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

Should you visit Atlanta or Philadelphia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Philadelphia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Atlanta travel costs.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Philadelphia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Atlanta and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Atlanta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Atlanta is known for its shopping. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.

How is Atlanta different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Philadelphia?

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Philadelphia and Atlanta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Philadelphia that are not to be missed. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Philadelphia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Philadelphia makes for a great culinary experience. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Atlanta and Philadelphia.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Philadelphia offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a great city for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Philadelphia has a thriving music scene. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Philadelphia?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Atlanta draws large crowds to its stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia More Beautiful?

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

Philadelphia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Atlanta and Philadelphia are both superb destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Philadelphia is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Philadelphia are both good to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Philadelphia is a nice destination for couples. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Philadelphia are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Philadelphia is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for Students?

For students, both Atlanta and Philadelphia are superb places to visit.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Students come from all over to stay in Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Philadelphia is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

Philadelphia offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Philadelphia is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Philadelphia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Atlanta 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 Philadelphia.

One day in Atlanta or Philadelphia?

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

In Philadelphia, you'll find food and shopping. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Philadelphia?

Atlanta 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.

In Philadelphia, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Philadelphia has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Philadelphia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Atlanta. 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.

Philadelphia 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.

A week in Atlanta or Philadelphia?

Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Philadelphia. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Atlanta Expensive? and Is Philadelphia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Philadelphia, 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 Atlanta or Philadelphia?

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 Atlanta or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Philadelphia. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In July, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Philadelphia. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 66°F (19°C) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Atlanta is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Philadelphia. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Atlanta