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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Lancaster?

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

Gatlinburg

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

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lancaster travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Lancaster?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Lancaster, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Lancaster 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. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Gatlinburg different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Lancaster Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a skiing destination.

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

Lancaster is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Lancaster specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Gatlinburg or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Gatlinburg or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great city for hiking. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Lancaster?

Lancaster is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Gatlinburg or Lancaster More Beautiful?

Lancaster is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Lancaster Better for Families?

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

Lancaster is a very family-friendly destination. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

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 Lancaster Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Lancaster are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Is Gatlinburg or Lancaster 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, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Gatlinburg or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Lancaster?

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

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

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

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.

With museums and food around the scenic town of Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

You'll find museums and skiing around the wild 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the wild 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.

Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Lancaster. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Lancaster. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lancaster can be very cold during winter. Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Lancaster. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the natural beauty.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Lancaster. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Gatlinburg