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

Should you visit Wellington or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Wellington or Philadelphia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Wellington and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Philadelphia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Wellington. Philadelphia is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. 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 Wellington different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Wellington 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

Is Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

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

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in 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.

Wellington is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Wellington and Philadelphia offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Wellington and Philadelphia.

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Philadelphia is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Wellington is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Philadelphia while you're in town. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Wellington is not a live music destination.

Is Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wellington. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Philadelphia. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Wellington has hiking trails worth exploring. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Philadelphia?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Wellington and Philadelphia.

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Wellington does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Wellington does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Philadelphia.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wellington and Philadelphia make for a notable place to visit.

Wellington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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 Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington 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 Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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

Is Wellington or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Wellington and Philadelphia.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Wellington or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wellington and Philadelphia. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Philadelphia than Wellington. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Wellington or Philadelphia?

In Wellington, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this compact city 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.

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Philadelphia?

Wellington is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wellington or Philadelphia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Philadelphia, 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 Wellington or Philadelphia?

Wellington 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.

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, 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 Wellington and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific 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 Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Wellington.

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Philadelphia?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Philadelphia has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Wellington is cooler than Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C)in July.

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wellington. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during summer. Wellington gets 242 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 January, Wellington usually receives less rain than Philadelphiain July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wellington or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Wellington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Wellington is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C)in October.

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Philadelphiain October. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in April than Philadelphiain October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Philadelphia. Most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. In July, Wellington is generally much warmer than Philadelphiain January. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wellington usually receives more rain than Philadelphiain January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wellington or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Philadelphia. The spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the spring, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Philadelphiain April. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphiain April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Wellington