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

Should you visit Norfolk or Boulder?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Boulder? 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Norfolk travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Boulder travel costs.

Norfolk and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Boulder?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boulder than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Boulder, Boulder has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boulder is very popular for its skiing, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Boulder is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also well known for The Flatirons. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Norfolk is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Norfolk is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Norfolk or Boulder?

Norfolk is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Is the Food Better in Norfolk or Boulder? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Norfolk and Boulder offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Norfolk or Boulder has a better nightlife scene.

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

If you're looking for night time activities Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a popular place for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boulder is active and vibrant. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Boulder?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Boulder and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boulder. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Norfolk or Boulder More Beautiful?

Boulder is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Boulder.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Boulder offers lots of family activities. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Couples?

Boulder is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Boulder is a nice destination for couples. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a great destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Boulder is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

Is Norfolk or Boulder Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Boulder.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Norfolk or Boulder a more walkable city?

Norfolk and Boulder both are nice when exploring on foot.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Norfolk and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boulder than in Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder than Norfolk 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 Boulder.

One day in Norfolk or Boulder?

In Norfolk, 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.

In Boulder, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Norfolk or Boulder?

In Norfolk, 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 Norfolk has to offer.

In Boulder, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boulder has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Boulder?

Norfolk 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.

Boulder is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Norfolk or Boulder?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boulder. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Boulder. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Norfolk and Boulder, we can see that Boulder 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 Norfolk Expensive? and Is Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Boulder?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Boulder. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Boulder, 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.