A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. Boston for Attractions, Old Town, Families, and Food

Should you visit Williamsburg or Boston?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Boston. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Boston

Boston is a traditional, classic, and proud city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Boston travel costs.

Williamsburg and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Boston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boston than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boston is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Williamsburg is more popular for its shopping. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail.

How is Williamsburg different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Williamsburg or Boston?

Boston is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Boston on the map. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a great destination for its shows and theatre. However, Williamsburg is not a theatre destination.

Boston offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Williamsburg is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Williamsburg or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Boston both to be excellent destinations.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Boston is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Boston know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a city with a few options for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Williamsburg and Boston.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

With a famous historical old-town, Boston offers plenty to see. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Boston?

Williamsburg is notable for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Williamsburg or Boston More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Williamsburg and Boston.

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Boston is a gorgeous place to visit. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Families?

Both Williamsburg and Boston are terrific family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boston is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Students?

Williamsburg and Boston are terrific places to visit for students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Is Williamsburg or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Williamsburg or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Boston?

In either Williamsburg or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Williamsburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Williamsburg 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 Boston.

One day in Williamsburg or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Boston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Boston?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Boston is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Williamsburg or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Each neighborhood in Boston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the museums. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Williamsburg or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Williamsburg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Boston is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg and Boston, 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 Williamsburg or Boston?

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 Williamsburg or Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Boston. The summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In the summer, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Boston. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Boston. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 61°F (16°C), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Boston. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Boston can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. Williamsburg is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Boston during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Williamsburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Williamsburg is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Boston. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Boston and Williamsburg