A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Williamsburg or New York City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and New York City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Williamsburg and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or New York City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New York City than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New York City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Williamsburg is more popular for its historical sights. New York City is more touristy than Williamsburg and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Williamsburg different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Williamsburg or New York City?

New York City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put New York City on the map. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Williamsburg is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Williamsburg is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Williamsburg or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

People head to New York City just to party. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

In New York City you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, New York City does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Williamsburg can be explored in its historical center. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or New York City?

New York City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Williamsburg does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Williamsburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Williamsburg does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Williamsburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Families?

Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

New York City is a very kid-friendly town. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Williamsburg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

New York City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Students?

Williamsburg and New York City are terrific places to visit for students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Is Williamsburg or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in New York City can get you around easily. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Williamsburg or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or New York City?

Both Williamsburg and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Williamsburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Williamsburg 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 New York City.

One day in Williamsburg or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quaint destination of Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Williamsburg or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Williamsburg or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Williamsburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Williamsburg or New York City?

You'll find museums and food around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 700 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg and New York City, 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 Williamsburg or New York City?

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 Williamsburg or New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as New York City. The summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In the summer, Williamsburg is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°F (26°C), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as New York City. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 61°F (16°C), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In October, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than New York City. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Williamsburg or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Williamsburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. Williamsburg is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as New York City. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and New York City. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Williamsburg is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°C), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In April, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than New York City. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Williamsburg