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

Should you visit Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Winston-Salem, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Atlanta travel costs.

Winston-Salem

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

Atlanta and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Winston-Salem. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Atlanta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its historical sights. Atlanta is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Atlanta different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Atlanta on the map. 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.

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

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

Atlanta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Atlanta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. 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.

Is Atlanta or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

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

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

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 Atlanta or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

Atlanta is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Atlanta is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

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.

Is Atlanta or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Atlanta is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Atlanta is known to be 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.

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

Is Atlanta or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

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

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

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 Atlanta or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. 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.

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 Atlanta or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Atlanta is notable for students. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

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.

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

Atlanta and Winston-Salem both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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.

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.

Is Atlanta or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

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

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

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

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

How long in Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlanta or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlanta than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

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

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

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

One day in Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

Atlanta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

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.

A weekend in Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

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

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.

Five days in Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sprawling big city of Atlanta. 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.

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.

A week in Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlanta. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Winston-Salem, 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 Atlanta or Winston-Salem?

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 Atlanta or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

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

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the summer, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Winston-Salem. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winston-Salem. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

It's quite cold in Winston-Salem in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Winston-Salem. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Winston-Salem and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Winston-Salem in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Atlanta