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

Should you visit Boone or Alexandria?

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 Boone and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a picturesque, charming, and relaxing town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Boone travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Alexandria travel costs.

Boone and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
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
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Boone or Alexandria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boone. Although Boone and Alexandria are popular destinations, Boone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boone is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Alexandria attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Boone is famous for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also well known for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Boone different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Alexandria Better for Skiing?

Boone
Alexandria

Boone is great for skiing. However, Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Alexandria is not a skiing destination.


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

Boone
Alexandria

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

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

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

Boone
Alexandria

Alexandria is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Boone or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Alexandria

Boone is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Boone for the nightlife scene. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.


Is Boone or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Boone
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Boone does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Boone does not have a historic old town.

Is Boone or Alexandria Better for Hiking?

Boone
Alexandria

Boone is great for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boone for the hiking trails. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Alexandria?

Boone
Alexandria

If you're looking to go shopping, Boone and Alexandria both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.


Is Boone or Alexandria More Beautiful?

Boone
Alexandria

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Boone and Alexandria.

With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Is Boone or Alexandria Better for Families?

Boone
Alexandria

Boone 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 Boone. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

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 Boone or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Boone
Alexandria

Both Boone and Alexandria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Boone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

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.


Is Boone or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Alexandria

For backpackers, both Boone and Alexandria are nice places to visit.

Boone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Is Boone or Alexandria Better for Students?

Boone
Alexandria

Boone is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

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

Boone
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.


Is Boone or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Boone
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Boone?

How long in Boone or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Boone or Alexandria. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Boone. 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 Boone 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 Boone or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Boone or Alexandria?

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

In Alexandria, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety 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.

A weekend in Boone or Alexandria?

Even though Boone is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Boone or Alexandria?

Boone, a popular town, 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.

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Boone or Alexandria?

Boone 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 quaint destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Boone?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Boone Prices
    USA Prices
    Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boone $211
    Alexandria $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $211, 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 Boone and Alexandria in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Boone 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 Boone


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: Boone Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Alexandria -

Is it cheaper to fly into Boone or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Boone 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
    Boone $91
    Alexandria -
Typical Food Prices in Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $39
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Phantoms of the Potomac: Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: $27
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour Old Town Alexandria & Carlyle: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria Ghosts: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boone and Alexandria, we can see that Boone 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 Boone would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boone 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 Boone Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boone or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Boone 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.