A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers New Bern vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit New Bern or Montreal?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Montreal? 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 charming, laid back, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See New Bern travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

New Bern and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while New Bern is more popular for its small town charm. Montreal is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montreal 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 Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

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 Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montreal is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

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 Montreal Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

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

Is New Bern or Montreal Better for Music?

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

Montreal is a world class music destination. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

New Bern is not a live music destination.

Is New Bern or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is well known for its historic old town. However, New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is New Bern or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

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 Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Montreal frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Montreal is a popular place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

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 Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for students. However, New Bern is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montreal. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

New Bern is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is well known for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

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

Is New Bern or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Montreal is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Montreal?

In either New Bern or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than New Bern because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

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

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

One day in New Bern or Montreal?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Montreal is a big city with plenty to do. 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 New Bern or Montreal?

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

Montreal is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Montreal?

New Bern 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.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montreal, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or Montreal?

New Bern 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 town offers something for everyone.

Montreal 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Bern and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal than you might in New Bern.

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 Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern and Montreal, 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 Montreal?

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 New Bern or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and New Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Bern is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 80°F (27°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Montreal. Many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

New Bern is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In October, New Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Bern or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. In the winter, New Bern is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Bern in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Bern usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In April, New Bern is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 62°F (16°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, New Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and New Bern