A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Washington vs. Toronto for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Washington or Toronto?

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 Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Washington travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Washington and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Toronto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Washington than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Washington is more popular for its theatre productions, food, music, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Toronto is known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Washington 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. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is Washington different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Washington or Toronto.

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is Washington or Toronto Better for Theater?

Washington is a very popular place for theatre. However, Toronto is not a theatre destination.

Washington attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. 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.

Toronto is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Washington have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Washington or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

People head to Toronto just to party. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Washington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Washington or Toronto Better for Music?

Washington is a city with good options for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Washington is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Washington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Washington or Toronto More Beautiful?

Washington is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Washington or Toronto Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Toronto.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Washington or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Washington and Toronto are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Washington or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Toronto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Washington or Toronto Better for Students?

For students, both Washington and Toronto are amazing places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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

Washington and Toronto both offer amazing public transit to get you around.

With a huge network, the transit system in Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Visitors in Toronto can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Is Washington or Toronto a more walkable city?

Washington is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Washington. 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.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Washington?

How long in Washington or Toronto?

Both Washington and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Washington has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Washington than Toronto. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Washington than Toronto. 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 Toronto. 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 Toronto than Washington 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 Toronto.

One day in Washington or Toronto?

Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Toronto, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Toronto?

Because Washington 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the big city destination of Toronto, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Washington or Toronto?

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Washington or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Washington or Toronto in the Summer?

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

Washington is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Toronto. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Washington or Toronto in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Washington is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Washington often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Toronto in the Winter?

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

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Washington can be very cold during winter. In January, Washington is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Washington usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Toronto. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Washington or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Washington is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Washington