A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Charlottesville for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Charlottesville?

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 Baltimore and Charlottesville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Baltimore travel costs.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a proud, traditional, and young university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Baltimore and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Charlottesville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Charlottesville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Baltimore is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Charlottesville is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Baltimore is more touristy than Charlottesville and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Charlottesville is well known for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Baltimore different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Charlottesville?

Baltimore is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Charlottesville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Baltimore has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is very good for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Charlottesville to see the old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Charlottesville. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Charlottesville?

Baltimore is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Baltimore is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville More Beautiful?

Charlottesville is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Baltimore is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Charlottesville are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Charlottesville is a good city for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is a world-class destination for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Baltimore or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Charlottesville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Charlottesville. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Charlottesville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Charlottesville 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 Baltimore.

One day in Baltimore or Charlottesville?

The historic destination of Baltimore offers nightlife and food. 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.

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Baltimore or Charlottesville?

The city of Baltimore offers food and shopping. 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.

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Charlottesville?

Baltimore is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. 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.

Charlottesville is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Charlottesville?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Charlottesville, 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 Baltimore or Charlottesville?

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 Baltimore or Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Charlottesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Charlottesville. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets less rain in July than Charlottesville. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Charlottesville. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Charlottesville. The winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Charlottesville in the winter. The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. In January, Baltimore is generally much colder than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Charlottesville. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Charlottesville. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Charlottesville in the Spring?

Both Charlottesville and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Baltimore is cooler than Charlottesville in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlottesville. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Baltimore