A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Old Town, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Hanoi or Philadelphia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Philadelphia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a colorful, cultural, and historical city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Hanoi and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Hanoi and Philadelphia are roughly the same size, Philadelphia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Philadelphia is better known for its theatre productions, music, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Hanoi is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Hanoi is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. 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 Hanoi different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the first-rate sights and museums in both Hanoi and Philadelphia.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hanoi are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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.

Is Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is well known for its theatre productions. However, Hanoi is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. 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.

Hanoi is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Hanoi and Philadelphia.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hanoi. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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.

Is Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Philadelphia.

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Many people head to Philadelphia for the nightlife scene. 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 Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for its live music scene. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a live music destination.

Is Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Hanoi can be explored in its historical center. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

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 Hanoi or Philadelphia?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its stores. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Hanoi does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Hanoi does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Philadelphia are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

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 Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi 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, Hanoi is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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

Is Hanoi or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Hanoi and Philadelphia are high quality places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

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

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

Philadelphia is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Philadelphia?

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Hanoi 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.

In Philadelphia, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this diverse big city offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hanoi or Philadelphia?

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Hanoi 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Philadelphia. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Philadelphia?

Hanoi 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse big city of Philadelphia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Philadelphia. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Philadelphia. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Philadelphia. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Philadelphia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Hanoi is much warmer than Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Hanoi