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

Should you visit Naples or New Orleans?

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

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

Naples

Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant 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. Other popular activities here include food, nightlife, and live music.

Naples and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or New Orleans?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Naples. While Naples is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is better known for its nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Naples is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. New Orleans is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

The French Quarter

How is Naples different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples 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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Naples and New Orleans both to be first-rate destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to New Orleans just to party. 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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Naples or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Naples is not a live music destination.

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.

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Naples or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Naples to see the historical old town. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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 Naples or New Orleans?

Naples 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Naples is a family-friendly city. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

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 Naples or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples or New Orleans Better for Students?

Naples and New Orleans are notable places to visit for students.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

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

Naples is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Naples is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Naples 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore 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 Naples Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Naples?

How long in Naples or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Naples and New Orleans. In our opinion, Naples has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Naples than New Orleans. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

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

One day in Naples or New Orleans?

Naples is a authentic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Naples or New Orleans?

Naples is a gritty big city where you can fill many days. 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 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 Naples or New Orleans?

The fascinating city of Naples 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.

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 Naples or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the vibrant 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 Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in 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 Naples and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Naples 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 Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Naples.

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or New Orleans?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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 Naples 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 Naples or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Naples as well as New Orleans. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Naples is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Naples in July average around 23°C (74°F), and New Orleans averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In the summer, Naples often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Naples gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Naples usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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 October, Naples is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 17°C (63°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Naples usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Naples. In October, Naples usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Naples or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Naples during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Naples in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Naples is cooler than New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Naples often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. Naples usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and New Orleans. Most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Naples is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Naples in April average around 13°C (55°F), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. Naples usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Naples usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 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 Naples