A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pittsburgh vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls, 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.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh than Niagara Falls, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Pittsburgh is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Niagara Falls is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". It is also home to Mount Washington.

How is Pittsburgh different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

Pittsburgh is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Pittsburgh offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Pittsburgh is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Niagara Falls offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Pittsburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is great for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Niagara Falls for the hiking trails. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls both offer plenty of good spots.

Pittsburgh has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Niagara Falls is a great destination for shopping. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Niagara Falls is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Niagara Falls is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Niagara Falls is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Pittsburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Niagara Falls has a few public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Is Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls are good when it comes to walkability.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable city. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

Niagara Falls is somewhat walkable. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Pittsburgh?

How long in Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

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

Families should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Pittsburgh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Niagara Falls, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Pittsburgh. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Niagara Falls that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Pittsburgh 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 Niagara Falls.

One day in Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Pittsburgh. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the iconic city of Niagara Falls, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Niagara Falls, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the industrial destination of Pittsburgh. 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.

Niagara Falls, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Pittsburgh. 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.

Niagara Falls is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Niagara Falls.

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

Which is Bigger, Pittsburgh or Niagara Falls?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls, 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.