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

Should you visit Bordeaux or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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 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.

Bordeaux and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Bordeaux. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New Orleans is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Bordeaux attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is famous for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter.

The French Quarter

How is Bordeaux different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Bordeaux is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Bordeaux and New Orleans both to be terrific destinations.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

New Orleans has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is Bordeaux or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to New Orleans just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Bordeaux or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New Orleans 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.

Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Is Bordeaux or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or New Orleans?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux or New Orleans Better for Families?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Bordeaux or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Bordeaux is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers 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 Bordeaux or New Orleans Better for Students?

Bordeaux is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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 Bordeaux or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bordeaux and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the romantic city of Bordeaux. Most people visit for the food. 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.

The city of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bordeaux or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the elegant destination of Bordeaux. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Orleans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the elegant city of Bordeaux. 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.

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Bordeaux or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 Bordeaux and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bordeaux is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 21°C (69°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 Bordeaux this time of the year. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Bordeaux is cooler than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bordeaux or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Bordeaux during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the winter, Bordeaux is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bordeaux in January average around 6°C (43°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Bordeaux gets 86 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and New Orleans. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

In April, Bordeaux is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 12°C (53°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. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 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, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 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 Bordeaux