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

Should you visit Boston or Hershey?

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 Boston and Hershey. 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.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums.

Boston and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boston or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boston. Although Boston and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Boston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boston is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Boston and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Boston is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail.

How is Boston different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boston is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Boston that are not to be missed. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Boston or Hershey Better for Theater?

Boston is a great destination for theatre. However, Hershey is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Hershey is not a theatre destination.

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

Boston 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, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Boston know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

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 Boston or Hershey Better for Music?

Boston is a popular place for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Hershey is not a live music destination.

Is Boston or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is notable for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hershey to choose from. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Boston is not a resort destination.

Is Boston or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Boston is a city with a few options for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Boston or Hershey Better for its Old Town?

Boston is very popular for its historic old town. However, Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Boston has a world-famous historical area. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Boston or Hershey?

Both Boston and Hershey are good shopping destinations.

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

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 Boston or Hershey Better for Christmas?

Boston is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Boston. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Boston or Hershey Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Hershey does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Boston or Hershey Better for Families?

Both Boston and Hershey are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Boston is very family-friendly. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hershey is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Boston or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Hershey is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Boston or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

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 Boston or Hershey Better for Students?

Boston is very popular for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Boston is very popular for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Boston has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation 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 Boston or Hershey a more walkable city?

Boston is very popular for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Boston Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Boston?

How long in Boston or Hershey?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston 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 Boston.

One day in Boston or Hershey?

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boston or Hershey?

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Hershey is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Boston or Hershey?

Boston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Boston or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Boston. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Hershey. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Hershey, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Hershey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hershey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hershey 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Hershey.

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

Which is Bigger, Boston or Hershey?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Hershey. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

Boston is around the same temperature as Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during summer. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Boston usually receives less rain than Hershey. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boston or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boston as well as Hershey. Many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Boston is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boston in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

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

Boston usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. Boston can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Boston is generally much colder than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 29°F (-2°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

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

In January, Boston usually receives more rain than Hershey. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boston or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Boston during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Boston is cooler than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boston. In the spring, Boston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets more rain in April than Hershey. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Boston