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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Milwaukee?

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

Gatlinburg

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

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Gatlinburg and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Milwaukee 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. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Gatlinburg different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Milwaukee Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

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

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

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 Milwaukee. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Gatlinburg or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Gatlinburg or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Milwaukee?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Milwaukee both offer plenty of nice 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.

Milwaukee offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Is Gatlinburg or Milwaukee Better for Families?

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

Milwaukee offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

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 Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Gatlinburg or Milwaukee Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Milwaukee?

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

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 Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Milwaukee. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milwaukee can be very cold. Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Gatlinburg