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

Should you visit Brisbane or Philadelphia?

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 Brisbane and Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Brisbane and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Brisbane, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brisbane is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.

How is Brisbane different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Philadelphia has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

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

Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. 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.

Brisbane is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Philadelphia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Brisbane and Philadelphia.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Philadelphia has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Philadelphia draws a good crowd. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Philadelphia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Brisbane and Philadelphia both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Brisbane does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia offers some nice Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Brisbane does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Brisbane or Philadelphia.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Philadelphia is 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 Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Both Brisbane and Philadelphia are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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 Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia Better for Students?

For students, both Brisbane and Philadelphia are excellent places to visit.

Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

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

Philadelphia is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

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

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Brisbane or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its 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.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Philadelphia?

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

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

One day in Brisbane or Philadelphia?

In Brisbane, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brisbane or Philadelphia?

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Philadelphia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Philadelphia?

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxed destination of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Philadelphia is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Philadelphia?

Brisbane is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, 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 Brisbane and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific 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 Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Philadelphia?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Philadelphia has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Philadelphia in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during summer. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Philadelphiain July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brisbane or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

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

Brisbane is much warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the autumn, Brisbane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphiain October. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Brisbane usually gets more rain in April than Philadelphiain October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Philadelphia in the Winter?

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

Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Brisbane is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brisbane in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Philadelphiain January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brisbane or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Brisbane during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Brisbane is generally much warmer than Philadelphiain April. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 21°C (69°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the spring, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Philadelphiain April. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphiain April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Brisbane