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

Should you visit Columbus or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and museums.

Columbus and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Nashville?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nashville than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Nashville, Nashville has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nashville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Columbus is known for its shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Columbus or Nashville.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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 Columbus or Nashville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Nashville Better for Music?

Nashville is a world-class destination for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

Nashville is known as a music capital 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.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is Columbus or Nashville Better for Resorts?

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

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Nashville?

Columbus 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 Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus or Nashville Better for Christmas?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Columbus does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Columbus or Nashville Better for Families?

Columbus 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.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Nashville Better for Couples?

Nashville is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good 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.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Nashville a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbus and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nashville than in Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Columbus. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbus has to offer. 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 Columbus or Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus or Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Columbus. 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 Columbus or Nashville?

Columbus 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Nashville, we can see that Nashville 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Nashville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Nashville?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for 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.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Nashville. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Nashville in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Columbus is cooler than Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Nashville. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Nashville. The winter months attract visitors to Columbus because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Columbus can be very cold. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Nashville. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Nashville. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

Columbus is cooler than Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. Columbus usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Columbus