A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nashville vs. Boulder for Music, Nightlife, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Nashville or Boulder?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Boulder can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Nashville and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Boulder?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville than Boulder. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Boulder attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Nashville different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Nashville is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Nashville is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nashville or Boulder?

Nashville is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Is the Food Better in Nashville or Boulder? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Nashville and Boulder both to be nice destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Boulder. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nashville has something for everybody. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Music?

Nashville is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Nashville. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

The music scene in Boulder is active and vibrant. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Boulder?

Boulder is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Boulder. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Boulder does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Boulder does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Families?

Both Nashville and Boulder are nice to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Boulder. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Couples?

Both Nashville and Boulder are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Boulder makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville and Boulder are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

Is Nashville or Boulder Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boulder is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Boulder a more walkable city?

Boulder is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Boulder is somewhat walkable. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Nashville Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville and Boulder. In our opinion, Boulder has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boulder than Nashville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nashville than Boulder. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nashville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder than Nashville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Boulder.

One day in Nashville or Boulder?

In Nashville, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Boulder. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Boulder?

In Nashville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nashville has to offer.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Boulder. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Boulder?

Nashville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the biker-friendly city of Boulder. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Boulder is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Nashville and Boulder, we can see that Boulder 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 Nashville Expensive? and Is Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Boulder?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Boulder. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Boulder, 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.