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

Should you visit Naples or Philadelphia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples or Philadelphia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Naples

Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Naples and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Naples, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Naples is known for its food and historical sights. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.

How is Naples different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Philadelphia on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Is Naples or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Naples is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting 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.

Naples is not a theatre destination.

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

Naples is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. 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 Naples or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

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

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for its music scene. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Naples or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Naples 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 Naples to see the historical old town. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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 Naples or Philadelphia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Philadelphia and Naples.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Naples or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

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

Naples does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Naples or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Naples does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia has Christmas markets worth visiting. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Naples does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Naples or Philadelphia Better for Families?

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

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Naples or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

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

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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

Is Naples or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Naples and Philadelphia.

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Naples or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

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

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

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Naples?

How long in Naples or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Naples and Philadelphia. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Philadelphia than Naples. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

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

One day in Naples or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Naples 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. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Philadelphia. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Naples or Philadelphia?

Naples 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Naples or Philadelphia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Naples or Philadelphia?

Naples 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic big city of Philadelphia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, 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 Naples and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Naples 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 Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Naples.

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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 Naples 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 Naples or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Naples as well as Philadelphia. The summer months attract visitors to Naples because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In July, Naples is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 23°C (74°F), 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 Naples this time of the year. In the summer, Naples often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Naples gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Naples usually gets less rain in July than Philadelphia. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Naples this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Naples is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Naples usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during autumn. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Naples. In October, Naples usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Naples or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Naples during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Naples is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Naples in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Naples often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. Naples usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Naples in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Naples is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 13°C (55°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. Naples usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Naples usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Naples