A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit New Bern or Austin?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Austin? 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See New Bern travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Austin travel costs.

New Bern and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although New Bern and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its small town charm. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is New Bern different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Austin?

Austin is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Is the Food Better in New Bern or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is New Bern or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is New Bern or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for live music. However, New Bern is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

New Bern is not a live music destination.

Is New Bern or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Austin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Austin and New Bern.

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is New Bern or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a city with a few options for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Bern or Austin Better for Families?

Austin is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Austin Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both New Bern and Austin make for a good place to visit.

New Bern is a nice destination for couples. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is New Bern or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

Is New Bern or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is well known for students. However, New Bern is not popular with students.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

New Bern is not popular with students.

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

Austin is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Austin a more walkable city?

New Bern is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

Austin is generally not a very walkable town. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Bern and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Austin than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than New Bern 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 Austin.

One day in New Bern or Austin?

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. 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 New Bern or Austin?

New Bern is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Austin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Bern. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin 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 New Bern or Austin?

New Bern is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin is a great place to explore. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Austin, we can see that New Bern 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern and Austin, 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 New Bern or Austin?

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 New Bern or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

New Bern is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Austin. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Bern or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and New Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, New Bern is cooler than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than Austin. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Austin. Most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, New Bern is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than Austin. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Bern or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Austin. The spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

New Bern is cooler than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

New Bern usually gets less rain in April than Austin. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and New Bern