A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Williamsburg vs. Halifax for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Williamsburg or Halifax?

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 Halifax. 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 gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Williamsburg and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Halifax?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Halifax, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Halifax is more popular for its nightlife. Williamsburg is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Williamsburg different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Halifax 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.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Williamsburg. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Williamsburg or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

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

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

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 Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in 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.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Halifax?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Williamsburg. 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.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Williamsburg or Halifax More Beautiful?

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

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

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Williamsburg or Halifax Better for Families?

Williamsburg is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax 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 Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Williamsburg or Halifax Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Williamsburg or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Halifax Better for Students?

Williamsburg is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Halifax is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

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 Halifax a more walkable city?

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

Halifax is a somewhat walkable city. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore 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 Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Halifax?

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

Families should spend more time in Williamsburg than Halifax. 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 Halifax. 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 Halifax 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 Halifax.

One day in Williamsburg or Halifax?

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 Halifax, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly city offers. 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 Halifax?

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.

Halifax 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Halifax?

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 museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Halifax. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Halifax?

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.

Halifax 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 G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

When comparing the travel costs between Williamsburg and Halifax, we can see that Halifax is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg and Halifax, 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 Halifax?

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 Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the summer, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax 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 Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In October, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 61°F (16°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax 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 Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. Williamsburg is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Williamsburg usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Halifax. The natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the spring, Williamsburg is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Halifax. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Williamsburg