A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Gatlinburg for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Atlanta or Gatlinburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Gatlinburg, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Atlanta and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Atlanta is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Atlanta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Gatlinburg?

Atlanta is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Gatlinburg is a must-see party destination. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great city for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Gatlinburg?

Atlanta is renowned for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Atlanta is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly destination. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Atlanta is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Atlanta is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Gatlinburg?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Gatlinburg, 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 Atlanta or Gatlinburg?

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 Atlanta or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

In the summer, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In October, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Gatlinburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. Atlanta is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Gatlinburg. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Atlanta