A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pittsburgh vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells, 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.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Pittsburgh and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pittsburgh. Although Pittsburgh and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Pittsburgh has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pittsburgh is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its resorts and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". It is also home to Mount Washington.

How is Pittsburgh different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

Pittsburgh is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Pittsburgh offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Is the Food Better in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Pittsburgh and Wisconsin Dells offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Pittsburgh is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Wisconsin Dells offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Pittsburgh and Wisconsin Dells.

Many people head to Pittsburgh for the nightlife scene. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Wisconsin Dells has plenty to do after the sun goes down. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

Pittsburgh is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Pittsburgh offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Pittsburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Pittsburgh is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Pittsburgh?

How long in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pittsburgh, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Pittsburgh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Wisconsin Dells, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pittsburgh than Wisconsin Dells 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 Pittsburgh.

One day in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

The authentic destination of Pittsburgh offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food and nightlife around the high energy city of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Pittsburgh offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

Pittsburgh is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Wisconsin Dells, 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.

A week in Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pittsburgh. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pittsburgh and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Which is Bigger, Pittsburgh or Wisconsin Dells?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Pittsburgh and Wisconsin Dells, 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.