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

Should you visit Savannah or Norfolk?

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

Should I visit Savannah 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a charming, scenic, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Savannah and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Norfolk?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Savannah than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Savannah, Savannah has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Savannah is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is known for its nightlife. Savannah is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. It is also home to Forsyth Park. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Savannah different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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

Savannah 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, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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 Savannah or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk is a popular place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

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

Savannah is a good option for a beach vacation. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or Norfolk Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Norfolk?

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

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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 Savannah or Norfolk Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Norfolk.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Norfolk is a family-friendly city. 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 Savannah or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Savannah is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Savannah frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern 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 Savannah or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

Is Savannah or Norfolk Better for Students?

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

Savannah is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Both Savannah and Norfolk offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

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 Savannah or Norfolk a more walkable city?

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

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place 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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Norfolk?

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

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

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

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

One day in Savannah or Norfolk?

In Savannah, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The city of Norfolk offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Norfolk?

In Savannah, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Savannah has to offer.

Norfolk is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Norfolk?

Savannah is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Savannah. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Savannah. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Norfolk is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Savannah and Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Savannah or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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 Savannah or Norfolk?

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 Savannah or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Norfolk. The summer months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during summer. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Savannah usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Savannah or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Norfolk. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Savannah is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savannah in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the autumn, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets less rain in October than Norfolk. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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, Savannah is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 49°F (9°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during winter. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Savannah usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Savannah or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Savannah during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Savannah in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Savannah is a little warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 66°F (19°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savannah. In the spring, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Norfolk. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Savannah