A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Paris or New Orleans?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Paris or New Orleans? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

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.

Paris and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than New Orleans, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Orleans is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Paris is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. New Orleans is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Paris or New Orleans Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for theatre. However, New Orleans is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

New Orleans is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and New Orleans.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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.

Is Paris or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Paris and New Orleans.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

New Orleans is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Is Paris or New Orleans Better for Music?

Paris and New Orleans are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

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.

Is Paris or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

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

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or New Orleans?

Paris is a world-class destination for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or New Orleans Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, New Orleans does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

New Orleans does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or New Orleans Better for Families?

Paris is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Paris is a world-class destination for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or New Orleans Better for Students?

Paris is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

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

Paris is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Paris 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.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Paris?

How long in Paris or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in New Orleans. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or New Orleans?

Paris is a beautiful city where you can fill many days. 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.

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this festive destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or New Orleans?

Paris is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or New Orleans?

Paris is a energetic city where you can fill many days. 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.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or New Orleans?

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the festive destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Paris and New Orleans, we can see that Paris is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Paris is in Europe and New Orleans is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paris Expensive? and Is New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or New Orleans?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Paris and New Orleans, 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 Paris or New Orleans?

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 Paris or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and New Orleans. Many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Paris is cooler than New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Paris usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as New Orleans. Most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Paris is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paris in October average around 13°C (56°F), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in October than New Orleans. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or New Orleans in the Winter?

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

The weather in Paris can be very cold. In January, Paris is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 5°C (40°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Paris usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

Paris is much colder than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paris usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Paris