A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Asheville vs. Cherokee for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Asheville or Cherokee?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Cherokee. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Asheville travel costs.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a genuine, fascinating, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Cherokee travel costs.

Asheville and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Cherokee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Cherokee are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cherokee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate. Cherokee is famous for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Asheville different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Cherokee?

Cherokee is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Cherokee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Asheville makes for a great culinary experience. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is notable for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Asheville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Music?

Asheville is notable for live music. However, Cherokee is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Cherokee is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town. However, Cherokee does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Cherokee does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Asheville and Cherokee, and they are great.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Many visitors go to Cherokee for the hiking trails. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Cherokee?

Asheville is notable for shopping. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Asheville or Cherokee More Beautiful?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Cherokee are great family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cherokee. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Asheville and Cherokee both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Cherokee is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is notable for backpackers. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Cherokee is a good mountain town to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Students?

Asheville is notable for students. However, Cherokee is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Cherokee is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Cherokee Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Cherokee.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Asheville or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

Asheville is somewhat walkable. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable mountain town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Cherokee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Asheville or Cherokee. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cherokee due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cherokee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Cherokee 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Cherokee?

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Cherokee. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Cherokee?

Asheville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Asheville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and food around the genuine destination of Cherokee. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Cherokee?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural town of Cherokee. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Cherokee?

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This mountain town offers something for everyone.

Cherokee is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Cherokee?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Cherokee, 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 Asheville or Cherokee?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Asheville or Cherokee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Cherokee. Many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Asheville is generally around the same temperature as Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Cherokee fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives less sunshine than Cherokee during summer. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Cherokee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Cherokee. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Asheville is around the same temperature as Cherokee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Cherokee fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the autumn, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cherokee. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun.

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Cherokee. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Cherokee in the Winter?

Both Cherokee and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cherokee in the winter. In the winter, Asheville is a little warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Cherokee averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during winter. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In January, Asheville usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Cherokee in the Spring?

Both Cherokee and Asheville during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In April, Asheville is generally around the same temperature as Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Cherokee fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the spring, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cherokee. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Cherokee. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Asheville