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

Should you visit Savannah or New Bern?

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

Should I visit Savannah or New Bern? 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a charming, scenic, and historic city. Savannah is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Savannah travel costs.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See New Bern travel costs.

Savannah and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Savannah. Although Savannah and New Bern are both popular with visitors, Savannah has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Savannah is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its small town charm. Savannah is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. It is also home to Forsyth Park. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Savannah different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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 Savannah or New Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah 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, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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 Savannah or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Savannah is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Savannah is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

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

Is Savannah or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Savannah is a popular place for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Savannah is a good option for a beach vacation. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or New Bern Better for its Old Town?

Savannah 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 Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

New Bern does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or New Bern?

Savannah is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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

Is Savannah or New Bern More Beautiful?

Savannah is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Savannah is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Savannah or New Bern Better for Families?

Savannah 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 Savannah. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

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 Savannah or New Bern Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Savannah frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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 Savannah or New Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

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 Savannah or New Bern Better for Students?

Savannah is a popular place for students. However, New Bern is not popular with students.

Savannah is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

New Bern is not popular with students.

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

Savannah 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 Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

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

Is Savannah or New Bern a more walkable city?

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

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is New Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Savannah or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Savannah than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

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

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

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

One day in Savannah or New Bern?

The city of Savannah offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Savannah or New Bern?

Savannah 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 Savannah, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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.

Five days in Savannah or New Bern?

Savannah 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.

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.

A week in Savannah or New Bern?

Savannah 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Savannah and New Bern, we can see that Savannah 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 Savannah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Savannah 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 Savannah Expensive? and Is New Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Savannah or New Bern?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and New Bern, 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 Savannah or New Bern?

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 Savannah or New Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and New Bern. The summer months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

Savannah is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Savannah usually receives more rain than New Bern. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Savannah or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Savannah as well as New Bern. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Savannah is around the same temperature as New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savannah in October average around 68°F (20°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

Savannah usually gets less rain in October than New Bern. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Savannah is generally a little warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 49°F (9°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. In January, Savannah usually receives less rain than New Bern. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Savannah or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and Savannah during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Savannah in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months.

Savannah is a little warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 66°F (19°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as New Bern. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Savannah