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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Nashville? 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 under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern 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 Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


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

You'll generally find more things to do in Nashville than Winston-Salem. Nashville is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nashville is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nashville 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 Nashville?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

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

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.

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.


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

Winston-Salem
Nashville

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

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 Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Winston-Salem or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

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

Nashville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

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 Nashville Better for Music?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

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

In Nashville you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Winston-Salem is not a live music destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

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

Winston-Salem
Nashville

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Nashville?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

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

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 Winston-Salem or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Winston-Salem does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to Nashville during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Winston-Salem does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Winston-Salem or Nashville Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

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

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.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Nashville Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

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

Nashville is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

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 Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Nashville Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

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

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

Winston-Salem
Nashville

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


Is Winston-Salem or Nashville a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Nashville

Winston-Salem is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nashville 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 Nashville.

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

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


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Nashville 2-3

One day in Winston-Salem or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winston-Salem. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the country music lovers destination of Nashville. 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 Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. 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 Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Winston-Salem. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the country music lovers destination of Nashville. 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 Nashville?

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

You'll find live music and food around the city of Nashville. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Winston-Salem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $172. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Winston-Salem and Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Nashville? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Winston-Salem


Hotels in Nashville


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices and Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Private Round trip transfer - Nashville International Airport (BNA): $260

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville and Winston-Salem change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Winston-Salem $42
    Nashville $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

For Nashville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Nashville $27

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Music City Self-Guided Walking Tour w/ Audio App: $6.75
  • Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $14
  • Downtown Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Belmont Mansion All Day Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Guided Ghost-Themed Walking Tour: $25
  • Nashville Unveiled: History, Highlights, and Hacks Walking Tour: $25
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour with Local Guide: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Tour and Tastings: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Lost Spirits: Murder True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Brewery & Distillery Tour by Golf Cart: $58
  • Brewery and Distillery Cart Tour: $59


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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Nashville?

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

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 Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Nashville averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Nashville. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Nashville. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally around the same temperature as Nashville. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville 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 Nashville during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Nashville. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Nashville. The winter months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. The weather in Winston-Salem can be very cold. Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Nashville in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nashville. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

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

Both Nashville and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. In April, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Nashville. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)