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

Should you visit Columbus or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Williamsburg? 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Columbus and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is more popular for its nightlife. Williamsburg is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbus or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Is the Food Better in Columbus or Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Columbus or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Columbus does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Columbus or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Columbus or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Columbus is not popular with students.

Is Columbus or Williamsburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Columbus and Williamsburg.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Columbus or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Columbus is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Williamsburg?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Williamsburg than Columbus 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 Williamsburg.

One day in Columbus or Williamsburg?

In Columbus, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The town of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Williamsburg?

Columbus is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Williamsburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Williamsburg?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming destination of Columbus. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Williamsburg is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Williamsburg?

Columbus is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Williamsburg?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Williamsburg, 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 Columbus or Williamsburg?

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 Columbus or Williamsburg in the Summer?

Both Williamsburg and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbus. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Williamsburg. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Williamsburg. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Williamsburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Columbus is cooler than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Williamsburg during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Williamsburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Williamsburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Williamsburg. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Williamsburg. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Columbus is generally cooler than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Williamsburg during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Columbus