A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a blue collar, authentic, and hard-working city. 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. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Cincinnati and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Cincinnati. Philadelphia is bigger than Cincinnati, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular 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. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Cincinnati specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is well known for its theatre productions. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Philadelphia is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for its live music scene. However, Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its old town. However, Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Philadelphia to see the old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Cincinnati does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Cincinnati does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Philadelphia is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati and Philadelphia are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is well known for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is well known for its public transit. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Cincinnati or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cincinnati and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Philadelphia than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

In Cincinnati, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this blue collar city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

Cincinnati is a fun place to experience. 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 Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the blue collar destination of Cincinnati. 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, 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 Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

Cincinnati is a popular place to visit. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in July than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, 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 the autumn, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cincinnati in October average around 58°F (15°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, 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. Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. In January, Cincinnati is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 31°F (-0°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Philadelphia. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

Cincinnati is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Cincinnati