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

Should you visit Guadalajara or New Orleans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Guadalajara and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or New Orleans?

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Guadalajara. While Guadalajara is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Guadalajara is more popular for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals.

The French Quarter

How is Guadalajara different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Is Guadalajara or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Is Guadalajara or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Guadalajara is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Guadalajara is not a live music destination.

Is Guadalajara or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara and New Orleans both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Guadalajara to see the historical old town. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

New Orleans is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or New Orleans?

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

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 Guadalajara or New Orleans Better for Families?

Neither Guadalajara nor New Orleans are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Guadalajara is not always the best place to visit. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

New Orleans is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Guadalajara or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and New Orleans are both notable to visit as a couple.

Guadalajara is a good city for couples to visit. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. 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 Guadalajara or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Guadalajara is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

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 Guadalajara or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Guadalajara is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Guadalajara or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara is very walkable. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and New Orleans. In our opinion, New Orleans has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New Orleans than Guadalajara. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Guadalajara or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Guadalajara. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the festive city of New Orleans. 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.

A weekend in Guadalajara or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Guadalajara. 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. 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.

Five days in Guadalajara or New Orleans?

The vibrant city of Guadalajara offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The fun-filled city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting New Orleans. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or New Orleans?

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