A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Baltimore for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore 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 fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Baltimore?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Baltimore. While Baltimore is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Baltimore attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Baltimore and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is New Orleans or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is New Orleans or Baltimore Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New Orleans 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.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Baltimore?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore Better for Families?

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

Baltimore is a very family-friendly destination. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 New Orleans or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Baltimore are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is New Orleans or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Baltimore is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this 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 New Orleans or Baltimore Better for Students?

New Orleans is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail 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 Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Baltimore. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Baltimore than New Orleans. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Baltimore?

You'll find live music and food around the city of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful city of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

You'll find food and nightlife around the festive destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic city of New Orleans. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The historic city of Baltimore offers shopping and museums. 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 Baltimore?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Baltimore, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

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 Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Orleans or Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and New Orleans during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the summer, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Baltimore. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Baltimore. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Baltimore. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Baltimore. The winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. New Orleans is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Baltimore. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In the spring, New Orleans is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Baltimore. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and New Orleans