A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Memphis for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Memphis? 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Winston-Salem and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Memphis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Winston-Salem. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Winston-Salem different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Memphis?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Memphis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Memphis.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Winston-Salem or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Memphis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Winston-Salem or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is renowned for its music scene. However, Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

In Memphis you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Memphis Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Memphis?

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Winston-Salem has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Winston-Salem or Memphis Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or Memphis.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Memphis is a family-friendly city. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Winston-Salem or Memphis Better for Couples?

Memphis is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Memphis Better for Students?

Winston-Salem and Memphis are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Is Winston-Salem or Memphis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Winston-Salem and Memphis offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Winston-Salem or Memphis a more walkable city?

Memphis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Memphis than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Winston-Salem 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 Memphis.

One day in Winston-Salem or Memphis?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the creative destination of Memphis. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Memphis?

In Winston-Salem, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Memphis?

Winston-Salem 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 laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find live music and food around the city of Memphis. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Memphis, we can see that Memphis 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 Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Memphis, 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 Winston-Salem or Memphis?

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 Winston-Salem or Memphis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Memphis. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Memphis. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Memphis can be very cold. Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Memphis. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Memphis. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Winston-Salem