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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Bangor?

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 Gatlinburg and Bangor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bangor travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Bangor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Bangor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Bangor is more popular for its food and small town charm. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Bangor and is popular 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. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

How is Gatlinburg different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Bangor Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for snow skiing. However, Bangor 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.

Bangor is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Bangor.

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.

Bangor offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

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

Bangor 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 Bangor. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

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 Gatlinburg or Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Gatlinburg or Bangor Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Bangor is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Bangor?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. 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.

Bangor offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Gatlinburg or Bangor Better for Families?

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

Bangor offers lots of family activities. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

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 Gatlinburg or Bangor Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Is Gatlinburg or Bangor a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Bangor is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Bangor?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Bangor 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 Gatlinburg or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Bangor?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Bangor, 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 town.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bangor, a popular town, 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 Gatlinburg or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the wild destination of Gatlinburg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bangor 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 from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Bangor, 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Bangor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Bangor?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Bangor, 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 Gatlinburg or Bangor?

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 Gatlinburg or Bangor in the Summer?

Both Bangor and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bangor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Bangor. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Bangor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Bangor. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Bangor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Bangor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Bangor. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Bangor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Bangor. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bangor because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bangor can be very cold. Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Bangor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Bangor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Bangor. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Bangor in the Spring?

Both Bangor and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Bangor this time of year.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Bangor. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Bangor. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bangor and Gatlinburg