A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. Seattle for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Seattle? 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle. Although Wisconsin Dells and Seattle are both popular with visitors, Seattle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Seattle and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

Seattle is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Wisconsin Dells is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seattle is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Wisconsin Dells or Seattle has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Wisconsin Dells know how to have a good time. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

The nightlife in Seattle has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a popular place for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

Seattle is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Seattle offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Seattle make for a good place to visit.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Seattle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is a great destination for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Seattle is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seattle is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wisconsin Dells and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than in Seattle. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Wisconsin Dells 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 Seattle.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wisconsin Dells has to offer.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. 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.

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Seattle, 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 Wisconsin Dells or Seattle?

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 Wisconsin Dells or Seattle in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Wisconsin Dells is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wisconsin Dells usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Seattle. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Seattle in the Autumn?

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

In October, Wisconsin Dells is generally cooler than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 52°F (11°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Seattle in the Winter?

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

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 19°F (-7°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Seattle. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the spring, Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. In the spring, Wisconsin Dells often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Seattle. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Wisconsin Dells