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

Should you visit New Bern or Newport?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Newport? 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Newport

Newport is a historical, charming, and coastal town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

New Bern and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is more popular for its small town charm. Newport is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newport 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 Newport?

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

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newport makes for a great culinary experience. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is New Bern or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Newport is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is New Bern or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport is well known for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Newport is considered a top beach destination. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is New Bern or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is well known for its historic old town. However, New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Newport?

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

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport Better for Families?

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

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newport is a popular place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Newport, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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

Is New Bern or Newport a more walkable city?

Newport is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Newport or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Newport?

In either New Bern or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than New Bern because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

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

One day in New Bern or Newport?

New Bern is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Bern has to offer.

Newport 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newport, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Newport?

New Bern is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Newport is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newport, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Bern. Since New Bern is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Newport 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 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 comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Newport, we can see that Newport is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Newport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Newport. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Bern is generally a little warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 80°F (27°C), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Newport. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Newport in the Autumn?

Both Newport and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

New Bern is much warmer than Newport in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In October, New Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newport. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Bern or Newport in the Winter?

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

Newport can be very cold during winter. In the winter, New Bern is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Bern in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets more rain in January than Newport. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Newport in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Newport. Most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, New Bern is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 62°F (16°C), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In April, New Bern usually receives less rain than Newport. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newport and New Bern