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

Should you visit Lisbon or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or New Orleans? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

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

Lisbon and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon. Although Lisbon and New Orleans are about the same size, Lisbon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lisbon is better known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Orleans is more popular for its quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is more touristy than Lisbon and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Lisbon different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Lisbon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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.

Is Lisbon or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

The terrific nightlife scene is relatively similar in Lisbon and New Orleans.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

New Orleans is a world class 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.

Is Lisbon or New Orleans Better for Music?

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

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

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.

Is Lisbon or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon is revered around the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

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 Lisbon or New Orleans?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lisbon. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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 Lisbon or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Lisbon is a very family-friendly destination. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or New Orleans Better for Students?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon can get you around easily. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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 Lisbon or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or New Orleans?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or New Orleans?

Lisbon is a vibrant 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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or New Orleans?

Lisbon is a picturesque 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or New Orleans?

Lisbon is a picturesque 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or New Orleans?

Lisbon 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.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the energetic destination of New Orleans. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, 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 Lisbon and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon 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 Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or New Orleans?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lisbon is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and New Orleans averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Lisbon gets 352 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, Lisbon usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New Orleans. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and New Orleans. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Lisbon gets 144 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. Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as New Orleans. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lisbon is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 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 Lisbon