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

Should you visit Durham 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 Durham and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and skiing.

Durham and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Durham is more popular for its museums and food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durham or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for snow skiing. However, Durham is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Durham is not a skiing destination.

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

Durham 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 Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

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 Durham or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Durham or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Gatlinburg?

Both Durham and Gatlinburg are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. 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 Durham or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Durham offers lots of family activities. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

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 Durham or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Durham or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Durham is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Durham is very popular with students. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Durham or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

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.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Gatlinburg?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Gatlinburg. The summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In the summer, Durham is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the summer, Durham often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Durham is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Durham 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 Durham or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Durham. Durham is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Durham often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Durham usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Gatlinburg.

In the spring, Durham is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Durham usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Durham 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 Durham