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About this guide
New Orleans, Louisiana is known for its vibrant tapestry of Black culture, American history, and Creole cuisine. From the historic Treme neighborhood where jazz was born to the mesmerizing Mardi Gras Indian tribes during the carnival festivals, NOLA offers a broader understanding of the Black experience. Due to its unmistakable soul and rhythm, entertainment legends and civil rights icons call this city home.
- Best time to travel: March to May and September to November (peak season), June to August (off-season), December to February (shoulder season)
- Time zone: Central Time Zone (CST)
- Currency: USD ($)
- Noteworthy: Mardi Gras (February), New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April-May), Essence Festival (July), Celebration in the Oaks (November-December)
- Best for: Black Art Enthusiasts, Music Lovers, History Buffs, Culture Foodies, Art and Architecture Aficionados
Get Away: Getting To and Around New Orleans, Louisiana
By Air
The best way to reach New Orleans is by flying into the city's main airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. There are numerous flight options from major domestic and international destinations with convenient access to the vibrant city of New Orleans.
By Car
Renting a vehicle to navigate New Orleans is ideal for day trips or reaching attractions beyond the French Quarter. Navigating the city by car offers flexibility to explore the many diverse neighborhoods. Keep in mind that parking can be limited and expensive within New Orleans' core districts.
By Public Transit
There are streetcars, buses, and rideshares available for hassle-free transportation throughout New Orleans. There is a public transit system that provides affordable access to the city's top attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Travelers can purchase the convenient Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides and utilize the historic St. Charles Streetcar.
Explore New Orleans, Louisiana on Foot
New Orleans is a pedestrian-friendly city, especially in the historic French Quarter and Garden District. Exploring on foot immerses travelers in the city's unique culture, discover hidden gems, and see amazing street art. Be mindful of local laws, check weather conditions, use best safety practices, and wear comfortable shoes while exploring the area.
Quick facts
Central Time Zone (CST)
USD ($)
English, Creole
Good For
Black Art Enthusiasts
Music Lovers
Cuture Foodies
African American History Buffs
Keep in mind
- Mardi Gras (February)
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April-May)
- Essence Festival (July)
- Celebration in the Oaks (November-December)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In New Orleans, Louisiana
Executive Chef Ricky Cheramie's contemporary Creole cuisine shines at Restaurant Rebirth in New Orleans. With fresh flavors, global influences, and deep Cajun roots, each dish has earned praise from local and national critics in a city famed for its flavorful and cultural food.
Savor a taste of Cajun and Creole excellence at Olde NOLA Cookery on Bourbon Street. This colorful, cozy spot offers award-winning dishes like authentic gumbo, classic shrimp Po'boys, and Stuffed Flounder with seafood rice.
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Colombian Andes at Maïs Arepas, conveniently located near the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The menu offers signature arepas with pulled pork, skirt steak, Louisiana jumbo shrimp, fried yuca, shrimp ceviche, and the hearty bandeja paisa.
Located on Magazine Street, The Rum House in New Orleans is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. As a Caribbean taqueria, the menu includes dishes like flaked fish and scallop tacos made with fresh ingredients and terrific marinades.
Nothing like indulging in Gulf seafood in an inviting outdoor space at the laid-back gem, Seafood Sally’s. The New Orleans-style brunch menu includes fried oysters, Old School Crabmeat Etouffee, a Cajun breakfast plate, and creative Southern cocktails.
Dine at the Bakery Bar with its tasty and diverse New Orleans brunch and dinner menu. Guests can indulge in The BB Breakfast Sandwich, Patatas Bravas, a classic Cuban sandwich, and other creative bar food.
Stay
Stay: Places to Stay In New Orleans, Louisiana
Previously an intimate music venue, the Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge is a restored historic 17-room boutique hotel. It once hosted legends like Little Richard and Ray Charles. The new Haven Pool Bar and patio offers a modern oasis with refreshing drinks and groove-filled gatherings under the sun.
The Duchess Bed & Breakfast has contemporary charm in its courtyard garden and prime location in the historic Irish Channel neighborhood. Every room has modern furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, and flat-screen TVs.
Travelers can enjoy an elegant Greek revival-style hotel at the Black-owned Hubbard Mansion in New Orleans. This historic home boasts five luxurious guest rooms with modern luxuries and historic charm in its period antique heirlooms.
Only minutes away from the French Quarter, this private Airbnb studio is cozy and well-equipped for weekend and extended stays. The Tiny in a Big House apartment has a full kitchen, free WiFi, and a dedicated workspace.
This spacious two-bedroom apartment has hardwood floors, a kitchen, free WiFi, and a workspace. It's a comfortable duplex with free street parking, perfect for a stay in NOLA.
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the iconic New Orleans NOPSI Hotel offers spacious suites, a rooftop pool, a bar, and meeting spaces. This historic luxury stay is located near Bourbon Street and the French Quarter for sophisticated tastes.
Play
Play: Things To Do In New Orleans, Louisiana
Book the steamboat dinner cruise for a night of authentic New Orleans charm on a paddle-wheel riverboat. This scenic evening ride has unparalleled city views, lively jazz performances, and a delicious Creole-style dinner.
This food walking tour shares iconic dishes, kitchen tours, and the best spots in the French Quarter. Visitors can try everything from the best beignets in the city to delicious briskets.
Uncover the eerie secrets during this Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire, and Mystery Tour. An expert guide helps navigate the city's haunted history as guests immerse themselves in chilling tales and local Louisiana lore.
Explore the city’s historical highlights and Creole heritage on the New Orleans city tour. Stay cool in an air-conditioned minibus as a local expert guides guests through the French Quarter, Garden District, and unique burial sites.
This cocktail and food history tour showcases NOLA’s culinary heritage at six diverse locales. Guests enjoy up to ten dishes with four drinks. The tour guide shares the history behind the mouthwatering food and creative cocktails in the French Quarter and beyond.
Led by a local jazz musician, guests venture beyond Bourbon Street during the Frenchmen Street Live Music Pub Crawl. Prepare to party as you listen to historical New Orleans ghost stories and visit top-notch venues.
Book this culture and photo tour to explore hidden gems beyond the tourist areas of the city. Explore unique food and art spots while capturing NOLA’s rich history, style, and street vibes.
Experience this vibrant New Orleans street art and mural walk and see the city’s artistic treasures. Guests uncover the underground art scene with murals by renowned artists like Banksy and local talent on the urban art scene.