A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Portland, Maine for Nightlife, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Portland, Maine 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. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Gatlinburg different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Gatlinburg. 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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine?

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

Portland, Maine offers some nice shopping areas. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

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

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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 quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly 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.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

The high energy destination of Gatlinburg offers skiing and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine?

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Portland, Maine, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Gatlinburg. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Portland, Maine. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine 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. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Portland, Maine. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Portland, Maine. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Portland, Maine. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Gatlinburg