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

Should you visit Warsaw or Philadelphia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Philadelphia 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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a historical, under-rated, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Warsaw and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Warsaw and Philadelphia are popular destinations, Philadelphia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Warsaw attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Philadelphia is more touristy than Warsaw and is known 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. Warsaw is famous for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

How is Warsaw different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Philadelphia from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great city for theatre. However, Warsaw is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. 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.

Warsaw is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Warsaw and Philadelphia.

The nightlife in Warsaw has something for everybody. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

Philadelphia offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Music?

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

Philadelphia has a thriving music scene. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Warsaw is not a live music destination.

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Warsaw to see the historical old town. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a great city for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Warsaw does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is a very popular destination during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Warsaw does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Warsaw does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Warsaw does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Warsaw is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Both Warsaw and Philadelphia are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Warsaw is a nice destination for couples. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Warsaw and Philadelphia are nice places to visit.

Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

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

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia Better for Students?

For students, both Warsaw and Philadelphia are high quality places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Warsaw and Philadelphia both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Warsaw can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

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

Is Warsaw or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Warsaw and Philadelphia. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Philadelphia than Warsaw. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Warsaw, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Warsaw. 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 Warsaw. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Warsaw 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 Philadelphia.

One day in Warsaw or Philadelphia?

In Warsaw, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this diverse city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Warsaw or Philadelphia?

Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Philadelphia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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 Warsaw or Philadelphia?

Warsaw 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 historic 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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, 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 Warsaw and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Warsaw 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 Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw 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 Warsaw.

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

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Philadelphia?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Philadelphia. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Warsaw is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Warsaw or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Philadelphia. The autumn months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In October, Warsaw is generally cooler than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (49°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Philadelphia. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Philadelphia. It's quite cold in Warsaw in the winter. Warsaw is much colder than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Warsaw or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Warsaw during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Warsaw is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the spring, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Warsaw