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

Should you visit Ensenada or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Ensenada 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ensenada travel costs.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife. See New Orleans travel costs.

Ensenada and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Ensenada. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, beaches, and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Ensenada and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Ensenada is famous for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports.

The French Quarter

How is Ensenada different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ensenada is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Ensenada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Ensenada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Is Ensenada or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

New Orleans is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is Ensenada or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is very popular for its live music scene. However, Ensenada is not a live music destination.

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.

Ensenada is not a live music destination.

Is Ensenada or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Ensenada or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great destination for its old town. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or New Orleans?

Ensenada is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ensenada. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

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 Ensenada or New Orleans Better for Families?

Ensenada is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Ensenada is a family-friendly city. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

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 Ensenada or New Orleans Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and New Orleans make for a nice place to visit.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

New Orleans is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Ensenada or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Ensenada is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels 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 Ensenada or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans is a popular place for students. However, Ensenada is not popular with students.

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

Ensenada is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and New Orleans.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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.

Is Ensenada or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore 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 Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and New Orleans. In our opinion, Ensenada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ensenada than New Orleans. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Ensenada or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Ensenada. 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.

The city of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Ensenada. This city 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.

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Orleans, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or New Orleans?

The cultural city of Ensenada offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ensenada. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.