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

Should you visit Rome or New Orleans?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and New Orleans 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.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, nightlife, and live music.

Rome and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or New Orleans?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than New Orleans. Rome is bigger than New Orleans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Orleans is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Rome is well known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. New Orleans is well known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Rome from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Rome and New Orleans can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Eat your way through New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Rome or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Rome or New Orleans has a better nightlife scene.

The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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.

Is Rome or New Orleans Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Rome or New Orleans.

In Rome you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

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.

Is Rome or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

New Orleans is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or New Orleans?

Rome 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 Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome or New Orleans Better for Students?

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

Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

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

Rome 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 Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Rome is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Rome?

How long in Rome or New Orleans?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rome or New Orleans?

Rome is a archeological 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Rome or New Orleans?

Rome is a popular 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.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Rome or New Orleans?

Rome is a bustling 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.

You'll find live music and food around the festive destination of New Orleans. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rome or New Orleans?

Rome 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.

The energetic city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rome and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Rome much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rome is in Europe and New Orleans 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 Rome would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rome 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 Rome.

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

Which is Bigger, Rome or New Orleans?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome or New Orleans?

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 Rome or New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rome as well as New Orleans. The summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the summer, Rome is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rome in July average around 25°C (77°F), and New Orleans averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In the summer, Rome often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Rome usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Rome is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 17°C (63°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Rome usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rome usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rome or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Rome during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Rome is cooler than New Orleans in the winter. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Rome often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rome usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and New Orleans. Many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Rome is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rome in April average around 14°C (57°F), and New Orleans averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rome usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Rome usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Rome