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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Boston?

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 Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Gatlinburg and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Boston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boston. Although Gatlinburg and Boston are both popular with visitors, Boston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boston is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Boston and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Boston is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail.

How is Gatlinburg different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Skiing?

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

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Boston is not a skiing destination.

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

Boston is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is great for theatre. However, Gatlinburg is not a theatre destination.

Boston has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Gatlinburg is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is very good for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. However, Boston 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.

Boston is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is adequate for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Boston is one of the most recognized in the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston 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.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Boston?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Boston both offer plenty of good spots.

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.

Boston offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Gatlinburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Gatlinburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Gatlinburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Gatlinburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Boston is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Boston Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Boston is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

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 Boston Better for Students?

Boston is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Boston 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.

Boston has a great public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation 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 Boston a more walkable city?

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

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Boston 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 Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Gatlinburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Gatlinburg or Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Boston. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Boston. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Boston. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Boston. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Boston. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Boston and Gatlinburg