A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Lancaster for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit New Bern or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Lancaster? 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a charming, laid back, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

New Bern and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Lancaster?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lancaster than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lancaster is better known for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is more popular for its small town charm. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community. Also, Lancaster is famous for Bird-in-Hand Village.

How is New Bern different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Lancaster?

Lancaster is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Is the Food Better in New Bern or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both New Bern and Lancaster can be an enjoyable experience.

New Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Lancaster has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is New Bern or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in New Bern and Lancaster.

New Bern is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Lancaster doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Lancaster?

Lancaster is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is New Bern or Lancaster Better for Families?

Lancaster is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Lancaster is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Lancaster frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

Lancaster is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Lancaster a more walkable city?

New Bern is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Bern and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lancaster than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lancaster than New Bern 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 Lancaster.

One day in New Bern or Lancaster?

Even though New Bern is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Bern has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful town of Lancaster offers food and shopping. 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 New Bern or Lancaster?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Lancaster is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lancaster, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Lancaster?

New Bern is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lancaster 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 New Bern or Lancaster?

New Bern is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lancaster is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Bern and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster than you might in New Bern.

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

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern and Lancaster, 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 New Bern or Lancaster?

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 New Bern or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and New Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Bern is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 80°F (27°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Lancaster. Many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

New Bern is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In October, New Bern usually receives more rain than Lancaster. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Bern or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Lancaster. Most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. In the winter, New Bern is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Bern in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Bern usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, New Bern is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 62°F (16°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In April, New Bern usually receives less rain than Lancaster. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and New Bern