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

Should you visit Greenville or Gatlinburg?

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 Greenville and Gatlinburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

Greenville is a southern, welcoming, and hospitable city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Greenville travel costs.

Gatlinburg

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

Greenville and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Greenville or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Greenville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Greenville 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. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Greenville or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for skiing. However, Greenville 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.

Greenville is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Gatlinburg and Greenville.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greenville. Museums focus on art, history, and science. Notable museums in town include the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Greenville and Gatlinburg can be an enjoyable experience.

Greenville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is growing and the farm-to-table movement is apparent here, but the city is still often overlooked by foodies in the area.

Gatlinburg offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Greenville or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Greenville. Bars, breweries, and low key clubs are what drive the city's nightlife scene. There are both piano bars and live music venues that often lean towards the local country classics.

Is Greenville or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Gatlinburg. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Greenville is not a resort destination.

Is Greenville or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

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

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Gatlinburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Greenville and Gatlinburg both offer plenty of notable spots.

Greenville has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find upscale shopping in the city's downtown and sprawling shopping malls in other neighborhoods. There are plenty of name brand stores where you can pick up the latest style.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for shopping. 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 Greenville or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

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

Greenville offers lots of family activities. There are many local families in town, so you'll find all kinds of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Paris Mountain State Park is a popular place where everyone can run around. Falls Park on the Reedy River also has walking trails and is in the city's historic district. There's also a children's theater and plenty of playgrounds 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 Greenville or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great city for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

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.

Greenville is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You can take the free trolley down Main Street and then enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

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

Gatlinburg is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Greenville 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 Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

Is Greenville or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville 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.

Greenville is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Greenville 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 Greenville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Greenville. 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 Greenville 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 Greenville or Gatlinburg?

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

With museums and skiing around the wild 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 Greenville or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Greenville, 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 Greenville or Gatlinburg?

Greenville, 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 Greenville or Gatlinburg?

Greenville 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Greenville or Gatlinburg?

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