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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Mystic?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Mystic, 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.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Philadelphia and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Mystic?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Mystic are popular destinations, Philadelphia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Mystic attracts visitors for its beaches. Mystic is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its New England charm and local character. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell.

How is Philadelphia different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Philadelphia from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, Mystic is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. 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.

Mystic is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Philadelphia has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Music?

Philadelphia is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Mystic is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Philadelphia has diverse options. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Mystic is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Mystic is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mystic. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Mystic?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Philadelphia and Mystic.

Philadelphia is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Mystic does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Philadelphia is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Mystic does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Mystic does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Mystic does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Mystic are both great destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. 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.

Mystic is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Couples?

Philadelphia and Mystic are both nice to visit as a couple.

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.

Mystic is a good city for couples to visit. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic Better for Students?

Philadelphia is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Philadelphia or Mystic a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Philadelphia. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Philadelphia and Mystic. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Philadelphia than Mystic. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Mystic 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 Philadelphia or Mystic?

Philadelphia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Mystic, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid back town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Mystic?

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.

Mystic is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Five days in Philadelphia or Mystic?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A week in Philadelphia or Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the diverse 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.

Mystic is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Mystic, we can see that Mystic 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Mystic?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Mystic, 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 Philadelphia or Mystic?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Philadelphia is generally around the same temperature as Mystic. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Mystic. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Mystic in the Autumn?

Both Mystic and Philadelphia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Mystic for the shopping scene during these months.

Philadelphia is a little warmer than Mystic in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Mystic. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Mystic in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Mystic. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mystic because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mystic can be very cold. Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Philadelphia is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Mystic averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Mystic during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Mystic. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Mystic in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Mystic. The spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In April, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in April than Mystic. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Philadelphia