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

Should you visit Durham or Newport?

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 Durham and Newport can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Durham travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Newport travel costs.

Durham and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Newport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Durham and Newport are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or Newport?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Durham or Newport.

Many visitors head to Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Newport can be an interesting and educational experience. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Is the Food Better in Durham or Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Newport is an experience not to be missed. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Durham or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Both Durham and Newport are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Durham or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Newport is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Newport?

Newport is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Durham or Newport More Beautiful?

Newport is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Newport Better for Families?

Newport is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Newport is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Durham is a family-friendly city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Durham or Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Durham or Newport Better for Students?

Durham is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Newport is not popular with students.

Durham is very popular with students. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Newport is not popular with students.

Is Durham or Newport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newport is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Durham or Newport a more walkable city?

Newport is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Durham Worth Visiting? and Is Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Durham?

How long in Durham or Newport?

In either Durham or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Durham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newport than Durham 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 Newport.

One day in Durham or Newport?

In Durham, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newport. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Newport?

In Durham, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Durham has to offer.

Newport is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Newport?

Durham 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newport. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Newport?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the seaside destination of Newport. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Durham and Newport, we can see that Durham is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Newport?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Newport, 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 Durham or Newport?

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 Durham or Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Durham during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

Durham is a little warmer than Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the summer, Durham often gets less sunshine than Newport. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Newport. The shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Durham is a little warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during autumn. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Durham usually receives less rain than Newport. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Durham as well as Newport. Many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Newport can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. In January, Durham is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets less rain in January than Newport. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Durham is much warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Newport during spring. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Durham usually receives less rain than Newport. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newport and Durham