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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. Visitors also love the nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a proud, traditional, and young university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Gatlinburg and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Charlottesville are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known 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. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Gatlinburg different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville Better for Skiing?

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

Charlottesville is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Charlottesville.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Charlottesville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Charlottesville.

Gatlinburg offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Charlottesville. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

Gatlinburg is a must-see party destination. 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 Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is very good for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great city for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

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

Charlottesville is a very popular destination during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Gatlinburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville Better for Families?

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

Charlottesville offers lots of family activities. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of 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 Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

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.

Charlottesville is a good city for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Gatlinburg or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Charlottesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlottesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Charlottesville?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Charlottesville in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Charlottesville in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Charlottesville in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 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 Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Charlottesville in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Charlottesville. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Gatlinburg