanoke is more touristy than Lewisburg and is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, Roanoke is famous for the Roanoke Star. Lewisburg is well known for its historical charm and friendly personality.

How is Roanoke different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roanoke or Lewisburg?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Lewisburg and Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Lewisburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.


Is the Food Better in Roanoke or Lewisburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Roanoke and Lewisburg.

Roanoke may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Lewisburg offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Roanoke or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Roanoke is a popular place for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Roanoke has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Roanoke or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Lewisburg has an old town worth visiting. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.


Is Roanoke or Lewisburg Better for Hiking?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Roanoke is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lewisburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Lewisburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Lewisburg?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

If you're looking to go shopping, Roanoke and Lewisburg both offer plenty of notable spots.

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Lewisburg is a great destination for shopping. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Roanoke or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Roanoke or Lewisburg.

Roanoke offers lots of family activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Lewisburg is a family-friendly place to visit. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.


Is Roanoke or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Roanoke is well known for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.

Is Roanoke or Lewisburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Roanoke is a popular place for backpackers. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Lewisburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the radar for most backpackers.

Is Roanoke or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Lewisburg. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

Roanoke is not popular with students.


Is Roanoke or Lewisburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Roanoke and Lewisburg both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Public transit is generally limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Roanoke or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Roanoke
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable town. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

For even more information, also check out Is Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Lewisburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Lewisburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Roanoke or Lewisburg to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Roanoke than Lewisburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lewisburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roanoke than Lewisburg 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 Roanoke.


  • How many days in Roanoke or Lewisburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Roanoke 1-3 
    Lewisburg 1-2

One day in Roanoke or Lewisburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Lewisburg, you'll find shopping and museums. This town 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 Roanoke or Lewisburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Lewisburg, you'll find museums 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 Lewisburg has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Lewisburg?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Roanoke. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lewisburg 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 Roanoke or Lewisburg?

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Lewisburg. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Lewisburg. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lewisburg or Roanoke?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Roanoke is $164, while the average daily cost in Lewisburg is $136. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Roanoke and Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Roanoke $96
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Roanoke $192
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Roanoke and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Roanoke or Lewisburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Roanoke


Hotels in Lewisburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Roanoke Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Roanoke $23
    Lewisburg $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Roanoke or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg and Roanoke change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Roanoke $48
    Lewisburg $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roanoke

For Roanoke, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Roanoke $35
    Lewisburg $18

Tours and Activities in Roanoke

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.

  • Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia) Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – Driving Audio Tour (Roanoke ↔ Afton): $12
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Roanoke to Afton) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Roanoke Downtown Food and Cultural Tour: $78
  • Roanoke Holiday Season E-Bike Tour: $92
  • 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $109
  • Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Roanoke $30
    Lewisburg $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roanoke and Lewisburg, we can see that Roanoke is more expensive. And not only is Lewisburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lewisburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lewisburg 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 Roanoke would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Roanoke than you might in Lewisburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Roanoke Expensive? and Is Lewisburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Lewisburg?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lewisburg. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke and Lewisburg, 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 Roanoke or Lewisburg?

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 Roanoke or Lewisburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Lewisburg. The summer months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year.

In the summer, Roanoke is a little warmer than Lewisburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lewisburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the summer, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Lewisburg. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 310 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lewisburg. Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. Roanoke usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lewisburg. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Roanoke 79°F (26°C) 
    Lewisburg 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Lewisburg in the Autumn?

Both Lewisburg and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lewisburg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Roanoke is generally a little warmer than Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Lewisburg during autumn. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Roanoke 60°F (16°C) 
    Lewisburg 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Lewisburg in the Winter?

Both Lewisburg and Roanoke during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lewisburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lewisburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Roanoke. Roanoke is much warmer than Lewisburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°C) in January, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In the winter, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Lewisburg. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 153 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in January than Lewisburg. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Roanoke 38°F (3°C) 
    Lewisburg 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Lewisburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Lewisburg. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lewisburg for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Roanoke is a little warmer than Lewisburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lewisburg this time of the year. In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg during spring. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lewisburg. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Roanoke 59°F (15°C) 
    Lewisburg 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Lewisburg and Roanoke

Roanoke Lewisburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (3°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.5 inches (65 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 51°F (11°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Dec 42°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)