A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Norfolk for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Norfolk? 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Norfolk travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Norfolk. While Norfolk is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

Norfolk is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Norfolk can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Norfolk. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Playa del Carmen or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

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

Playa del Carmen is a world class party destination. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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 Playa del Carmen or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Norfolk Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Norfolk Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Norfolk and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Norfolk More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Norfolk Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen 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, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

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 Playa del Carmen or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

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 Playa del Carmen or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Playa del Carmen on foot is easy. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the maritime destination of Norfolk. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the maritime city of Norfolk. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Norfolk is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Norfolk is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered 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 in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Norfolk in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 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 Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Norfolk in the Autumn?

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

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Norfolk. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Norfolk. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Norfolk. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Norfolk averages at about 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 Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Norfolk. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Playa del Carmen