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

Should you visit Columbus or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Hershey? 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

Columbus and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hershey. Although Columbus and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Hershey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hershey is more popular for its resorts, while Columbus is known for its nightlife. Hershey is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. It is also home to Hersheypark. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Columbus or Hershey.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Foodies will find both Columbus and Hershey both to be decent destinations.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

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 Columbus or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

Hershey is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Hershey?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Columbus and Hershey.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Hershey offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Columbus or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Columbus or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Columbus and Hershey.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Public transit is generally limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Columbus or Hershey a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Hershey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Hershey?

In Columbus, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The town of Hershey offers museums and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Columbus or Hershey?

In Columbus, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbus has to offer.

Hershey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hershey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Hershey?

Columbus is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Columbus or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbus. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Hershey is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, 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 Columbus and Hershey, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey than you might in Columbus.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Hershey?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus or Hershey?

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 Columbus or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

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

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbus. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Hershey. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Columbus is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Hershey. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Hershey. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Hershey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. In January, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Hershey. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Columbus