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

Should you visit Florence or New Orleans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or New Orleans, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, 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.

Florence and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Florence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New Orleans is very popular for its nightlife, music, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Florence attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Florence is famous for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. 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 Florence different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Florence and New Orleans can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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.

Is Florence or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Florence or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a live music destination.

Is Florence or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Florence 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 Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence or New Orleans?

Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Florence is a family-friendly city. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Florence is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Florence is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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 Florence or New Orleans Better for Students?

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

Florence is a very popular city for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

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

Florence 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.

Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

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 Florence or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Florence?

How long in Florence or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Florence and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

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

One day in Florence or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic city of Florence. 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 Florence or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the iconic destination of Florence. 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 Florence or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical city of Florence. 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 Florence or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and New Orleans. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Florence is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 25°C (77°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 Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Florence usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Florence gets 316 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, Florence usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Florence or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Florence as well as New Orleans. Many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Florence is cooler than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 16°C (61°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, Florence often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets more rain in October than New Orleans. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or New Orleans in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Florence is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florence in January average around 7°C (45°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Florence usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Florence gets 105 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, Florence usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Florence or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Florence during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

In April, Florence is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 14°C (57°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, Florence often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Florence gets 192 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. Florence usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Florence