Comparison · Baltimore vs Philadelphia · United States
Baltimore vs Philadelphia
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Matthew Binebrink, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Baltimore for Inner Harbor and Blue crabs; choose Philadelphia for Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. Baltimore is generally less expensive, and the two are about 144 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 144 km
- Less expensive
- Baltimore
- Best time for Baltimore
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Philadelphia
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Baltimore | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Inner Harbor, Blue crabs and Old Bay | Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Cheesesteaks |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$320 | $220–$380 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | July, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 6°C (43°F) | January, 5°C (41°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BWI | PHL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Baltimore for…
Inner Harbor and Blue crabs. Baltimore grew as a port on the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay, and its waterfront still shapes a visit: the National Aquarium and historic warships at the Inner Harbor, the cobbled streets of Fells Point and the star-shaped Fort McHenry, whose…
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Choose Philadelphia for…
Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. Philadelphia is where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and signed, and Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Elfreth's Alley still sit within a few blocks of each other in Old City. Center City is a flat, compact grid…
Top sights compared
| # | Baltimore | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Aquarium | Independence Hall |
| 2 | Historic Ships in Baltimore | Liberty Bell Center |
| 3 | Fort McHenry National Monument | Museum of the American Revolution |
| 4 | American Visionary Art Museum | Philadelphia Art Museum and the Rocky Steps |
| 5 | Federal Hill Park | Reading Terminal Market |
Food compared
| Baltimore | Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| Steamed blue crabs | Cheesesteak |
| Crab cakes | Roast pork sandwich |
| Maryland crab soup and cream of crab | Hoagie |
| Pit beef | Soft pretzel |
Which is cheaper?
Baltimore is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $200–$320 per person there, against $220–$380 in Philadelphia (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Baltimore on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Baltimore and Philadelphia are about 144 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Baltimore and 3 in Philadelphia.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Baltimore or Philadelphia cheaper?
Baltimore is usually less expensive: about $200–$320 a day mid-range against $220–$380 (estimates).
+Is Baltimore or Philadelphia better for a first trip?
Pick Baltimore for Inner Harbor and Blue crabs, or Philadelphia for Independence Hall and Liberty Bell.
+How far is Baltimore from Philadelphia?
About 144 km in a straight line.