A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg? 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its food and historical sights. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

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 Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem is a good destination for visiting its old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

Both Winston-Salem and Gatlinburg are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. 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 Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Winston-Salem is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Winston-Salem offers lots of family activities. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

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 Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Is Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. 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.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gatlinburg or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gatlinburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Winston-Salem. 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 Gatlinburg than Winston-Salem 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 Gatlinburg.

One day in Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Winston-Salem, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Winston-Salem, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Gatlinburg. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Winston-Salem, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

Winston-Salem, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the flashy destination of Gatlinburg. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

Winston-Salem 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Gatlinburg. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem 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.

When is the best time to visit Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg?

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 Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Gatlinburg. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the summer, Winston-Salem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gatlinburg. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Gatlinburg.

In the spring, Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Winston-Salem