A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Amsterdam or New Orleans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or New Orleans, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than New Orleans. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Orleans attracts visitors for its food and quaint atmosphere. Amsterdam is famous for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties.

How is Amsterdam different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or New Orleans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Amsterdam and New Orleans.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

New Orleans is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Amsterdam or New Orleans.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam and New Orleans both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

New Orleans is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Amsterdam or New Orleans as a family destination.

Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

For families, New Orleans is not always the best place to visit. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Amsterdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Amsterdam can get you around easily. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Amsterdam or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Amsterdam and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than New Orleans 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Amsterdam is a scenic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find live music and food around the city of New Orleans. 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 Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Amsterdam is a scenic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find food and nightlife around the festive destination of New Orleans. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Amsterdam is a canal-lined city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun-filled city of New Orleans. 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 Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

New Orleans 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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Amsterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and New Orleans is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Amsterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amsterdam 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans than you might in Amsterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or New Orleans?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and New Orleans, 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 Amsterdam or New Orleans?

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 Amsterdam or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as New Orleans. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Amsterdam is much colder than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Orleans. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and New Orleans. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Amsterdam