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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Lewisburg?

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 Lewisburg 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a quaint, charming, and historical town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

Gatlinburg and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Lewisburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Lewisburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Lewisburg is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Lewisburg and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to the Gatlinburg Strip. Lewisburg is popular for its historical charm and friendly personality.

How is Gatlinburg different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Lewisburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Lewisburg.

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.

Lewisburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at decent restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Lewisburg.

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 Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Gatlinburg or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Gatlinburg or Lewisburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is well known for its resorts. However, Lewisburg is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Lewisburg is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

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

Lewisburg is a good destination for visiting its old town. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Lewisburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lewisburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Gatlinburg. 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.

Lewisburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Lewisburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Gatlinburg or Lewisburg Better for Families?

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

Lewisburg offers lots of family activities. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.

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 Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is well known for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.

Is Gatlinburg or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Lewisburg is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Lewisburg. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Gatlinburg or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is well known for its walkability. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. 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.

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable place. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Lewisburg?

Lewisburg has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Lewisburg, 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 Lewisburg?

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 Lewisburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Lewisburg. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Lewisburg because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Lewisburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lewisburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 310 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lewisburg. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Lewisburg. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Lewisburg in the Autumn?

Both Lewisburg and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Lewisburg during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Lewisburg in the Winter?

Both Lewisburg and Gatlinburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lewisburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lewisburg. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Lewisburg. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Lewisburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Lewisburg. Also, many visitors come to Lewisburg in the spring for the small town charm.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Lewisburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lewisburg this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Lewisburg during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lewisburg and Gatlinburg