A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Pittsburgh for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hanoi or Pittsburgh?

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 Pittsburgh 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Pittsburgh, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Hanoi different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

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

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

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

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Hanoi or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Pittsburgh for the nightlife scene. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Is Hanoi or Pittsburgh Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.

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.

Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Pittsburgh?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Hanoi specifically to go shopping. 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.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Hanoi or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Pittsburgh are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. 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.

Pittsburgh offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Hanoi or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Hanoi is a nice place to visit for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Hanoi or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Hanoi or Pittsburgh Better for Students?

Hanoi is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

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

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Pittsburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

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 Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Hanoi and Pittsburgh both are good when exploring on foot.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable city. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Pittsburgh?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hanoi than Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

When visiting Hanoi, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Pittsburgh, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. 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 Pittsburgh?

When visiting Hanoi, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?

Hanoi, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Pittsburgh is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pittsburgh. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Pittsburgh?

Hanoi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Pittsburgh. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Pittsburgh, we can see that Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Pittsburgh?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Pittsburgh, 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.