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

Should you visit New Orleans or Montreal?

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

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

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic 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. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music. See New Orleans 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

New Orleans and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than New Orleans. Montreal is bigger than New Orleans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while New Orleans is more popular for its food and quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is more touristy than Montreal and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is New Orleans different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Montreal from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

New Orleans has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

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.

Is New Orleans or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Both New Orleans and Montreal have amazing vibes after the sun sets.

People head to New Orleans just to party. 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.

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.

Is New Orleans or Montreal Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either New Orleans and Montreal.

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.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Montreal 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.

Is New Orleans or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Both New Orleans and Montreal have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Montreal?

Montreal 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 Montreal. 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.

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 New Orleans or Montreal Better for Families?

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

Montreal is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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 New Orleans or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Montreal makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 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 New Orleans or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Montreal is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 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 New Orleans or Montreal Better for Students?

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

Montreal is a very popular city for students. 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 Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

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 New Orleans or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than New Orleans. 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 Orleans. 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 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 Montreal.

One day in New Orleans or Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a colorful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A weekend in New Orleans or Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Five days in New Orleans or Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in New Orleans or Montreal?

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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Montreal. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between New Orleans and Montreal, we can see that New Orleans 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 Orleans Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans 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 Orleans or Montreal?

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 Orleans or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Montreal. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Montreal. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

New Orleans is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Montreal. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montreal. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Montreal. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city.

In April, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Montreal. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and New Orleans