A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Pittsburgh for Backpackers, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Pittsburgh can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a scenic, breathtaking, and serene national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a under-rated, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Shenandoah National Park and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh. Although Shenandoah National Park and Pittsburgh are popular destinations, Pittsburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pittsburgh is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Pittsburgh is famous for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". It is also well known for Mount Washington.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Pittsburgh is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Pittsburgh is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pittsburgh. 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Shenandoah National Park and Pittsburgh.

Shenandoah National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Shenandoah National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Pittsburgh has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh 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 Shenandoah National Park. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Pittsburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable national park. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Pittsburgh 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 Shenandoah National Park.

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

With food and skiing around the breathtaking national park of Shenandoah National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food and shopping around the under-rated city of Pittsburgh, there's plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

With skiing and food around the destination of Shenandoah National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and museums around the under-rated destination of Pittsburgh, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

Shenandoah National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Pittsburgh. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Pittsburgh?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

Pittsburgh is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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