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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Newport?

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 Newport 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 shopping, museums, and skiing.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Newport and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street.

How is Gatlinburg different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Newport Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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

Newport 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 Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Gatlinburg or Newport Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Newport is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Gatlinburg. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Newport is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is great for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Newport Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Newport?

Newport is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Gatlinburg or Newport Better for Families?

Newport is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Newport is a very family-friendly destination. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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.

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

Gatlinburg and Newport both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Is Gatlinburg or Newport a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Newport are very good when it comes to 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.

Newport is a very walkable city. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Newport. The summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 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 Newport. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Newport. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Newport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Newport. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Newport in the Winter?

Both Newport and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Newport can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Newport during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Newport. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Newport. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Newport. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Newport and Gatlinburg