A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Williamsburg for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit New Orleans or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg 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 fun-filled, festive, and vibrant 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. Other popular activities here include food, nightlife, and live music. See New Orleans travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

New Orleans and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Williamsburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Williamsburg and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is New Orleans or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is New Orleans or Williamsburg Better for Music?

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

In New Orleans you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Williamsburg is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

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

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Students?

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

Williamsburg is a very popular town for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

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

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both New Orleans and Williamsburg.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is New Orleans or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

New Orleans is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either New Orleans or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

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

One day in New Orleans or Williamsburg?

In New Orleans, many people enjoy the live music and food that this festive city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the well-preserved town of Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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 Williamsburg?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The historic town of Williamsburg offers museums and food. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Williamsburg?

New Orleans is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Williamsburg. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Williamsburg?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Orleans or Williamsburg in the Summer?

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

In July, New Orleans is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the summer, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Williamsburg. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

New Orleans is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during autumn. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Williamsburg in the Winter?

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

Williamsburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Williamsburg. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the natural beauty.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg during spring. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and New Orleans