A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Norfolk vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Norfolk or Niagara Falls?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Niagara Falls? 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Norfolk travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Norfolk and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Niagara Falls?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Niagara Falls than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Niagara Falls is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Norfolk attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. It is also well known for the Journey Behind the Falls. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Norfolk is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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

Both Norfolk and Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Norfolk or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Norfolk or Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls has a few options to choose from. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Norfolk or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Niagara Falls?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Norfolk or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Niagara Falls is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Norfolk or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Niagara Falls frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and 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 Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Niagara Falls is a popular place for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Niagara Falls, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system through town.

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 Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Norfolk and Niagara Falls both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Niagara Falls?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

One day in Norfolk or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Norfolk. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find nightlife 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 Niagara Falls has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Norfolk. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Norfolk. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Niagara Falls. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Niagara Falls?

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

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 Norfolk or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Niagara Falls. The summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

In the summer, Norfolk is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Norfolk in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Niagara Falls. The shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 62°F (16°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In the autumn, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Niagara Falls can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. Norfolk is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Norfolk is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Norfolk in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the spring, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Norfolk