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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Richmond?

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and skiing.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Richmond?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Richmond, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Richmond is more popular for its museums and food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Richmond and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Richmond is well known for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Gatlinburg different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Richmond Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for snow skiing. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a skiing destination.

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

Richmond 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 Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Richmond 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 Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

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 Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is Gatlinburg or Richmond Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Richmond Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Richmond?

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

Richmond offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is Gatlinburg or Richmond Better for Families?

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

Richmond offers lots of family activities. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Richmond Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is notable for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Gatlinburg or Richmond Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Gatlinburg or Richmond a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Richmond?

Richmond has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

Richmond gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Richmond. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Richmond. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the shopping scene.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Richmond in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond 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 Richmond during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Richmond. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Richmond. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Richmond can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Richmond. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Richmond averages at about 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Richmond. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Richmond. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Richmond and Gatlinburg