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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Gatlinburg? 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Gatlinburg

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

Cincinnati and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Gatlinburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Cincinnati and Gatlinburg are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cincinnati or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a skiing destination.

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

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gatlinburg is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Cincinnati or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

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

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

Is Cincinnati or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Gatlinburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Gatlinburg and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cincinnati or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Cincinnati is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

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 Cincinnati or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cincinnati and Gatlinburg.

You'll find some public transit in Cincinnati, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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.

Is Cincinnati or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Cincinnati and Gatlinburg both are great when exploring on foot.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Gatlinburg?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Cincinnati during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

In July, Cincinnati is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°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 Cincinnati. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Cincinnati gets 298 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. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Cincinnati is cooler than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°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. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Cincinnati can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cincinnati is much colder than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Cincinnati is generally cooler than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°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 Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Cincinnati