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

Should you visit Durham or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Durham travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Durham and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Durham and Williamsburg are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its nightlife. Williamsburg is more touristy than Durham and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg?

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

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 Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

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

Durham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

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 Durham or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

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

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg 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 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.

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 Williamsburg More Beautiful?

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

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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 Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Durham is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Both Durham and Williamsburg offer reasonable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly 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 Durham or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Durham and Williamsburg both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

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 Durham Worth Visiting? and Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Durham?

How long in Durham or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Durham or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

Families should spend more time in Williamsburg than Durham. 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 Durham. 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 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 Williamsburg.

One day in Durham or Williamsburg?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

Durham 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 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 Williamsburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Durham. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Williamsburg?

Durham 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Williamsburg. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durham and Williamsburg, we can see that Durham 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 Durham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durham 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 Durham Expensive? and Is Williamsburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Williamsburg?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Durham or Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Williamsburg. Many visitors come to Durham in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Durham is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Durham or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Durham as well as Williamsburg. Most visitors come to Durham for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the autumn, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Williamsburg. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Durham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Williamsburg in the winter. The weather in Durham can be very cold. In January, Durham is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Durham usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Durham or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Durham during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty.

Durham is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the spring, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Williamsburg. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Durham