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

Should you visit Baltimore or Gatlinburg?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Baltimore and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Gatlinburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Gatlinburg are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Baltimore and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium.

How is Baltimore different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Baltimore or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for winter skiing. However, Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. 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.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Baltimore or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Gatlinburg. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Gatlinburg. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Gatlinburg?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Baltimore is a very family-friendly destination. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors to Baltimore can move around easily with public transportation. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is Baltimore or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Baltimore and Gatlinburg both are very good when exploring on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Gatlinburg?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Gatlinburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In July, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Gatlinburg. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Baltimore is cooler than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. In the winter, Baltimore is much colder than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Baltimore is generally cooler than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Baltimore