A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Flagstaff for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alexandria or Flagstaff?

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 Alexandria and Flagstaff. 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.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alexandria travel costs.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a adventurous , picturesque, and active city. Flagstaff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Flagstaff travel costs.

Alexandria and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Flagstaff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Flagstaff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Alexandria is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Flagstaff attracts visitors for its hiking. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Flagstaff is famous for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66.

How is Alexandria different from Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Flagstaff?

Alexandria is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alexandria. 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.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.

Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Flagstaff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Flagstaff can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Flagstaff makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Is Alexandria or Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Alexandria and Flagstaff.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Flagstaff. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Alexandria or Flagstaff Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Flagstaff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Alexandria can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Flagstaff does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Flagstaff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Flagstaff?

Alexandria is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Alexandria or Flagstaff More Beautiful?

Alexandria is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Flagstaff is a gorgeous place to visit. While the city itself isn't exactly beautiful, the surrounding landscapes are surreal and truly unique.

Is Alexandria or Flagstaff Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Flagstaff. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

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 Alexandria or Flagstaff Better for Couples?

Alexandria is well known for couples. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Alexandria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

Is Alexandria or Flagstaff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flagstaff is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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

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

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Alexandria or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Flagstaff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flagstaff or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Alexandria or Flagstaff. In our opinion, Alexandria has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Alexandria than Flagstaff. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Alexandria or Flagstaff?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the picturesque city of Flagstaff, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Alexandria or Flagstaff?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Flagstaff, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Alexandria or Flagstaff?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Alexandria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flagstaff, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Alexandria or Flagstaff?

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Flagstaff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 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 Alexandria and Flagstaff, we can see that Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Flagstaff 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 Alexandria Expensive? and Is Flagstaff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Flagstaff?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Flagstaff, 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.