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

Should you visit Memphis or Williamsburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Williamsburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, museums, and nightlife. See Memphis travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Memphis and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Williamsburg are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Williamsburg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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

Foodies will find both Memphis and Williamsburg both to be great destinations.

Memphis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Williamsburg makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Memphis or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Memphis know how to have a good time. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Williamsburg Better for Music?

Memphis is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is a great town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Williamsburg is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Memphis or Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Memphis or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. 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.

Memphis is a good city to visit for students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

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

Memphis and Williamsburg both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

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

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need 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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Williamsburg?

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

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

One day in Memphis or Williamsburg?

In Memphis, many people enjoy the live music and food that this creative city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Williamsburg, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Williamsburg?

Memphis 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. Lots of people come for the live music. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Williamsburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Williamsburg has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Williamsburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Memphis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Memphis or Williamsburg?

Memphis 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Williamsburg?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Memphis is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the summer, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Memphis usually gets less rain in July than Williamsburg. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Memphis is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during autumn. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Memphis usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Memphis or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Memphis during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in January than Williamsburg. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Williamsburg. The spring months attract visitors to Memphis because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Memphis is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during spring. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Memphis usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Memphis