A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or New York City?

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 Blue Ridge and New York City. 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Blue Ridge and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City. Although Blue Ridge and New York City are both popular with visitors, New York City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge is known for its hiking and small town charm. New York City is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Blue Ridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or New York City?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Blue Ridge is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Blue Ridge is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or New York City?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in New York City offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and New York City are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

New York City is a very kid-friendly town. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge and New York City are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

New York City is a great town to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or New York City?

Both Blue Ridge and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Blue Ridge. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Blue Ridge 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 New York City.

One day in Blue Ridge or New York City?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

When visiting New York City, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

When visiting New York City, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Blue Ridge or New York City?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or New York City?

Blue Ridge is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 6790 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and New York City, 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 Blue Ridge or New York City?

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 Blue Ridge or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than New York City. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New York City. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and New York City. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than New York City. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as New York City. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than New York City. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Blue Ridge