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

Should you visit Brussels or New Orleans?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and New Orleans. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant 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.

Brussels and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or New Orleans?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Brussels. While Brussels is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Brussels is known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. New Orleans is more touristy than Brussels 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. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

The French Quarter

How is Brussels different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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 Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Brussels or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is renowned for live music. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Brussels and New Orleans.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or New Orleans?

Brussels is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Brussels. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to 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 Brussels or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Brussels makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brussels is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or New Orleans Better for Students?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

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

Brussels 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 Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in New Orleans. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

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

One day in Brussels or New Orleans?

Brussels is a historic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

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 Brussels or New Orleans?

Brussels is a colorful 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.

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 Brussels or New Orleans?

Brussels is a colorful 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.

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 Brussels or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Brussels and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels 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 Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or New Orleans?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as New Orleans. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Brussels is much colder than New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Brussels 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 Brussels or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the autumn, Brussels is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Brussels gets 49 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. Brussels usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Brussels gets 67 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 Brussels or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and New Orleans. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.

Brussels is much colder than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, 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. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Brussels gets 147 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, Brussels usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 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 Brussels