A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Norfolk for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Norfolk?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Norfolk can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Tulum travel costs.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Norfolk travel costs.

Tulum and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Norfolk are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Tulum different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Norfolk?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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.

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

Tulum is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Tulum or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

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

Tulum is a world class party destination. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Norfolk Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum 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 Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Tulum 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 Tulum. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Norfolk Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Norfolk?

Tulum is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Tulum or Norfolk More Beautiful?

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

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Norfolk Better for Families?

Tulum is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

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 Tulum or Norfolk Better for Couples?

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

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great destination for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

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

Tulum 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 Tulum, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Tulum is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tulum or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tulum than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Norfolk?

In Tulum, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

In Norfolk, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this blue collar destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tulum or Norfolk?

In Tulum, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Norfolk?

Tulum 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 Tulum has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Norfolk is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Norfolk. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Tulum. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the maritime destination of Norfolk. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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 Tulum and Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Norfolk. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Norfolk in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Norfolk. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Norfolk for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Norfolk. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Norfolk can be very cold. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is much warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Norfolk. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Tulum