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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Puerto Vallarta and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Puerto Vallarta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Vallarta is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Philadelphia is popular 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.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Philadelphia on the map. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Philadelphia.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Philadelphia are excellent when it comes to partying.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

Philadelphia has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Philadelphia is very popular with diverse venues. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Philadelphia are excellent shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia offers some nice Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Puerto Vallarta does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Philadelphia is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

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

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Philadelphia is a good town 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 Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Puerto Vallarta has some public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Puerto Vallarta is very walkable. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Philadelphia. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

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

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Philadelphia. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Philadelphia, 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.