A Travel Price Comparison for Tennessee Gatlinburg vs. Memphis for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Memphis?

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 Memphis 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 museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Gatlinburg and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its food, music, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Gatlinburg different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Memphis Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Memphis.

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.

Memphis offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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

Memphis 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 Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. 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.

Memphis offers plenty to do in the evening. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Is Gatlinburg or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is renowned for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Memphis Better for Resorts?

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

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Memphis Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great city for hiking. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Memphis?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Gatlinburg or Memphis Better for Families?

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

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

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 Memphis Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great city for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Gatlinburg or Memphis Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Gatlinburg or Memphis a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis 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 comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Memphis, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Memphis, 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 Memphis?

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 Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Memphis. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Memphis can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 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 Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Memphis. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Memphis because of the activities around the city.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. 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 Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Gatlinburg