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No city in North America can compete with New Orleans when it comes to culture, food, historic architecture, joie de vivre and epic Mardi Gras celebrations.
At a Glance
- Known For: live jazz music, Creole and Cajun cuisine, historic architecture and world-famous festivals and events like Mardi Gras
- Top Places to Explore: French Quarter, Garden District and Uptown, Mid-City and Treme (one of the nation’s oldest African American communities)
- Top Things to Do: beignets at Café du Monde, live music at Preservation Hall, streetcar rides along St. Charles Avenue and cultural festivals year-round
- Major Events: Mardi Gras, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, Satchmo Summerfest and NOLA ChristmasFest
Things to Do
Often called the Crescent City or the Big Easy, New Orleans is known for its vibrant culture, legendary live music, and Cajun and Creole culinary traditions. Popular things to do include exploring the French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré. Grab beignets at Cafe Du Monde, hear live jazz at Preservation Hall and explore local history at the Presbytère. Visitors can also experience Uptown and the Garden District, home to the St. Charles Avenue streetcar and grand mansions; Mid-City, known for City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art; and Treme, one of the city’s storied African American communities.
Places to Stay
There are plenty of places to stay in New Orleans. From historic guest houses like Bourbon Orleans Hotel to cozy bed-and-breakfasts like the House of the Rising Sun or convenient name brand hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown, enjoy everything the Crescent City has to offer.
Food & Drink
Historic restaurants abound in New Orleans. Visit Dooky Chase’s, once operated by the Queen of Creole Cuisine Leah Chase, or Brennan’s, an award-winning NOLA institution. Then, wander through the French Market and pick up some of Aunt Sally’s pralines. For lunch, fuel up on giant muffuletta sandwiches at Napoleon House or sample world-class Creole fare at Antoine's.
Events & Festivals in New Orleans
Everywhere else, it’s just a Tuesday. But in Louisiana — and in New Orleans especially — Mardi Gras calls for spectacular parades, elaborate costumes, music, dancing, food and drink. Look forward to larger-than-life floats, second-line processions throughout the city and lots of delicious king cake.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrates the city’s jazz legacy with dozens of nightly performances from genres including Cajun zydeco, Delta blues, rock, gospel, hip-hop and salsa. French Quarter Festival is one of the largest free music events in the country, with more than 400 hours of live entertainment across 20 stages. And during the winter, NOLA ChristmasFest offers ice slides, an ice skating rink and plenty of photo ops with Santa.
Travel Tips & Resources
It's easy to navigate New Orleans. If you're flying into town, rent a car or book a rideshare from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. New Orleans is also a short drive from Mobile, Alabama (2 hours), Jackson, Mississippi (3 hours), and Beaumont, Texas (4 hours).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in New Orleans?
Some of the best things to do in New Orleans include exploring the French Quarter, home to the lively Bourbon Street, the historic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square and the charming French Market. Hear live jazz on Frenchman Street, take a riverboat cruise on the mighty Mississippi and don’t forget to indulge in beignets, jambalaya, gumbo and po’boys at local restaurants.
What is New Orleans known for?
New Orleans is best known for its vibrant culture and joie de vivre. You simply won’t find this unique love of life anywhere else. New Orleans is also known for its deep-rooted musical history, Creole/Cajun food, stunning architecture and high-energy festivals.
What is the best time of year to visit New Orleans?
While there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit New Orleans, many travelers enjoy spring (February-May) for festivals, and fall (October-November) for pleasant weather. Looking for fewer crowds and good deals? Winter promises beautiful holiday decorations and sparse crowds, with mild, sunny weather.
What is the weather like in New Orleans?
Like many Southern cities, New Orleans typically enjoys hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Expect average highs of 92° F in July and August, with lows dipping to 46° F and 45° F in December and January, respectively. Pack layers for winter and sunscreen and a hat for summer.
Where can I get more travel information about New Orleans?
For official travel information about New Orleans, Louisiana, visit New Orleans & Company, the city’s official destination marketing organization. The site provides visitor guides, maps, transportation details, hotel and lodging information, event calendars and planning resources to help travelers make the most of their visit. Travelers can also find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on Explore Louisiana, Louisiana’s official tourism website.