A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Norfolk vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Norfolk or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Portland, Maine? 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Norfolk travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Norfolk and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Portland, Maine than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Portland, Maine, Portland, Maine has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Portland, Maine is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its museums and attractions. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Also, Portland, Maine is famous for The Portland Head Light. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Norfolk is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Norfolk. 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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Norfolk or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Norfolk and Portland, Maine offer a number of notable 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.

Portland, Maine has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Norfolk or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Norfolk or Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Norfolk or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Norfolk or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Portland, Maine?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Norfolk or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Norfolk or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Portland, Maine.

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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Norfolk or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

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

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Norfolk is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Norfolk or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Norfolk is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Portland, Maine?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Norfolk than Portland, Maine 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 Norfolk.

One day in Norfolk or Portland, Maine?

The blue collar destination of Norfolk offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Norfolk or Portland, Maine?

The city of Norfolk offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland, Maine has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Portland, Maine?

Norfolk is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Portland, Maine?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Norfolk during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Norfolk is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the autumn, Norfolk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Portland, Maine. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during winter. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Portland, Maine. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In the spring, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Norfolk