A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Beijing or Philadelphia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Philadelphia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a fascinating, historic, and massive city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Beijing and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Philadelphia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Philadelphia is known for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, and christmas markets. Beijing is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history.

How is Beijing different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Philadelphia.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Travelers visit Philadelphia from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

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

Philadelphia attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. 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.

Beijing is not a theatre destination.

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beijing is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. 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 Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Philadelphia has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

The nightlife in Philadelphia has something for everybody. 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 Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Music?

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

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Philadelphia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Philadelphia and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Beijing does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Beijing does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Beijing does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Beijing does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Philadelphia is known to be 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Philadelphia are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

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 Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

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

Is Beijing or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Beijing and Philadelphia are high quality places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Philadelphia.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Beijing or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beijing and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Philadelphia. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Beijing than Philadelphia 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Beijing 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 Beijing or Philadelphia?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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 Beijing or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 Beijing or Philadelphia?

Beijing is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Philadelphia is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia than you might in Beijing.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Philadelphia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Philadelphia?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Philadelphia?

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 Beijing or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Philadelphia. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Philadelphia. It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Philadelphia. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Beijing