A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Canberra vs. Nashville for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Canberra or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Nashville? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and museums.

Canberra and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville than Canberra. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its nightlife, music, and resorts, while Canberra attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Canberra different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Canberra is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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 Canberra or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Canberra 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 Canberra. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nashville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Nashville Better for Music?

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Nashville. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Canberra is not a live music destination.

Is Canberra or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Canberra or Nashville Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Nashville?

Canberra is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Canberra. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

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 Canberra or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Canberra does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Canberra does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Canberra or Nashville Better for Families?

Canberra 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.

Canberra is a very family-friendly destination. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra or Nashville Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Canberra and Nashville make for a nice place to visit.

Canberra makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Nashville is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Canberra or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Nashville Better for Students?

Canberra 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 Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Canberra is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra or Nashville a more walkable city?

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

Canberra is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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 Canberra Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Canberra and Nashville. In our opinion, Canberra has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Canberra than Nashville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Canberra 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 Canberra.

One day in Canberra or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Canberra. 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.

The city of Nashville offers live music and food. 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.

A weekend in Canberra or Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Canberra. 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.

Nashville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nashville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Canberra. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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.

A week in Canberra or Nashville?

Canberra 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.

Nashville is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Canberra and Nashville, we can see that Nashville is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific and Nashville is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Nashville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nashville than you might in Canberra.

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Nashville?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nashville has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Canberra or Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Canberra is generally cooler than Nashvillein July. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 20°C (68°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In January, Canberra usually receives less rain than Nashvillein July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Canberra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Canberra is around the same temperature as Nashville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Nashvillein October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Nashville. The winter months attract visitors to Canberra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. In the winter, Canberra is much warmer than Nashville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Canberra in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Nashville averages at about 38°F (4°C)in January.

In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Nashvillein January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Nashville. The activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

In October, Canberra is generally around the same temperature as Nashvillein April. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 15°C (60°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Nashville. Canberra usually gets less rain in October than Nashvillein April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Canberra