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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Detroit?

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 Detroit. 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 charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping. See Detroit travel costs.

Williamsburg and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Detroit?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Williamsburg and Detroit are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Williamsburg is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Williamsburg different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Detroit 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 Detroit?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Williamsburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Williamsburg or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Detroit know how to have a good time. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Williamsburg or Detroit Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Detroit does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Williamsburg offers plenty to see. 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.

Detroit does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Detroit?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Williamsburg is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Williamsburg or Detroit More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Williamsburg or Detroit Better for Families?

Williamsburg is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Williamsburg or Detroit Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Williamsburg or Detroit Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a great destination 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.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Detroit.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Williamsburg or Detroit a more walkable city?

Detroit is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Williamsburg and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Williamsburg than in Detroit. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

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

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

One day in Williamsburg or Detroit?

In Williamsburg, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Detroit, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Detroit?

In Williamsburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Williamsburg has to offer.

Detroit is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the live music. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Detroit?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the hardworking destination of Detroit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Williamsburg or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. 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.

Detroit is a popular place to visit. 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 Detroit, we can see that Detroit 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 Detroit would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Detroit 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 Detroit Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Detroit. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Williamsburg is generally around the same temperature as Detroit. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 78°F (26°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the summer, Williamsburg often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Detroit. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Williamsburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. In the winter, Williamsburg is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Williamsburg in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Detroit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

In April, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 57°F (14°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Williamsburg