A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nashville vs. Vail for Music, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nashville or Vail?

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 Vail 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.

Vail

Vail is a vibrant, upscale, and resort-filled ski town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Nashville and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Vail?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Nashville and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nashville attracts visitors for its museums, music, and big city activities. Vail is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Nashville different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Nashville is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Vail. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Nashville is not a skiing destination.

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

Nashville is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Nashville and Vail 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 Vail. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nashville and Vail.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Vail is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Music?

Nashville is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town 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.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Resorts?

Vail is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

In Vail, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

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.

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail 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 Vail. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Vail?

Vail is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

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 Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas activities.

Vail offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Nashville offers some nice Christmas activities. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

Vail is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nashville does not offer Christmas markets.

Vail offers plenty of Christmas markets. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Nashville does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Families?

Vail is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Vail is an extremely popular ski town to visit for families. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Vail is a great ski town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Nashville or Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville and Vail 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 Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Vail is a ski town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Vail has some public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

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 Vail a more walkable city?

Vail is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vail. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Vail?

Both Nashville and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vail than in Nashville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Vail.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vail than Nashville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vail that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vail 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 Vail.

One day in Nashville or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Nashville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Vail?

Nashville is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Vail?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the eclectic destination of Nashville. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski town has to offer.

A week in Nashville or Vail?

The country music lovers city of Nashville offers nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Vail is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vail, one week is sufficent for most. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nashville and Vail, we can see that Vail is more expensive. And not only is Nashville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nashville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nashville 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 Vail would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vail than you might in Nashville.

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

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Vail?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Vail, 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.