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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Alexandria?

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 Gatlinburg and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Alexandria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Alexandria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Alexandria is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Alexandria and is known 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. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Gatlinburg different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Alexandria Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing. However, Alexandria 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.

Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

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

Alexandria 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 Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

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 Gatlinburg or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

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 Gatlinburg or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Gatlinburg or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Alexandria Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. 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.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Alexandria?

Alexandria is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Gatlinburg or Alexandria Better for Families?

Alexandria is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

For families, Alexandria is not always the best place to visit. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

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 Gatlinburg or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Alexandria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Gatlinburg or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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

Alexandria is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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

Is Gatlinburg or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its walkability. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. 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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Alexandria, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Alexandria, 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 Gatlinburg or Alexandria?

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 Gatlinburg or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Alexandria. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Alexandria. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Gatlinburg