A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Alexandria for Old Town, Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Alexandria? 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Alexandria than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Alexandria is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.


Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Alexandria.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Alexandria. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Evening events are nice in both Winston-Salem and Alexandria.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town charm. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Winston-Salem is a good destination for visiting its old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Alexandria is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Winston-Salem offers lots of family activities. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Alexandria is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.


Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Alexandria is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Alexandria is renowned for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.


Is Winston-Salem or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Alexandria

Alexandria is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Winston-Salem. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alexandria that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Winston-Salem 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Winston-Salem, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Winston-Salem, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Alexandria. 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.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Winston-Salem, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. 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.


Five days in Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

Winston-Salem, a popular city, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Alexandria. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

Winston-Salem 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Alexandria. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Winston-Salem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. 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 Winston-Salem and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Alexandria? 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 Winston-Salem


Hotels in Alexandria


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: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Alexandria -

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $42
    Alexandria -

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • A Walk in Washington's Footsteps History Tour: $32
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Alexandria, 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 Winston-Salem or Alexandria?

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 Winston-Salem or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Alexandria. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Alexandria averages at about 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. It's quite cold in Winston-Salem in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Alexandria. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)