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

Should you visit Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Greensboro and Gatlinburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a under-rated, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Greensboro travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Greensboro and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Greensboro and Gatlinburg are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Greensboro is famous for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Greensboro or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Greensboro is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Greensboro is not a skiing destination.


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

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Greensboro and Gatlinburg.

Greensboro offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

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.

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

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Both Greensboro and Gatlinburg offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Greensboro. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Gatlinburg may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Greensboro or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Greensboro has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.


Is Greensboro or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is well known for its resorts. However, Greensboro 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.

Greensboro is not a resort destination.

Is Greensboro or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Greensboro 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.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Gatlinburg and Greensboro.

Greensboro offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Greensboro or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

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

Greensboro offers lots of family activities. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

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 Greensboro or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is well known for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Is Greensboro or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Greensboro is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.


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

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its public transit. However, Greensboro 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 mostly limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Is Greensboro or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. 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.

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Greensboro or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Greensboro. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gatlinburg that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Greensboro 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.


  • How many days in Greensboro or Gatlinburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Gatlinburg 2-4

One day in Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Greensboro, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Greensboro, one day is sufficent for most.

With museums and skiing around the flashy city of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Greensboro, 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.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Gatlinburg, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

Greensboro, 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.

Gatlinburg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

Greensboro 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.

Gatlinburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg or Greensboro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Greensboro Prices
    USA Prices
    Gatlinburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greensboro $197
    Gatlinburg $253

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $197, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $253. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Greensboro and Gatlinburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Gatlinburg $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Gatlinburg

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Gatlinburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Greensboro


Hotels in Gatlinburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Greensboro Hotel Prices and Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Gatlinburg $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg and Greensboro change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Greensboro $82
    Gatlinburg $148

Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:


  • Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gatlinburg

For Gatlinburg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste the Smokies Appalachian Inspired Cooking Classes: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Gatlinburg $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg

For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Photos
    $22
  • Horseback Riding (for 2)
    $55

Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.

  • Great Smoky Mountains NP Driving Tour smartphone autoplay APP/GPS: $9.75
  • Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $15
  • Gatlinburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $15
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour: $25
  • Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tours: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Gatlinburg $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:

  • Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $85


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

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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Gatlinburg?

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

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 Greensboro or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking.

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

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the summer, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gatlinburg. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Greensboro is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to Greensboro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. Greensboro can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Greensboro is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Greensboro in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Greensboro often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Greensboro usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 61°F (16°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Greensboro

Greensboro Gatlinburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)