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

Should you visit Columbus or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Gatlinburg? 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Columbus and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Columbus and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to the Gatlinburg Strip. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbus or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Columbus is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Columbus is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Columbus or Gatlinburg.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Columbus or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Columbus and Gatlinburg both to be decent destinations.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

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 Columbus or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gatlinburg. 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Gatlinburg?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Columbus and Gatlinburg.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Columbus or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Columbus is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. 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.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Gatlinburg?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Gatlinburg?

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

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbus, 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.

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gatlinburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Gatlinburg?

Columbus, 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.

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Gatlinburg?

Columbus 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Gatlinburg?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Gatlinburg. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

Columbus is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gatlinburg. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Columbus is cooler than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Gatlinburg. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit.

Columbus is cooler than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Columbus