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

Should you visit Istanbul or New Orleans?

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

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

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and high-energy 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 food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

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

Istanbul and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than New Orleans, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Orleans is known for its nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere. Istanbul is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. New Orleans is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties.

How is Istanbul different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and New Orleans can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

Is Istanbul or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul is revered around the world. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

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 Istanbul or New Orleans?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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 Istanbul or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Istanbul is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Istanbul. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or New Orleans Better for Students?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul can get you around easily. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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 Istanbul or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or New Orleans?

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

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

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

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

One day in Istanbul or New Orleans?

Istanbul is a historic 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 Istanbul or New Orleans?

Istanbul is a high-energy big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Istanbul or New Orleans?

Istanbul is a historic 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 Istanbul or New Orleans?

Istanbul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, 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 Istanbul and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or New Orleans?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is cooler than New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and New Orleans. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Istanbul 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 January, Istanbul is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or New Orleans in the Spring?

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

Istanbul is much colder than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 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 Istanbul