A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Alexandria for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Orlando or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Alexandria? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Alexandria travel costs.

Orlando and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Alexandria?

You'll generally find more things to do in Orlando than Alexandria. Orlando is bigger than Alexandria, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions and resorts, while Alexandria is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Alexandria and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Orlando different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Alexandria?

Alexandria is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Alexandria is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Alexandria is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Orlando and Alexandria.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Alexandria. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Orlando and Alexandria.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Orlando for its luxury resorts. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town. However, Orlando does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Orlando does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Alexandria?

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Alexandria both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Alexandria is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Orlando or Alexandria More Beautiful?

Alexandria is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for Families?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Alexandria is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for Students?

Orlando is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

Is Orlando or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Orlando or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Orlando or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Orlando 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 Alexandria.

One day in Orlando or Alexandria?

With theater and nightlife around the active city of Orlando, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Alexandria, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Orlando or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Orlando, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Alexandria, 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 Alexandria has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Alexandria?

Orlando, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Alexandria 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 Orlando or Alexandria?

Orlando is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Alexandria?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Alexandria, 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 Orlando or Alexandria?

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 Orlando or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

Orlando is much warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Alexandria. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Alexandria. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Alexandria. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Alexandria. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Orlando