Comparison · Philadelphia vs Washington, D.C. · United States
Philadelphia vs Washington, D.C.
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 颐园居, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Philadelphia for Independence Hall and Liberty Bell; choose Washington, D.C. for National Mall, Smithsonian museums and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 198 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 198 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Philadelphia
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Washington, D.C.
- April–May and September–October
Side by side
| Philadelphia | Washington, D.C. | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Cheesesteaks | National Mall, Smithsonian museums and Lincoln Memorial |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | April–May and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $220–$380 | $250–$400 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 31°C (88°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 5°C (41°F) | January, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 18 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | PHL | DCA, IAD, BWI |
Which one is right for you?
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…
Choose Washington, D.C. for…
National Mall, Smithsonian museums and free sights. Washington, D.C. lines up its monuments and the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall, a grassy axis of about 3 km between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Almost all of the big museums are free, which makes the capital unusually good value for a…
Top sights compared
| # | Philadelphia | Washington, D.C. |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Independence Hall | National Mall |
| 2 | Liberty Bell Center | Lincoln Memorial |
| 3 | Museum of the American Revolution | Washington Monument |
| 4 | Philadelphia Art Museum and the Rocky Steps | United States Capitol |
| 5 | Reading Terminal Market | Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) |
Food compared
| Philadelphia | Washington, D.C. |
|---|---|
| Cheesesteak | Half-smoke |
| Roast pork sandwich | Mumbo sauce |
| Hoagie | Ethiopian injera and wot |
| Soft pretzel | Steamed blue crabs |
Which is cheaper?
Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $220–$380 in Philadelphia and $250–$400 in Washington, D.C. (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Philadelphia on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are about 198 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Philadelphia and 4 in Washington, D.C..
Questions travellers ask
+Is Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $220–$380 in Philadelphia and $250–$400 in Washington, D.C. (estimates).
+Is Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. better for a first trip?
Pick Philadelphia for Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, or Washington, D.C. for National Mall, Smithsonian museums and free sights.
+How far is Philadelphia from Washington, D.C.?
About 198 km in a straight line.