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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Vancouver, 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. Philadelphia is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Philadelphia and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Vancouver?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Vancouver. While Vancouver is larger than Philadelphia, Philadelphia has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Philadelphia is very popular for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, and christmas markets, while Vancouver attracts visitors for its hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Vancouver is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. 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 Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Philadelphia and Vancouver.

The museums and tourist attractions in Philadelphia are world-renowned. 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 many recognizable landmarks that put Vancouver on the map. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is great for theatre. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Philadelphia and Vancouver 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 Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Both Philadelphia and Vancouver have great vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The people in Vancouver know how to have a good time. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver Better for Music?

Philadelphia is great for live music. However, Vancouver is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Philadelphia draws a good crowd. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Vancouver?

Vancouver is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Vancouver draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

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 Vancouver Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver Better for Students?

Both Philadelphia and Vancouver 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 Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Vancouver is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Vancouver has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Philadelphia or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Philadelphia and Vancouver are world-class when it comes to 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.

Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Vancouver?

In either Philadelphia or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Philadelphia because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

One day in Philadelphia or Vancouver?

People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Vancouver, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy 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 Vancouver?

People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Vancouver is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Philadelphia or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural city of Philadelphia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Vancouver, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this outdoorsy big city offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Philadelphia or Vancouver?

Philadelphia is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Vancouver 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

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

In July, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 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 Vancouver. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Vancouver. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Philadelphia is a little warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver 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 Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Philadelphia is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In April, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Philadelphia