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

Should you visit New Orleans or Gatlinburg?

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 Gatlinburg 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

New Orleans and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, museums, resorts, hiking, and shopping. New Orleans is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Gatlinburg is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Orleans or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, New Orleans is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

New Orleans is not a skiing destination.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is New Orleans or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Both New Orleans and Gatlinburg have amazing vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Is New Orleans or Gatlinburg Better for Music?

New Orleans is renowned for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is known as a music capital 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.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Gatlinburg Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is great for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

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 Gatlinburg Better for Families?

New Orleans is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

For families, New Orleans is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is New Orleans or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

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

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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 Gatlinburg Better for Students?

New Orleans is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Gatlinburg has some public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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 Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

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 Gatlinburg, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg.

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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Gatlinburg?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?

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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Gatlinburg. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, New Orleans is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In January, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 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 Gatlinburg. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and New Orleans