A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Petersburg vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Ottawa.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ottawa can be an interesting and educational experience. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Ottawa both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Ottawa offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Petersburg. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Ottawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Ottawa. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ottawa is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Ottawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Ottawa is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Ottawa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa than Saint Petersburg 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 Ottawa.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find museums and food around the friendly destination of Ottawa. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming city of Ottawa. 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 Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Ottawa 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 Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ottawa 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Ottawa, 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 Saint Petersburg or Ottawa?

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 Saint Petersburg or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Ottawa. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Saint Petersburg