A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nashville vs. Mystic for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nashville or Mystic?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Mystic can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and museums. See Nashville travel costs.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Mystic travel costs.

Nashville and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Mystic?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville. Although Nashville and Mystic are both popular with visitors, Nashville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nashville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Mystic is known for its museums and attractions, beaches, and shopping. Mystic is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its New England charm and local character. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Nashville different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nashville or Mystic?

Nashville
Mystic

Mystic is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.


Is the Food Better in Nashville or Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Mystic

Nashville is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Nashville or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Mystic

Nashville is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Nashville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Nashville or Mystic Better for Music?

Nashville
Mystic

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Mystic is not a live music destination.

Nashville is known as a music capital around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Mystic is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Mystic

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Nashville
Mystic

Mystic is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Mystic?

Nashville
Mystic

Mystic is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.


Is Nashville or Mystic Better for Families?

Nashville
Mystic

Mystic is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Nashville or Mystic Better for Couples?

Nashville
Mystic

Both Nashville and Mystic are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Nashville or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Mystic

Nashville is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.


Is Nashville or Mystic Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nashville
Mystic

Neither Nashville or Mystic offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Nashville or Mystic a more walkable city?

Nashville
Mystic

Mystic is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Mystic is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Nashville Worth Visiting? and Is Mystic Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville and Mystic. In our opinion, Nashville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nashville than Mystic. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nashville than Mystic 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 Nashville.


  • How many days in Nashville or Mystic? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Mystic 2-3

One day in Nashville or Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nashville. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mystic. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Nashville or Mystic?

Nashville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back town of Mystic. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the country music lovers destination of Nashville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mystic is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Mystic or Nashville?

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

  • Nashville Prices
    USA Prices
    Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nashville $202
    Mystic $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $202, while the average daily cost in Mystic is $248. 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 Nashville and Mystic in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Mystic $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Mystic $250
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Mystic

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Mystic? 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 Nashville


Hotels in Mystic


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: Nashville Hotel Prices and Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Mystic $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Reliable Airport Transfer to Downtown Nashville: $35
  • Private Transfer Nashville Airport BNA to Nashville City: $50
  • Private Round Trip Transfer Nashville Airport BNA to Nashville: $200
  • Private Luxe Transfer: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • One way Private Transfer from International Airport to Nashville : $97
  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $70
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Mystic?

Prices for flights to both Mystic and Nashville 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
    Nashville $72
    Mystic $90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Nashville: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Nashville: $75
  • East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings: $96
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Food Tour with 5+ Tastings of Local Delicacies: $99
  • East Nashville Sidewalk Food Tour : $99
  • Secret Food Tour Nashville - 12South: $104
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $112
  • East Nashville Food Tour: Flavors & Stories of the East Side: $145
  • East Nashville Guided Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Dishing on Downtown: Nashville Food Tour: $145
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Mystic $24

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour: $30
  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • Helicopter Tour Downtown Nashville TN (approx. 30 min): $190
  • 3 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $269
  • 4 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $299
  • 4 Hour Can-Am Experience to Hampshire Wineries: $299
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West: $61
  • African American History Walking Tour [Franklin, TN] : $197
  • All Inclusive Nashville Pub Adventure: $68
  • Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour: $200
  • Belmont Mansion General Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $32
  • Mystic's Ghosts GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour w/EMF Reader: $7.80
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Mystic $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Firecracker Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Ghosts: Adults-Only Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Journey to Jubilee Guided Tour at Belle Meade with Wine Tasting: $29
  • Nashville Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Venues & Drink Specials: $30
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $33
  • Nashville's Haunted Spirits Murder & True Crime Ghostly Pub Crawl: $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nashville and Mystic, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. And not only is Nashville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nashville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nashville 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic than you might in Nashville.

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Mystic?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Mystic, 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 Nashville or Mystic?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nashville or Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Nashville is a little warmer than Mystic in the summer. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Mystic. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Mystic 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Mystic in the Autumn?

Both Mystic and Nashville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mystic in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nashville is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nashville in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Mystic averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the autumn, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets less rain in October than Mystic. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Mystic 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Mystic in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Mystic. Many visitors come to Nashville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mystic can be very cold during winter. Nashville can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nashville is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 38°F (4°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Mystic during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nashville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mystic. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Mystic in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Mystic. Most visitors come to Nashville for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches.

Nashville is much warmer than Mystic in the spring. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the spring, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Mystic. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Mystic 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Mystic and Nashville

Nashville Mystic
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)