A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Philadelphia vs. Niagara Falls for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Philadelphia or Niagara Falls?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Niagara Falls, 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 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. Philadelphia is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking, impressive, and iconic city. The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Philadelphia and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Niagara Falls?

You'll generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Niagara Falls. Philadelphia is bigger than Niagara Falls, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Niagara Falls is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. 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 Philadelphia different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is notable for its theatre productions. However, Niagara Falls is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in 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.

Niagara Falls is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Philadelphia has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for Music?

Philadelphia is notable for its live music scene. However, Niagara Falls is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Niagara Falls is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its old town. However, Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Philadelphia to see the old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Niagara Falls?

Philadelphia is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Philadelphia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Niagara Falls is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Philadelphia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

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

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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 Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia and Niagara Falls are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Niagara Falls is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls Better for Students?

Philadelphia is notable for students. However, Niagara Falls is not popular with students.

Philadelphia is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Niagara Falls is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is notable for its public transit. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Philadelphia can get you to some places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Is Philadelphia or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Niagara Falls?

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

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

Philadelphia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Niagara Falls, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this impressive city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic big city of Philadelphia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the city of Philadelphia. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Niagara Falls is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Philadelphia and Niagara Falls, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

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

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Niagara Falls?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

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 Philadelphia or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Niagara Falls. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls in the summer. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Niagara Falls. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Niagara Falls. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

Both Niagara Falls and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Philadelphia in October average around 56°F (14°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

It's quite cold in Niagara Falls in the winter. The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. In January, Philadelphia is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 30°F (-1°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

In the winter, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Niagara Falls. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the natural beauty.

Philadelphia is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the spring. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Philadelphia