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

Should you visit Nashville or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke 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 country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Nashville travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Roanoke travel costs.

Nashville and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Roanoke?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nashville than Roanoke. Nashville is bigger than Roanoke, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nashville is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Roanoke is more popular for its hiking and shopping. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Nashville different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nashville or Roanoke.

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Roanoke offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Nashville is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nashville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Nashville or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Nashville has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Nashville or Roanoke Better for Music?

Nashville is renowned for its music scene. However, Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Nashville or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Roanoke?

Roanoke is a town with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

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 Roanoke Better for Families?

Both Nashville and Roanoke are notable to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Roanoke. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Nashville or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Roanoke is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Nashville or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville and Roanoke are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Nashville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Plenty of backpackers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Roanoke is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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

Is Nashville or Roanoke a more walkable city?

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

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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 Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville and Roanoke. In our opinion, Nashville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nashville than Roanoke. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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

One day in Nashville or Roanoke?

In Nashville, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Roanoke?

In Nashville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nashville has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Roanoke?

Nashville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy town of Roanoke. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nashville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Nashville and Roanoke, we can see that Nashville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Roanoke?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Roanoke. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Roanoke in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nashville is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nashville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Nashville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Roanoke. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nashville or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Roanoke. Many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Nashville is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the autumn, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets less rain in October than Roanoke. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Roanoke can be very cold. Nashville can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nashville is around the same temperature as Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nashville or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Nashville during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city.

In April, Nashville is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the spring, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Roanoke. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Nashville