A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Atlanta for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tampa or Atlanta?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Atlanta? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Atlanta travel costs.

Tampa and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Atlanta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Tampa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Atlanta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Tampa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Atlanta is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Atlanta?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Atlanta has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Atlanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Atlanta Better for Beaches?

Tampa is a great city for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tampa. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Atlanta?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Atlanta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Atlanta.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Tampa or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Atlanta is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Atlanta Better for Students?

Atlanta is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Tampa is not popular with students.

Is Tampa or Atlanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Atlanta?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Tampa 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 Atlanta.

One day in Tampa or Atlanta?

In Tampa, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Atlanta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Atlanta?

In Tampa, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tampa has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Atlanta?

Tampa is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Atlanta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Atlanta. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the suburban big city of Atlanta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Atlanta, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Atlanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Atlanta, 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 Tampa or Atlanta?

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 Tampa or Atlanta in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Atlanta. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Atlanta in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Atlanta in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Atlanta. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tampa is a little warmer than Atlanta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Atlanta averages at about 66°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Atlanta. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Atlanta in the Winter?

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

In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Atlanta in the Spring?

Both Atlanta and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

Tampa is a little warmer than Atlanta in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Tampa