A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit New Bern or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit New Bern 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a quaint, charming, and laid back town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See New Bern travel costs.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Philadelphia is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Philadelphia travel costs.

New Bern and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia. Although New Bern and Philadelphia are popular destinations, Philadelphia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Bern attracts visitors for its small town charm. New Bern is famous for being the birthplace of Pepsi. Philadelphia is famous 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.

How is New Bern different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Philadelphia that are not to be missed. 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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is well known for theatre. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Philadelphia makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for live music. However, New Bern is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

New Bern is not a live music destination.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Philadelphia to see the historical old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia More Beautiful?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Philadelphia is a gorgeous place to visit. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Philadelphia is 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both New Bern and Philadelphia make for a nice place to visit.

New Bern is a nice destination for couples. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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 New Bern or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a popular place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is well known for students. However, New Bern is not popular with 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.

New Bern is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is well known for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Philadelphia is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Philadelphia?

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

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Philadelphia?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in New Bern or Philadelphia?

New Bern 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.

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Philadelphia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Philadelphia?

New Bern is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or Philadelphia?

New Bern 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.

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm 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.

In the summer, New Bern is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Bern in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. 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.

In October, New Bern is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 65°F (18°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In October, New Bern usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Bern or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and New Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Bern 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. New Bern is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Philadelphia. The spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In the spring, New Bern is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Bern in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In April, New Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and New Bern