New Orleans vs. Charleston: Which Old City Offers More Charm?

If you search online for Southern cities with charm and vibrant cultures, two places will pop up repeatedly: New Orleans and Charleston. 

New Orleans, Louisiana, is the home of jambalaya and jazz, a place where you go to chase your dreams. Charleston, South Carolina, meanwhile, is a lovely city to reside in when you’re established and want to escape the bustle of fast-paced city life. 

So, which city has more charm? It really depends on what you’re looking for. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll lay out everything you need to know about New Orleans vs. Charleston. Whether you’re planning a vacation or looking for your next home, this information can help you decide. 

New Orleans vs. Charleston: History

New Orleans and Charleston have rich and diverse histories. Both emerged when America was in its infancy and have since evolved into two of the most famous cities in the nation. 

New Orleans

New Orleans’ history began in 1718 when it was welcomed into French Louisiana. The city wouldn’t become part of America until 1803. Within a few years, it became the fifth-biggest city in the U.S. 

The long French rule left an indelible mark. Today, New Orleans is considered unique because of its heady mixture of French, African, English, Spanish, and Creole influences. 

Charleston

In 1760, Charles Town was born. It held that name until 1783 when it was incorporated as a city. Charleston was an immediate success. People flooded into the city, and it became one of the most populated areas in the U.S. for the next 60 years. 

Charleston is a strategic port city and has stamped its place in U.S. history many times. If New Orleans has Creole culture, Charleston has the Gullah, a community born from isolated Africans on plantations. 

Culture 

You can only fall in love with a new city if you appreciate its culture. Here’s a broad breakdown of the different cultures in New Orleans and Charleston. 

New Orleans

New Orleans has one of the most electric nightlife scenes in the country. Millions of people come to “Nola,” as the city is affectionately called, just to party. Revelry in the French Quarter can draw crowds so thick it’s hard to move down the famed streets. 

People visit New Orleans to party but move there to take advantage of the lush weather and attractive culture. When you get past the partying, you can find museums, street performers, festivals, and historical sites to explore.

That much history comes with many strange stories. New Orleans is considered one of the most haunted cities in America. You can go on one of the city’s multiple ghost tours and decide for yourself. 

Charleston

Charleston isn’t exactly a small town, but it’s much smaller than New Orleans. The smaller population leads to a less active nightlife. There are plenty of bars and lounges and even a few nightclubs. However, you won’t find the world-renowned party scene that’s baked into New Orleans culture. 

While Charleston lacks a wild party atmosphere, it has a rich cultural center and Downtown area. It’s also a coastal city with laid-back beaches. Charleston might become your new place if you want a leisurely resort lifestyle or vacation favorite city. 

New Orleans vs. Charleston: Food 

Food matters just as much as culture. However, both cities are culinary juggernauts, so there may not be an easy choice here. 

New Orleans

New Orleans chefs are big on flavor. You’ll find Southern favorites and lots of lip-tingling spices. Dessert lovers have nothing to complain about here, either. New Orleans is famous for gooey bananas foster and warm beignets covered in powdered sugar.

Local favorites include:

• Gumbo
• Jambalaya
• Crawfish etouffee
• Red beans and rice
• New Orleans muffaletta
• Po-Boy

Charleston

Charleston offers menus similar to those in New Orleans but with a low-country twist. Some popular dishes in the area include:

• Shrimp and grits
• Fried green tomatoes
• She-crab soup
• Hush Puppies
• Okra Soup
• Crab Rice

Fresh crab and shrimp are extremely common at Charleston restaurants.

New Orleans vs. Charleston: Things to Do 

You can feel the charm of New Orleans or Charleston just by walking down the street. But which city offers more to do?

New Orleans

New Orleans provides an intriguing mix of historical allure and ribald fun. If you’re with the family or want to stay sober, you can try things like visiting the National WWII Museum or an old plantation. Jackson Square is also a lot of fun, attracting hordes of street performers and artists. 

The French Quarter and Bourbon Street are where you go to party. The yearly Mardi Gras carnival is one of America’s most famed spectacles. 

Charleston

Charleston moves at a slower pace than New Orleans. Legendary parties are fewer, but there’s plenty to get excited about. You can stop by Fort Sumter National Monument and feel connected to the past or walk along the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. For a day by the water, pack a picnic and head to Joe Riley Waterfront Park. 

Conclusion 

The New Orleans vs. Charleston debate may never be settled. After all, it’s ultimately a personal decision. If you want to visit the beach and enjoy a coastal, laid-back vibe with good food, Charleston is calling your name. If you’d rather enter a whirlwind of excitement with new parties every night, stick with New Orleans. 

Charleston’s charm lies in its local beauty and rich history. New Orleans’ power is its spirit and creativity.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock.com