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

Should you visit Panama City or Norfolk?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Norfolk, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. Panama City is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Panama City travel costs.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Norfolk travel costs.

Panama City and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Norfolk?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Norfolk are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Panama City is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Panama City different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Norfolk?

Norfolk is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Norfolk can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Norfolk is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Panama City or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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 Panama City or Norfolk Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a popular place for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Norfolk?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Norfolk and Panama City.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Norfolk has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Panama City or Norfolk More Beautiful?

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

Panama City is a gorgeous place to visit. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Norfolk Better for Families?

Panama City 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, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City or Norfolk Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

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 Panama City or Norfolk Better for Students?

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

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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 Panama City or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Norfolk is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Panama City or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Panama City than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Norfolk than Panama City 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 Panama City or Norfolk?

In Panama City, you'll find nightlife and live music. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Norfolk. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Norfolk?

In Panama City, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the maritime destination of Norfolk. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Norfolk?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The authentic city of Norfolk offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Norfolk, we can see that Panama City 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 Panama City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Panama City 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 Panama City Expensive? and Is Norfolk Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Norfolk, 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 Panama City or Norfolk?

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 Panama City or Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Panama City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene.

Panama City is a little warmer than Norfolk in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Norfolk. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Norfolk. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Norfolk averages at about 39°F (4°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Norfolk. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In April, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Norfolk. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Panama City