A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Music, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Vienna or Philadelphia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Philadelphia, 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Vienna and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Philadelphia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Vienna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Philadelphia is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Vienna is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell.

How is Vienna different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vienna or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 a good number of museums and monuments packed into Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Is Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Vienna is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Philadelphia. 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.

Vienna is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Philadelphia can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. 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 Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Vienna. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Is Vienna or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Vienna can be explored in its historical center. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Philadelphia?

Vienna 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, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Vienna does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Philadelphia is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Vienna does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Vienna does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Vienna does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

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

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Philadelphia are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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

Is Vienna or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Students come from all over to stay in Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Vienna and Philadelphia are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Philadelphia?

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Philadelphia?

In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this classical city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Philadelphia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Vienna or Philadelphia?

Vienna is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Philadelphia?

In Vienna, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this musical destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Vienna or Philadelphia?

Vienna is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the cultural big city of Philadelphia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, 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 Vienna and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Vienna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vienna is in Europe and Philadelphia is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Vienna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vienna 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 Vienna.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Philadelphia?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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.

When is the best time to visit Vienna or Philadelphia?

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 Vienna or Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Vienna because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In July, Vienna usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Vienna during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vienna is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Philadelphia. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vienna. In January, Vienna is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Vienna in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Vienna is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the spring, Vienna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Vienna