A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. New Bern for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Washington or New Bern?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and New Bern can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Washington and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington. Although Washington and New Bern are both popular with visitors, Washington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Washington is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while New Bern is known for its small town charm. Washington is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Washington different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Washington or New Bern?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Washington that are not to be missed. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Theater?

Washington is well known for theatre. However, New Bern is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Washington. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

New Bern is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Washington or New Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Washington is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Washington is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Washington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Music?

Washington is a popular place for live music. However, New Bern is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Washington is active and vibrant. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

New Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Hiking?

Washington is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Washington has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or New Bern?

Washington is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Washington is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Christmas?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, New Bern does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Washington is not to be missed. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

New Bern does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Families?

Washington is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Washington is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Couples?

Washington is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Students?

Washington is an unbeatable place for students. However, New Bern is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

New Bern is not popular with students.

Is Washington or New Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Washington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Washington or New Bern a more walkable city?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Washington on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is New Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Washington?

How long in Washington or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Washington or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Washington than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than New Bern 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 Washington.

One day in Washington or New Bern?

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Washington or New Bern?

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Even though New Bern is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Washington or New Bern?

Washington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

New Bern, a popular town, 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.

A week in Washington or New Bern?

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

New Bern 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or New Bern?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of Washington and New Bern, 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 Washington or New Bern?

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 Washington or New Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as New Bern. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Washington is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. Washington usually gets less rain in July than New Bern. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or New Bern in the Autumn?

Both New Bern and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

In the autumn, Washington is cooler than New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In October, Washington usually receives less rain than New Bern. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Washington or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In January, Washington is generally much colder than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Washington usually gets less rain in January than New Bern. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or New Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and New Bern. Many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to New Bern in the spring for the small town charm.

Washington is cooler than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In April, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Bern. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Washington