A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gatlinburg vs. Halifax for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Halifax?

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

Gatlinburg

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

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Halifax travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Halifax is known for its food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Halifax 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. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Gatlinburg different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Halifax Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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

Halifax 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 Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

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 Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Gatlinburg or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Halifax Better for Hiking?

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

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Halifax?

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

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Gatlinburg or Halifax Better for Families?

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

Halifax offers lots of family activities. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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 Halifax Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Gatlinburg or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Halifax is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

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

Gatlinburg and Halifax both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Halifax has a few public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Gatlinburg or Halifax a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax 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.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Halifax?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Halifax. 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 Halifax than Gatlinburg 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 Halifax.

One day in Gatlinburg or Halifax?

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 museums and nightlife around the historical city of Halifax, 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 Gatlinburg or Halifax?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Halifax, 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 Gatlinburg or Halifax?

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.

Halifax, 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 Halifax?

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.

Halifax 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 G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Halifax, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax 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 Halifax.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Halifax, 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 Halifax?

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 Halifax in the Summer?

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

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 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 Halifax. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Halifax in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax 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 Halifax for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Halifax can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Halifax. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Halifax in the Spring?

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

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Gatlinburg