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

Should you visit New Orleans or Ottawa?

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 Ottawa 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 energetic, fun-filled, and festive 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.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

New Orleans and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in New Orleans than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than New Orleans, New Orleans has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ottawa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ottawa. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is New Orleans or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is New Orleans or Ottawa Better for Music?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ottawa is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Ottawa is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Ottawa Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Ottawa?

Ottawa 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 Ottawa. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

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 Ottawa Better for Families?

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

Ottawa is a family-friendly city. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

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 Ottawa Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Ottawa are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Ottawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is New Orleans or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ottawa is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels 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 New Orleans or Ottawa Better for Students?

Both New Orleans and Ottawa are notable destinations for students.

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

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

Ottawa is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

Ottawa has some public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail 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 Ottawa a more walkable city?

New Orleans and Ottawa are notable when it comes to walkability.

New Orleans is somewhat walkable. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Ottawa is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Ottawa?

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

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

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?

New Orleans 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Ottawa. 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.

Five days in New Orleans or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The cultural city of Ottawa offers museums and food. 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.

A week in New Orleans or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of New Orleans. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ottawa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

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 Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ottawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Ottawa. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Orleans or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ottawa for the shopping scene during these months.

New Orleans is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit New Orleans or Ottawa in the Winter?

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

The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Ottawa. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Orleans or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Ottawa. The spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

In April, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the spring, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and New Orleans