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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife. See Seattle travel costs.

Williamsburg and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Williamsburg and Seattle are popular destinations, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Williamsburg attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Williamsburg different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Williamsburg or Seattle.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Williamsburg is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Williamsburg is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Seattle both to be great 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Seattle know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a good destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Seattle?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of nice scenery and beauty in both Williamsburg and Seattle.

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.

Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle Better for Families?

Williamsburg is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Seattle is a family-friendly town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Williamsburg or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

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 Seattle Better for Students?

Williamsburg is renowned for students. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Seattle?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in Williamsburg or Seattle?

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.

Each neighborhood in Seattle has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

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 shopping and museums around the cultural big city of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Seattle?

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

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Seattle. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 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 Seattle. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Seattle. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Seattle averages at about 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 Seattle. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. In January, Williamsburg is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Seattle. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Williamsburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Williamsburg