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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Norfolk?

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Norfolk travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Norfolk 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 Norfolk is known for its food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular 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. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Gatlinburg different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Norfolk Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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 Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a world class party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Gatlinburg or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Norfolk Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Norfolk?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Norfolk 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.

Norfolk offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Norfolk Better for Families?

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

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

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 Norfolk Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Gatlinburg or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Gatlinburg or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Gatlinburg than Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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

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

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 blue collar city of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences.

Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Gatlinburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Norfolk. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Norfolk.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Gatlinburg