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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls. 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 beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Williamsburg and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Niagara Falls are both popular with visitors, Williamsburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Williamsburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Niagara Falls is known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Williamsburg and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. Williamsburg is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also home to Colonial Williamsburg.

How is Williamsburg different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Williamsburg is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.


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

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Williamsburg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Williamsburg or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

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

Niagara Falls has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into 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 Niagara Falls Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.


Is Williamsburg or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

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

Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Williamsburg or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

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.


Is Williamsburg or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Both Williamsburg and Niagara Falls are amazing 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, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Is Williamsburg or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Williamsburg and Niagara Falls both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Niagara Falls is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Williamsburg or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other 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 Niagara Falls Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Niagara Falls is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. 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.

Niagara Falls is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system through town.

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 Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Niagara Falls

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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 Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?

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

Families should spend more time in Williamsburg than Niagara Falls. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.


  • How many days in Williamsburg or Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Niagara Falls 2-3

One day in Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the charming destination of Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Niagara Falls, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this breathtaking city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find nightlife and food around the impressive destination of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find museums and food around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Niagara Falls is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Williamsburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Williamsburg $135
    Niagara Falls $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $135, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Williamsburg and Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Niagara Falls $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Niagara Falls $152
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg or Niagara Falls? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Williamsburg


Hotels in Niagara Falls


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $179
  • Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $293
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $101
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $101
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Hamilton: $360
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Pearson: $1,851
  • Niagara Falls to Pearson Toronto Airport Private Transfer: $276
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Williamsburg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Williamsburg $54
    Niagara Falls $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $139
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $162
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $177
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $193
  • Night Tour with Fireworks Boat Ride & Dinner: $197
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $197
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $199
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Premium Night Tour with Boat & Dinner: $215
  • Niagara Falls Premium Night Tour: Fireworks Boat Cruise & Dinner: $242
  • Day & Night Tour with Boat Ride and Dinner: $279
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Private Wine and Dinner Tour in Private SUV: $287

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Williamsburg $34
    Niagara Falls $19

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Williamsburg Colonial Adventure: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Williamsburg's Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Williamsburg, VA: History of Slavery Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Dark History Conspiracy Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • The Patriots Historical Walking Tour: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:

  • Niagara Peninsula: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.84
  • Explore Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • RiverBrink Art Museum: Historical Walking Tour of Queenston: $11
  • Niagara Adventure Theater Experience with Popcorn included: $11
  • Niagara Legends of Adventure Admission Ticket with Popcorn: $12
  • Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Tower Hotel Observation Deck Ticket: $13
  • Niagara Falls Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $13
  • Niagara Falls Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour from Toronto: $14
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Canadiana - The Musical Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Summer Sips - Private Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience: $22
  • Black Glass Wine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $111
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $118
  • Beer and Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $119
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $122
  • Vine and Dine Bicycle Wine Tour with Lunch : $125
  • Vintage Wine Tour In Niagara County USA: $139
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $147


When comparing the travel costs between Williamsburg and Niagara Falls, we can see that Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Niagara Falls. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 78°F (26°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 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 Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Niagara Falls. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.


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