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

Should you visit Bonn or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Philadelphia? 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Bonn and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Philadelphia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. 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 Bonn different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Many visitors head to Bonn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Is Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great city for theatre. However, Bonn is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in 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.

Bonn is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a great city for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

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

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Bonn or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Bonn to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Philadelphia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Philadelphia both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

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 Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Bonn does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is a very popular destination during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Bonn does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Bonn does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Bonn does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Bonn is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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.

Is Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bonn and Philadelphia make for a nice place to visit.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Philadelphia are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

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

Is Bonn or Philadelphia Better for Students?

For students, both Bonn and Philadelphia are very good places to visit.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Philadelphia is very popular with students. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Bonn and Philadelphia both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

The public transit in Philadelphia can get you around easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Bonn or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bonn and Philadelphia. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Philadelphia than Bonn. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Philadelphia?

In Bonn, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this lively city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Philadelphia is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bonn or Philadelphia?

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bonn or Philadelphia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find live music and food around the cultural big city of Philadelphia. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Philadelphia?

Bonn is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The diverse city of Philadelphia offers food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn 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. Even though Bonn is in Europe and Philadelphia is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Philadelphia?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bonn usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Philadelphia. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Bonn can be very cold during winter. Bonn is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Bonn