A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Zion National Park for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Zion National Park?

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 Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a world-renowned, breathtaking, and stunning park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

New Orleans and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Zion National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Zion National Park 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, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Zion National Park is known for its museums, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Zion National Park is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park?

Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Zion National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is New Orleans or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a world class party destination. 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 scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is New Orleans or Zion National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Zion National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is New Orleans or Zion National Park Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Zion National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Around Zion National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Zion National Park?

New Orleans is a city with a few options for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

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

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is New Orleans or Zion National Park Better for Families?

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

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly destination. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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 Zion National Park Better for Couples?

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

Zion National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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 Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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 Zion National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for students. However, Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

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

Zion National Park has some public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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 Zion National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Zion National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Zion National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zion National Park or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Zion National Park?

Both New Orleans and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the vibrant destination of New Orleans. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking park of Zion National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Zion National Park?

New Orleans is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the vibrant city of New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Orleans has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Zion National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in New Orleans or Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting New Orleans. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking park of Zion National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Zion National Park?

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Zion National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this park.

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

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 Zion National Park Expensive?.