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

Should you visit Atlanta or Nashville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Nashville, 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 suburban, cultural, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Nashville?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Nashville. While Nashville is larger than Atlanta, Atlanta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Nashville is more popular for its music and resorts. 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. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Atlanta different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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

Atlanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Atlanta or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Atlanta and Nashville.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. 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.

Nashville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Atlanta or Nashville Better for Music?

Nashville is terrific for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Atlanta or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Nashville?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Atlanta or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Atlanta or Nashville Better for Families?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Atlanta or Nashville Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Nashville are both notable to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Atlanta or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Nashville are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. 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.

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Is Atlanta or Nashville Better for Students?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. 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.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Atlanta is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Atlanta or Nashville a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Nashville. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Nashville 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Nashville?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Nashville, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Nashville?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Nashville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nashville has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Atlanta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nashville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Nashville?

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Nashville, we can see that Atlanta 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 Nashville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Nashville. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Nashville. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Nashville. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Nashville. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nashville can be very cold during winter. Atlanta is much warmer than Nashville in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

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

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Nashville. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Atlanta is a little warmer than Nashville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nashville. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Atlanta