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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and New Orleans. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive 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. See New Orleans travel costs.

Blue Ridge and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although Blue Ridge and New Orleans 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 Blue Ridge is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

The French Quarter

How is Blue Ridge different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Blue Ridge or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

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.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Blue Ridge or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Blue Ridge or New Orleans Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or New Orleans More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or New Orleans Better for Families?

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

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or New Orleans Better for Couples?

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

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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 Blue Ridge or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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 limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and New Orleans are good when it comes to walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and New Orleans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in New Orleans. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With food and nightlife around the vibrant city of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

New Orleans, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New Orleans. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and New Orleans. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Orleans. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as New Orleans. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.

Blue Ridge is cooler than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as New Orleans. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Blue Ridge