A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a beautiful, peaceful, and active recreation area. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

New Orleans and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Music?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

New Orleans is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Shoppers can find a variety of respectable stores in both New Orleans and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

If you're looking to go shopping, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has some nice offerings. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.


Is New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Students?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

New Orleans is a city with good options for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Is New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

New Orleans is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

New Orleans is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable city. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable city. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.


For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 New Orleans.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3

One day in New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this festive destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the active recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this recreation area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the live music and food that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This recreation area 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting 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. This city offers something for everyone.

The beautiful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of New Orleans. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.


Which place is cheaper, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, while the average daily cost in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Orleans and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in New Orleans


Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: New Orleans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • Boss Be Luxury Airport Transfer From New Orleans: $121
  • Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Full-Day Oak Alley Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp w/Transfer: $155
  • Full-Day Whitney Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp Tour w/Transfer: $155
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Transfer : $82
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $164

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and New Orleans change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    New Orleans $45
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $6.75
  • Ghosts of Self-Guided Haunted Audio/App Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Secret Historical Garden District Audio Tour: $9.99
  • New Orleans Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in New Orleans by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Discover Tremé's Soul: A Self-Guided Audio Experience: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 2920 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.