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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg 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 nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Williamsburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Gatlinburg different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Williamsburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a skiing destination.

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Gatlinburg or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Williamsburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Williamsburg is one of the most popular family destinations. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Williamsburg are high quality 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.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Is Gatlinburg or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Gatlinburg or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Gatlinburg or Williamsburg. In our opinion, Williamsburg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Williamsburg than Gatlinburg. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Williamsburg. 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.

One day in Gatlinburg or Williamsburg?

In Gatlinburg, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this flashy city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and food around the quaint town of Williamsburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Williamsburg?

Gatlinburg is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Williamsburg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Williamsburg?

You'll find museums and skiing around the wild destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Williamsburg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Williamsburg?

Gatlinburg is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Williamsburg. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Williamsburg. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

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

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Gatlinburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Williamsburg in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In the winter, Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Williamsburg. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Williamsburg. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Gatlinburg