A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Norfolk vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Norfolk or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Montreal? 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 authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Norfolk travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Norfolk and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Norfolk. Montreal is bigger than Norfolk, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

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.

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

Montreal is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Norfolk or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Montreal is a world class party destination. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Norfolk or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Montreal is a world class music destination. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is Norfolk or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Montreal?

Montreal is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Norfolk or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Norfolk or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Montreal frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

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 Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

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 Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a must-visit destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montreal. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a great destination for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

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

Is Norfolk or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Montreal is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Montreal?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal 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 Montreal.

One day in Norfolk or Montreal?

The city of Norfolk offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Montreal?

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

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Norfolk or Montreal?

Norfolk 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.

Montreal is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or Montreal?

Norfolk is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Montreal. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Montreal, 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 Norfolk or Montreal?

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 Norfolk or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the summer, Norfolk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Montreal. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Norfolk is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In April, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Montreal. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Norfolk