A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Atlanta for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paris or Atlanta?

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

Should I visit Paris or Atlanta? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Atlanta?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Atlanta. Paris is bigger than Atlanta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Atlanta?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Paris or Atlanta.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Paris or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Paris is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Atlanta?

If you're looking to go shopping, Paris and Atlanta both offer plenty of fantastic spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Paris. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Atlanta does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Families?

Paris is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Paris is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Students?

Paris is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Is Paris or Atlanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Paris or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Paris is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Paris?

How long in Paris or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Paris or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paris due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Atlanta 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Atlanta?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Atlanta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this suburban big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Atlanta?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Atlanta?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Atlanta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Atlanta. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find food and shopping around the suburban big city of Atlanta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, 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 Paris and Atlanta, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris is in Europe and Atlanta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Atlanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Atlanta?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Atlanta, 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 Paris or Atlanta?

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 Paris or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In July, Paris usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Paris is cooler than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in October than Atlanta. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Atlanta. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Paris can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as Atlanta. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In April, Paris is generally much colder than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Paris usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Paris