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

Should you visit Budapest or New Orleans?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and New Orleans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic 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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and nightlife.

Budapest and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or New Orleans?

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Budapest attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

The French Quarter

How is Budapest different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest 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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

New Orleans is a must-see 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Budapest or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Budapest or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Budapest and New Orleans are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or New Orleans?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Budapest is a family-friendly city. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Budapest or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest or New Orleans Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

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

Budapest 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 Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get 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 Budapest or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or New Orleans?

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

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

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

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

One day in Budapest or New Orleans?

Budapest is a artistic 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.

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 Budapest or New Orleans?

Budapest is a historic 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 Budapest or New Orleans?

Budapest is a bustling 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 Budapest or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Budapest. 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.

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 Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, 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 Budapest and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Budapest 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 Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or New Orleans?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest or New Orleans?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Budapest or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and New Orleans. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Budapest is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Budapest as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Budapest is much colder than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in October than New Orleans. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Budapest during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In April, Budapest is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Budapest usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Budapest