A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Charlotte travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Charlotte and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Charlotte, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Charlotte is more popular for its food and big city activities. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for skiing. However, Charlotte is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Charlotte is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Gatlinburg and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

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

Gatlinburg is a must-see party destination. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Gatlinburg. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Gatlinburg both offer plenty of notable spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for shopping. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Charlotte is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Charlotte is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlotte and Gatlinburg both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is Charlotte or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

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

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Charlotte or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Charlotte 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 Gatlinburg.

One day in Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

With museums and nightlife around the evolving city of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Gatlinburg. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Charlotte, 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.

You'll find museums and skiing around the high energy destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

Charlotte, 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the high energy city of Gatlinburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

Charlotte 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.

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Gatlinburg, 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 Charlotte or Gatlinburg?

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 Charlotte or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Gatlinburg. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. Charlotte is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gatlinburg. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Charlotte