Should I Visit Nashville or Austin? Which is Better for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Attractions? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Should you visit Nashville or Austin?

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 Austin 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. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Nashville and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Nashville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nashville is known for its resorts and big city activities. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Nashville different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Austin 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 Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Nashville or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Austin just to party. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Nashville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Nashville or Austin Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Nashville and Austin.

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 Basem*nt, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is Nashville or Austin Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Austin?

Austin is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

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 Austin Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Austin does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville is a fun destination over Christmas. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Austin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Austin Better for Families?

Both Nashville and Austin are good 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 Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Nashville or Austin Better for Couples?

Both Nashville and Austin 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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Nashville or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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.

Is Nashville or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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 Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Austin 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 Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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 Austin a more walkable city?

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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 Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Austin?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nashville or Austin?

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 nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. 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 Austin?

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 live music and food around the eccentric destination of Austin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Austin?

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 food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nashville or Austin?

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.

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Nashville and Austin, 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 Austin?

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 Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Nashville during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nashville is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the summer, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Austin. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Austin. The autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the autumn, Nashville is cooler than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nashville in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin 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 Austin during autumn. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nashville usually receives less rain than Austin. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nashville or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Austin. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. In January, Nashville is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 38°F (4°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Nashville often gets less sunshine than Austin. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nashville is cooler than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. In April, Nashville usually receives more rain than Austin. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Nashville