A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Pittsburgh for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Pittsburgh. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pittsburgh is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Pittsburgh is well known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Also, Pittsburgh is famous for Mount Washington.

How is Blue Ridge different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Blue Ridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Pittsburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Blue Ridge is great for its shopping areas. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Blue Ridge is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Pittsburgh has some public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Pittsburgh are notable when it comes to walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Pittsburgh 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Pittsburgh, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pittsburgh, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Blue Ridge, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Pittsburgh, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Pittsburgh is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Pittsburgh, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Blue Ridge.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Pittsburgh, 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.