A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Gatlinburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Gatlinburg

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

Guadalajara and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Guadalajara or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

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

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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 Guadalajara or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

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 Guadalajara or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Is Guadalajara or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

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

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Guadalajara or Gatlinburg Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is great for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

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 Guadalajara or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Guadalajara is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

For families, Guadalajara is not always the best place to visit. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

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 Guadalajara or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Guadalajara or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Guadalajara is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination 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 Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Guadalajara or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Guadalajara and Gatlinburg are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Guadalajara or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara than Gatlinburg 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Guadalajara, 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the wild city of Gatlinburg. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Guadalajara, 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 city.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the high energy destination of Gatlinburg. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

Guadalajara, a popular city, 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.

The wild city of Gatlinburg offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

Guadalajara 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Gatlinburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Gatlinburg?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara 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.