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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

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 Blue Ridge and Philadelphia. 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Blue Ridge and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Blue Ridge and Philadelphia are popular destinations, Philadelphia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell.

How is Blue Ridge different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for theatre. However, Blue Ridge is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Philadelphia can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Philadelphia. 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 Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Philadelphia has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Philadelphia while you're in town. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Blue Ridge and Philadelphia.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Philadelphia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Philadelphia is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Philadelphia are great family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Philadelphia is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Philadelphia is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Philadelphia is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Philadelphia. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Blue Ridge 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.

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Blue Ridge 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.

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 1290 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Philadelphia. The winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. Blue Ridge is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Philadelphia. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Philadelphia. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Blue Ridge