A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Bern or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Bern or New Orleans? 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.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bern and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Bern or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Bern is known for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is Bern different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bern
New Orleans

Bern 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 Bern. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bern
New Orleans

New Orleans is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

Bern
New Orleans

New Orleans is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bern or New Orleans Better for Music?

Bern
New Orleans

New Orleans is renowned for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is a world class music destination. 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.

Bern is not a live music destination.


Is Bern or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Bern
New Orleans

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Bern and New Orleans.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or New Orleans?

Bern
New Orleans

Bern 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 Bern. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

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 Bern or New Orleans Better for Families?

Bern
New Orleans

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Bern is a very family-friendly destination. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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 Bern or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Bern
New Orleans

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

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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 Bern or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
New Orleans

Bern is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Bern is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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 Bern or New Orleans Better for Students?

Bern
New Orleans

New Orleans is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

New Orleans is a good city to visit for students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Bern is not popular with students.


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

Bern
New Orleans

Bern is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Bern is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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 Bern or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Bern
New Orleans

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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 Bern Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Bern?

How long in Bern or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bern and New Orleans. In our opinion, Bern has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bern than New Orleans. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern 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 Bern.


  • How many days in Bern or New Orleans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    New Orleans 2-3

One day in Bern or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Bern or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Bern. 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.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or New Orleans?

The charming city of Bern offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find live music and food around the energetic destination of New Orleans. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Bern or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The festive city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, New Orleans or Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $252, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $239. 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 Bern and New Orleans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $163
    New Orleans $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $326
    New Orleans $250
Compare Hotels in Bern and New Orleans

Looking for a hotel in Bern or New Orleans? 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 Bern


Hotels in New Orleans


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: Bern Hotel Prices and New Orleans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $34
    New Orleans $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $228
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $214
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $192
  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73

Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

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

  • Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $47
  • Private Transfer from Louis Armstrong Airport: $50
  • 1-Way Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Private Airport Transfer From New Orleans: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport MSY: $67
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
  • New Orleans hotels to NOLA Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • New Orleans Port to New Orleans Airport Departure Transfer: $75
  • New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Private Transfer : $75
  • New Orleans to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or New Orleans?

Prices for flights to both New Orleans and Bern 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
    Bern $60
    New Orleans $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

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

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    New Orleans $55

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $633
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $598
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $81
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.00
  • Bern Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour with a Local: $157
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $162
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $464
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $537
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $336

Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

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

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $6.75
  • Ghosts of Self-Guided Haunted Audio/App Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Secret Historical Garden District Audio Tour: $9.99
  • New Orleans Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in New Orleans by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Discover Tremé's Soul: A Self-Guided Audio Experience: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    New Orleans $60

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


When comparing the travel costs between Bern and New Orleans, we can see that Bern 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. Even though Bern is in Europe and New Orleans is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern 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 Bern 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 Bern or New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bern is cooler than New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bern. In the summer, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bern usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Bern or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and New Orleans. Most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Bern is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Bern or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bern as well as New Orleans. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Bern is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Bern usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Bern or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

Bern is much colder than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Bern usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In April, Bern usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Bern

Bern New Orleans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)