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

Should you visit Paris or New York City?

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

Should I visit Paris or New York City? 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 York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Paris and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or New York City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Paris, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more popular for its christmas markets, while Paris is known for its impressive beauty. Paris is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. New York City is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty.

How is Paris different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Paris or New York City.

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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Theater?

There are amazing theater venues available in both Paris and New York City.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

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

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

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 York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Paris and New York City.

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 York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Music?

Paris and New York City are both destinations where visitors can find amazing 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 York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or New York City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Paris and New York City both offer plenty of amazing spots.

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.

The abundance of shops in New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Christmas?

With various activities, both Paris and New York City are amazing places to visit during Christmas.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. 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 York City is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Paris does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Paris does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Families?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. 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 York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and New York City make for a amazing place to visit.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Paris or New York City Better for Students?

For students, both Paris and New York City are amazing places to visit.

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

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

Paris and New York City both offer amazing public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Is Paris or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Paris?

How long in Paris or New York City?

Both Paris and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than New York City 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 York City?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In New York City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this one-of-a-kind big city offers. 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 York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or New York City?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a fun place to experience. In New York City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paris or New York City?

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In New York City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cosmopolitan big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Paris much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris is in Europe and New York City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Paris would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paris 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 York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Paris.

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 York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or New York City?

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

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 York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and New York City. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Paris is cooler than New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Paris usually receives less rain than New York City. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as New York City. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In the autumn, Paris is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paris in October average around 13°C (56°F), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Paris usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In January, Paris is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 5°C (40°F), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Paris usually receives less rain than New York City. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Paris is around the same temperature as New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Paris usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Paris