AustinvsNew Orleans
Can't decide between Austin and New Orleans? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Austin
Austin is Texas' weird and wonderful capital, where live music pours from every bar on Sixth Street, food trucks revolutionized dining, and tech bros mingle with artists keeping the city weird. BBQ is practically a religion.
Known for
New Orleans
New Orleans is America's most unique city—a heady mix of French, African, and Caribbean cultures expressed through jazz, Creole cuisine, and legendary celebrations. The Big Easy offers the French Quarter, Garden District mansions, voodoo history, and the world's best party: Mardi Gras.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Austin offers Sixth Street, South Congress, Barton Springs
New Orleans offers French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Garden District
Food & Dining
Austin is famous for its local dining scene
New Orleans is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Austin offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
New Orleans offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
March to May (SXSW), October to November
February to May (Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest)
Weather
Summer: 35°C, Winter: 12°C
Summer: 33°C, Winter: 14°C
Top Attractions in Austin
- 1Sixth Street
- 2South Congress
- 3Barton Springs
- 4Lady Bird Lake
- 5Texas State Capitol
- 6BBQ Trail
Top Attractions in New Orleans
- 1French Quarter
- 2Bourbon Street
- 3Garden District
- 4St. Louis Cemetery
- 5Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
- 6Beignets at Café Du Monde
Austin is Popular With
New Orleans is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Austin
- 1
The Cathedral of Junk
A massive, ever-evolving sculpture in a South Austin backyard, built from over 60 tons of recycled objects.
- 2
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
A tranquil park with historic cottage gardens, lily ponds, and a flock of free-roaming peacocks.
Hidden Gems in New Orleans
- 1
The Music Box Village
An interactive, outdoor musical sculpture garden in the Bywater, where you can play giant, architecturally-designed instruments.
- 2
Algiers Point
A quiet, historic neighborhood across the Mississippi River, accessible by a short, cheap ferry ride from the French Quarter.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Austin
Downtown & Sixth Street
The bustling heart of the city, home to the historic entertainment district and the state's political center.
South Congress (SoCo)
The epicenter of Austin's iconic, funky vibe.
Top Areas in New Orleans
French Quarter
The historic heart of the city, famous for its vibrant energy, Spanish and French architecture, and non-stop activity.
Garden District
An elegant, residential area showcasing stunning 19th-century mansions, lush gardens, and quiet, oak-lined streets.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Austin
Budget in New Orleans
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Austin
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Book Activities in New Orleans
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Austin
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Find cheap transport to New Orleans
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Our Verdict
Both Austin and New Orleans are incredible destinations. Austin excels in live music and BBQ, while New Orleans stands out for jazz and Mardi Gras.
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