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

Should you visit Budapest 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 Budapest and Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Budapest and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Philadelphia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Budapest, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Philadelphia is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, and christmas markets, while Budapest is more popular for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Budapest is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell.

How is Budapest different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Philadelphia are world-renowned. 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Is Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is great for its theatre productions. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Philadelphia has a huge number of terrific 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is great for its live music scene. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Budapest or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Budapest or Philadelphia?

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

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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 Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

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

Budapest does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

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

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Philadelphia is a good city 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 Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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

Is Budapest or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Students come from all over to stay in Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Budapest is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Budapest or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Budapest and Philadelphia are terrific when it comes to walkability.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Philadelphia?

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

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Budapest. 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.

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

One day in Budapest or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

The city of Philadelphia offers shopping and museums. 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 Budapest or Philadelphia?

Budapest 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 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 Budapest or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 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 Budapest or Philadelphia?

Budapest 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.

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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, 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 Budapest and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Budapest is in Europe 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 Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Philadelphia?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Philadelphia in the Summer?

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

Budapest is cooler than Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during summer. Budapest gets 278 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, Budapest usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

In the autumn, Budapest is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Philadelphia. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Budapest 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. Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Budapest is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Philadelphia in the Spring?

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

Budapest is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Budapest