A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Roanoke for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Roanoke? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Roanoke travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Roanoke than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than Roanoke, Roanoke has more sights and attractions for tourists. Roanoke is very popular for its hiking, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Roanoke is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also well known for the Roanoke Star. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roanoke and Winston-Salem. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Roanoke? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Winston-Salem is becoming an appealing option for foodies. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Winston-Salem and Roanoke.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

Both Winston-Salem and Roanoke are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or Roanoke.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Roanoke is a family-friendly city. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Roanoke is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Winston-Salem and Roanoke offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Winston-Salem or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem and Roanoke both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Roanoke than Winston-Salem. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Roanoke that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roanoke than Winston-Salem 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 Roanoke.

One day in Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid back destination of Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Roanoke. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the town of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Roanoke, we can see that Roanoke 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 Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Roanoke, 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 Winston-Salem or Roanoke?

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 Winston-Salem or Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Roanoke. The summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Roanoke. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. In January, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Roanoke.

Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Roanoke. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Winston-Salem