A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Winston-Salem and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Winston-Salem, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more touristy than Winston-Salem and 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. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is notable for its shows and theatre. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Philadelphia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Philadelphia is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Philadelphia has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is notable for its music scene. However, Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Winston-Salem and Philadelphia.

Winston-Salem offers a nice historic old town area. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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 Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Philadelphia is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is notable for students. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

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

Philadelphia is notable for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Is Winston-Salem or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Philadelphia than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this welcoming city offers. 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. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic big city of Philadelphia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

Winston-Salem is a popular place to visit. 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.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the city of Philadelphia. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Philadelphia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for 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.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, 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.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Philadelphia. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Winston-Salem