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

Should you visit New Orleans or New Bern?

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 New Bern 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and New Bern are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while New Bern is known for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. New Orleans is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

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 Orleans or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

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

Is New Orleans or New Bern Better for Music?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for live music. However, New Bern is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is a world class music destination. 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.

New Bern is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or New Bern Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or New Bern?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

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 New Bern Better for Families?

Neither New Orleans nor New Bern 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.

New Bern doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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 Orleans or New Bern Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and New Bern are good 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.

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 Orleans or New Bern Better for Students?

New Orleans is a popular place for students. However, New Bern is not popular with students.

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

New Bern is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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 New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Orleans or New Bern a more walkable city?

New Orleans and New Bern are good when it comes to walkability.

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

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

Should I spend more time in New Bern or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in New Orleans or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in New Orleans than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

One day in New Orleans or New Bern?

The city of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. 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.

New Bern is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or New Bern?

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Orleans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town 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 New Bern?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because New Bern is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 New Bern?

New Orleans 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 city offers something for everyone.

Since New Bern is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 New Bern, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern 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 New Bern.

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 New Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or New Bern?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

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 New Bern in the Summer?

Both New Bern and New Orleans during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Bern in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

New Orleans is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

New Bern 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 less rain in July than New Bern. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and New Bern. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, New Orleans is a little warmer than New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Orleans in October average around 69°F (21°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In October, New Orleans usually receives less rain than New Bern. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or New Bern in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as New Bern. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to New Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, New Orleans is generally much warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 51°F (11°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than New Bern. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

New Orleans is a little warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than New Bern. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Bern and New Orleans