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

Should you visit Edinburgh or New Orleans?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and New Orleans can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled 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. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

New Orleans

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

Edinburgh and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh and New Orleans are popular destinations, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while New Orleans attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Edinburgh is famous for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties.

How is Edinburgh different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Edinburgh or New Orleans Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, New Orleans is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

New Orleans is not a theatre destination.

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

New Orleans is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Is Edinburgh or New Orleans Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Edinburgh and New Orleans.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

In New Orleans you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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 Edinburgh or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The historic old town of Edinburgh is revered around the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or New Orleans?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

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 Edinburgh or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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 Edinburgh or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or New Orleans Better for Students?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

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

Edinburgh is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

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 Edinburgh or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or New Orleans?

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

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

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant city of Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. 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 vibrant 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 Edinburgh or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the gothic city of Edinburgh. 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 energetic 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 Edinburgh or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Edinburgh. 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Edinburgh and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Edinburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Edinburgh is much colder than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than New Orleans. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and New Orleans. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Edinburgh