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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Portland?

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 Portland. 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.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland travel costs.

Williamsburg and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Portland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Portland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Portland is more popular for its nightlife, music, hiking, and small town charm. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Williamsburg different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Williamsburg. 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Williamsburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Williamsburg or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Portland Better for Music?

Portland 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 Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Williamsburg or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is very popular for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Portland?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Williamsburg or Portland More Beautiful?

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

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.

Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Is Williamsburg or Portland Better for Families?

Williamsburg is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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 Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Williamsburg or Portland Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Williamsburg or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Williamsburg is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Williamsburg is a very popular town 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Portland 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 Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Portland a more walkable city?

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

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Portland?

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

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

One day in Williamsburg or Portland?

The town of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this quirky 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 Portland?

Williamsburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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 Portland?

Williamsburg is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the progressive destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Portland?

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

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the summer, Williamsburg often gets less sunshine than Portland. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In October, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 61°F (16°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Williamsburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. It's quite cold in Williamsburg in the winter. Williamsburg is cooler than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Portland. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Williamsburg usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Portland. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Portland. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Williamsburg