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

Should you visit Baltimore or Hershey?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Hershey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums.

Baltimore and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Hershey are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hershey attracts visitors for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium.

How is Baltimore different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Hershey?

Baltimore is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Baltimore makes for a great culinary experience. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Baltimore or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Baltimore know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Baltimore or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hershey. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Hershey?

Baltimore is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Baltimore is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Baltimore or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hershey is one of the most popular family destinations. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Baltimore or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

Is Baltimore or Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Baltimore can move around easily with public transportation. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Baltimore or Hershey a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a great destination for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable city. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Hershey. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Hershey. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Hershey 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 Baltimore.

One day in Baltimore or Hershey?

In Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Hershey?

In Baltimore, 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 Baltimore has to offer.

You'll find museums and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Hershey?

Baltimore 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 fun-filled town of Hershey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Hershey?

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

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Hershey?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Hershey, 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 Baltimore or Hershey?

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 Baltimore or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Hershey. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Hershey. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Baltimore during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hershey. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Hershey. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In the winter, Baltimore is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Hershey. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In April, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Hershey. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the spring, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hershey. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Baltimore