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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Detroit?

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 Detroit can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Detroit travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Gatlinburg and Detroit are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its food, music, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Gatlinburg different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Detroit Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Detroit is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Detroit is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Detroit.

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.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

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 Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Gatlinburg or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is renowned for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Detroit is known as a music capital around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Detroit Better for Resorts?

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

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Detroit Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Detroit?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Detroit both offer plenty of nice 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.

Detroit offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Gatlinburg or Detroit Better for Families?

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

Detroit offers lots of family activities. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

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 Detroit Better for Couples?

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

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Gatlinburg or Detroit a more walkable city?

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

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. 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.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gatlinburg and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg than in Detroit. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit?

In Gatlinburg, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With live music and food around the under-rated city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Detroit?

In Gatlinburg, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gatlinburg has to offer.

With food and shopping around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Detroit?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Detroit, 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 Gatlinburg or Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Gatlinburg. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Detroit, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Gatlinburg or Detroit in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Detroit. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Detroit. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Detroit. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Detroit in the Winter?

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

Detroit can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Detroit. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Detroit. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Gatlinburg