A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Greenville for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Washington or Greenville?

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 Washington and Greenville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Washington attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Washington travel costs.

Greenville

Greenville is a southern, welcoming, and hospitable city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Greenville travel costs.

Washington and Greenville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Greenville?

You'll generally find more things to do in Washington than Greenville. Washington is bigger than Greenville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Washington is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Washington different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Washington or Greenville?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Washington has many famous sights for visitors. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

Greenville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums focus on art, history, and science. Notable museums in town include the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum.

Is Washington or Greenville Better for Theater?

Washington is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Greenville is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Greenville is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Washington or Greenville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Greenville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The food scene is growing and the farm-to-table movement is apparent here, but the city is still often overlooked by foodies in the area.

Is Washington or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Washington is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Washington has something for everybody. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Greenville. Bars, breweries, and low key clubs are what drive the city's nightlife scene. There are both piano bars and live music venues that often lean towards the local country classics.

Is Washington or Greenville Better for Music?

Washington is very good for its music scene. However, Greenville is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Greenville is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Greenville Better for Hiking?

Washington is adequate for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Greenville?

Washington is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Greenville is a great destination for shopping. You'll find upscale shopping in the city's downtown and sprawling shopping malls in other neighborhoods. There are plenty of name brand stores where you can pick up the latest style.

Is Washington or Greenville More Beautiful?

Washington is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Washington attracts visitors from all around. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Washington or Greenville Better for Families?

Washington is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Washington. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Greenville is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many local families in town, so you'll find all kinds of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Paris Mountain State Park is a popular place where everyone can run around. Falls Park on the Reedy River also has walking trails and is in the city's historic district. There's also a children's theater and plenty of playgrounds around town.

Is Washington or Greenville Better for Couples?

Washington is a great city for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Greenville is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You can take the free trolley down Main Street and then enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

Is Washington or Greenville Better for Students?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Greenville is not known for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Greenville is a decent spot for students. Furman University has a pretty campus and is a nice place to visit.

Is Washington or Greenville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Greenville is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Washington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

Is Washington or Greenville a more walkable city?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville is not known for its walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Greenville is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Washington?

How long in Washington or Greenville?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Greenville 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 Washington.

One day in Washington or Greenville?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Greenville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Greenville, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Washington or Greenville?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Greenville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Washington or Greenville?

Washington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Greenville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Greenville?

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Greenville 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Greenville?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Greenville, 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.