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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Providence, 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 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. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Philadelphia and Providence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Providence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more touristy than Providence and is known 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. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Philadelphia different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Philadelphia and Providence offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Philadelphia has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dining out in Providence is an experience not to be missed. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Philadelphia has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a great city for its music scene. However, Providence is not a live music destination.

Philadelphia has a thriving music scene. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Providence is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for its Old Town?

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

Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Providence?

Philadelphia is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Providence is a great destination for shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Providence does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is a very popular destination during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Providence does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Providence 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.

Providence does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Families?

Philadelphia is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Philadelphia. 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.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Couples?

Philadelphia and Providence are both good 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.

Providence is a good city for couples to visit. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

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

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Philadelphia or Providence Better for Students?

Both Philadelphia and Providence are great destinations for students.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Providence. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

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

Philadelphia is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Philadelphia offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Providence has a few public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Is Philadelphia or Providence a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Providence is very walkable. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Providence?

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

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Providence. 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 Providence. 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 Providence 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 Providence?

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Providence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fascinating city offers. 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 Providence?

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Providence is a fun place to experience. 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 Providence?

Philadelphia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Providence. 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 Providence?

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

Providence is a popular place to visit. 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 Providence, we can see that Providence 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 Providence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Providence?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Providence, 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 Providence?

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 Providence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Providence. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence 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 Providence during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Providence. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Providence. 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 Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Philadelphia or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Providence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Providence can be very cold. Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. Philadelphia is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

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

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

Should I visit Philadelphia or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Philadelphia during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Providence and Philadelphia