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

Should you visit Nashville or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg 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. Other popular activities here include food, museums, and nightlife. See Nashville travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Nashville and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nashville or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nashville than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nashville is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Williamsburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. 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.

How is Nashville different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nashville
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Foodies will find both Nashville and Williamsburg both to be very good destinations.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Nashville or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Nashville is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Nashville know how to have a good time. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Nashville or Williamsburg Better for Music?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Nashville is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

In Nashville you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Nashville is a good destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Williamsburg?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nashville or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Nashville
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Nashville is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Nashville or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Nashville
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Williamsburg is a very popular town for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Nashville
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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 Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Nashville
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Williamsburg?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nashville or Williamsburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Williamsburg 2-4

One day in Nashville or Williamsburg?

In Nashville, many people enjoy the live music and food that this southern city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Williamsburg?

Nashville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the live music. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Williamsburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern destination of Nashville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the well-preserved town of Williamsburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Williamsburg?

Nashville is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Williamsburg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nashville $202
    Williamsburg $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $202, while the average daily cost in Williamsburg is $135. 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 Williamsburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Nashville or Williamsburg? 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 Williamsburg


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 Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Williamsburg $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $70
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings: $96
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour Nashville - 12South: $104
  • 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
    Williamsburg $34

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Factory Tour: $8.74
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Legends of Country Music Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Hatch Show Print Shop Guided Tour: $23
  • Haunted History Walking Tour with Guide: $25
  • Nashville's Wildest Honky Tonk Party Bus | Public Tour (21+): $25
  • Nightmare & Hauntings of Music City Nashville Ghost Tour: $27
  • Madame Tussauds Admission Ticket: $30
  • True Crime Walking Tour from Mr. E's Crimecast: $30
  • Guided Ghost-Themed Walking Tour: $30
  • Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour: $30
  • Battle at Belle Meade Civil War Tour: $32

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $250
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $82
  • Civil War Ghost Tour: $25
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Williamsburg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Artists: $35
  • Music History and Moonshine Pub Crawl: $35
  • Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour: $35
  • Murder Mystery Interactive Party Game & Pub Crawl: $38
  • Nashville's Haunted Spirits Murder & True Crime Pub Crawl: $38
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Trolley Tour: $45
  • Nashville Bar Crawl: Guided Pub Crawl with Drinks Discounts: $48
  • Nashville's Speakeasy Secrets: True Crime Tasting Pub Crawl: $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Williamsburg?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Nashville or Williamsburg in the Summer?

Both Williamsburg and Nashville during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nashville is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the summer, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nashville usually gets less rain in July than Williamsburg. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Nashville is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during autumn. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nashville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Williamsburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Williamsburg. Many visitors come to Nashville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In the winter, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Williamsburg. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Williamsburg. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nashville for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the natural beauty.

In April, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Williamsburg during spring. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Nashville

Nashville Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)