A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Alexandria for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Alexandria?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Alexandria can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic 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.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Alexandria?

You'll generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Alexandria. New Orleans is bigger than Alexandria, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Alexandria is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Alexandria and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is New Orleans or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is New Orleans or Alexandria Better for Music?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Alexandria is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Alexandria is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria 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 Alexandria is revered around the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

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 New Orleans or Alexandria?

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon 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 New Orleans or Alexandria Better for Families?

Neither New Orleans nor Alexandria are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

New Orleans is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

Alexandria doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is New Orleans or Alexandria Better for Couples?

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

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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 New Orleans or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Alexandria is a good city to visit for backpackers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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 New Orleans or Alexandria Better for Students?

New Orleans is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

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

Alexandria is not popular with students.

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

Alexandria 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 Alexandria can get you around easily. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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 New Orleans or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either New Orleans or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Alexandria?

With food and nightlife around the festive city of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Alexandria. 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.

A weekend in New Orleans or Alexandria?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Alexandria. 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.

Five days in New Orleans or Alexandria?

New Orleans, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The charming city of Alexandria 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.

A week in New Orleans or Alexandria?

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Orleans and Alexandria, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Alexandria?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Alexandria, 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 Orleans or Alexandria?

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 New Orleans or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Alexandria. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Alexandria. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Alexandria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Alexandria. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Alexandria in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alexandria can be very cold during winter. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Alexandria. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Alexandria in the Spring?

Both Alexandria and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and New Orleans