Best Time to Visit
February to May (Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest)
Currency
US Dollar ($)
Language
English, Creole
Timezone
CST (UTC-6)
Discover New Orleans
New Orleans isn't just a city; it's a living, breathing cultural gumbo where history seeps from the iron-lace balconies of the French Quarter and jazz spills out of unmarked doorways on Frenchmen Street. Forget what you know about American cities—here, you'll find above-ground cemeteries like St. Louis No. 1, where voodoo queen Marie Laveau rests, and century-old streetcars rattling past antebellum mansions in the Garden District. The soul of the city is in the details: the powdered sugar dusting your beignets at Café du Monde, the second-line parade suddenly turning a quiet street into a brass band celebration, and the complex flavors of a slow-cooked gumbo that tell a story of French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean fusion.
This is a city that celebrates life with a fervor unmatched anywhere else, most famously during the chaotic, costume-filled spectacle of Mardi Gras. But the party never really stops—you can find it in the 24-hour energy of Bourbon Street, the sophisticated cocktail temples of the Warehouse District where the Sazerac was born, and the vibrant local festivals that fill the calendar. From the mystical allure of the bayou to the haunting beauty of live jazz in Preservation Hall, New Orleans engages all your senses and leaves an indelible mark on your spirit.
Why Visit New Orleans?
A Culinary Revolution: New Orleans invented entire categories of American cuisine. Taste the difference between Creole and Cajun at institutions like Commander's Palace, slurp oysters at Acme Oyster House, and discover why a po'boy from Parkway Bakery or muffuletta from Central Grocery is a religious experience.
The Birthplace of Jazz: Walk where Louis Armstrong played. Hear live, world-class jazz every night at historic Preservation Hall or the Spotted Cat Music Club on Frenchmen Street. Feel the music move you during the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Architectural Time Capsule: Stroll through three centuries of design, from Spanish colonial buildings in the French Quarter and pastel Creole cottages in the Marigny to the stunning Greek Revival mansions of the Garden District, best seen from the St. Charles streetcar.
A Culture of Celebration: Experience the once-in-a-lifetime madness of Mardi Gras parades, the local joy of a second-line wedding parade, or the cultural immersion of festivals like the French Quarter Festival or Voodoo Music + Arts Experience.
Deep & Mystical History: Explore the unique above-ground cemeteries, learn the real history of voodoo at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, and take a haunted history tour through the French Quarter's shadowy alleys.
The Resilient Spirit of the River: Connect with the mighty Mississippi on a steamboat cruise, explore the interactive exhibits at The National WWII Museum, and witness the city's remarkable recovery and creative energy in neighborhoods like Bywater.
New Orleans is Known For
Ready to explore New Orleans?
New Orleans Neighborhoods
French Quarter
The historic heart of the city, famous for its vibrant energy, Spanish and French architecture, and non-stop activity. By day, it's about courtyard cafes and antique shops; by night, it transforms into a sensory overload of music, food, and revelry.
Highlights:
Best for:
Garden District
An elegant, residential area showcasing stunning 19th-century mansions, lush gardens, and quiet, oak-lined streets. It offers a peaceful, picturesque contrast to the frenzy of the French Quarter.
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Marigny & Bywater
Bohemian, artsy neighborhoods east of the Quarter, radiating a laid-back, local vibe. This is where artists, musicians, and creatives live, with colorful shotgun houses, eclectic galleries, and some of the city's best music venues.
Highlights:
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Warehouse District / Arts District
A revitalized industrial area now home to world-class museums, sleek art galleries, upscale restaurants, and boutique hotels. It's a more modern, polished side of New Orleans culture.
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Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Don't call it 'NOLA' to locals—it's 'New Orleans' or simply 'the city.'
- •For authentic, cheaper beignets, skip the long line at Café du Monde and go to Morning Call in City Park.
- •When drinking on Bourbon Street, ask for your cocktail 'to go' in a plastic cup—it's legal within the French Quarter.
- •Always call a cemetery 'Cities of the Dead' and never take a tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 without a licensed guide—it's required for safety.
- •Wear comfortable shoes. The French Quarter's streets are made of old, uneven bricks and cobblestones.
- •If a second-line parade (a local neighborhood parade with a brass band) comes through, you're welcome to join in and dance behind the band.
- •Tipping is customary. Tip bartenders $1 per drink, musicians $1-5 when they pass the hat, and tour guides 15-20%.
- •In summer, plan indoor activities (museums, long lunches) for the hot, humid afternoon and explore outdoors in the morning and evening.
- •Ask for 'dressed' on your po'boy—that means with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo.
- •Visit during 'shoulder season' (late November or early December) for festive decorations and smaller crowds, avoiding Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest prices.
New Orleans Food Scene
New Orleans food is a serious cultural pursuit, where recipes are passed down for generations and meals are social events. It's a distinct fusion of French, Spanish, West African, and Native American influences, creating two main schools: Creole (city-style, often with tomatoes) and Cajun (country-style, from the Acadian settlers).
Must-Try Dishes
Classic Creole
- • Commander's Palace (Turtle Soup, Bread Pudding Soufflé)
- • Galatoire's (Shrimp Remoulade, Trout Amandine)
- • Antoine's (Oysters Rockefeller, Baked Alaska)
Jackets are often required for men at dinner in these old-line institutions; check dress codes.
Casual & Iconic
- • Central Grocery (Muffuletta)
- • Parkway Bakery (Po'boys)
- • Café du Monde (Beignets & Café au Lait)
- • Cochon Butcher (Muffuletta & charcuterie)
The muffuletta at Central Grocery is huge—a quarter sandwich is plenty for one person.
Modern New Orleans
- • Cochon (Cajun-inspired wood-fired dishes)
- • Compere Lapin (Caribbean-influenced Creole)
- • Saba (Israeli-influenced by a local chef)
- • Turkey and the Wolf (creative, viral-worthy sandwiches)
Reservations are essential for dinner at these popular spots, often weeks in advance.
Sweet Treats & Drinks
- • Sno-ball from Hansen's Sno-Bliz
- • Pralines from Southern Candymakers
- • Ramos Gin Fizz at The Sazerac Bar
- • Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's
- • Frozen Irish Coffee at Molly's at the Market
A 'sno-ball' is not a snow cone—it's made with finely shaved ice and homemade syrups. Try the cream of nectar flavor.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
Spring
Spring is glorious, with warm days, blooming azaleas, and a packed festival calendar. This is peak tourist season, culminating in the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Pros:
- + Perfect weather (70s-80s°F / 21-29°C)
- + Major festivals: Mardi Gras (Feb/Mar) & Jazz Fest (Apr/May)
- + Outdoor dining and exploration are ideal
Cons:
- - Highest hotel prices and crowds, especially around Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest
- - Need to book accommodations and events far in advance
Summer
Hot, humid, and stormy. Temperatures soar into the 90s°F (32-35°C) with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. This is the low season.
Pros:
- + Lowest hotel rates
- + Fewer crowds at major attractions
- + Indoor activities like museums are pleasant
- + Local festivals like ESSENCE Fest
Cons:
- - Intense heat and humidity can be oppressive
- - Afternoon thunderstorms are common
- - Risk of hurricanes (peak season Aug-Oct)
Autumn
A lovely, underrated season. Heat and humidity break by late October, leading to crisp, sunny days. Halloween is a major event here.
Pros:
- + Pleasant weather returns
- + Lower crowds and prices after Halloween
- + Voodoo Music + Arts Experience festival
- + Beautiful fall decorations
Cons:
- - Hurricane season runs through November
- - Early September can still be very hot and humid
Winter
Generally mild but can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from chilly (40s°F / 4-9°C) to pleasantly cool. The city is festive leading up to Mardi Gras.
Pros:
- + Christmas and New Year's are beautifully decorated
- + Cool weather is great for walking
- + Mardi Gras season (Jan/Feb) builds excitement
Cons:
- - Can be rainy and damp
- - If Mardi Gras is early (Jan/Feb), prices spike and it's very crowded
- - Some outdoor activities are less appealing
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Day Trips from New Orleans
Oak Alley Plantation
1 hour by car
Step back into the antebellum South at this iconic sugar plantation, famous for its breathtaking quarter-mile canopy of 300-year-old live oak trees leading to a Greek Revival mansion.
Swamp Tour in Honey Island or Jean Lafitte
45 min to 1 hour by car
Glide through mysterious cypress swamps and bayous to see alligators, herons, egrets, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, learning about Cajun culture and ecosystem.
Biloxi, Mississippi Gulf Coast
1.5 hours by car
A change of pace with sandy beaches, casino resorts, and fresh Gulf seafood. Visit historic sites and enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal highway.
New Orleans Budget Guide
New Orleans can be visited on a range of budgets, but costs spike dramatically during major festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Food and drink are major expenses, but many cultural experiences (music, architecture, walking tours) are low-cost or free.
Budget
$75-125 per person for hostels, street food/po'boys, free walking tours, and public transport.
per day
Mid-Range
$200-350 per person for a 3-star hotel in a central location, sit-down meals at casual restaurants, paid tours, and occasional taxis.
per day
Luxury
$500+ per person for luxury boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours, and premium festival experiences.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Stay in neighborhoods like Marigny or Mid-City for better hotel value than the French Quarter.
- •Many museums have free admission days (e.g., WWII Museum on Tuesday afternoons).
- •Buy a Jazzy Pass for unlimited streetcar and bus rides ($3 for 1 day, $8 for 3 days).
- •Eat a large, late lunch at a nice restaurant (prix-fixe 'lunch specials') instead of expensive dinner.
- •Avoid buying drinks on Bourbon Street—prices are inflated; buy from a corner store and use a go-cup.
New Orleans Hidden Gems
The Music Box Village
An interactive, outdoor musical sculpture garden in the Bywater, where you can play giant, architecturally-designed instruments.
It's a truly unique, hands-on artistic experience that blends music, architecture, and play, far from the typical tourist trail.
Algiers Point
A quiet, historic neighborhood across the Mississippi River, accessible by a short, cheap ferry ride from the French Quarter.
It feels like a separate, sleepy village with gorgeous Victorian homes, a few local bars, and the best panoramic views of the New Orleans skyline.
City Park & The Singing Oak
A massive, beautiful urban park larger than NYC's Central Park, featuring ancient live oaks, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and a sculpture garden.
Locals love it for its tranquility. Find the 'Singing Oak'—a large oak tree hung with wind chimes tuned to a pentatonic scale, creating ethereal music.
Backstreet Cultural Museum
A tiny, grassroots museum in Tremé dedicated to the African American cultural traditions of Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, and jazz funerals.
It houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes and offers an authentic, powerful look at living traditions not found in mainstream museums.
Bayou St. John
A residential area along a slow-moving bayou, with a park-like path perfect for walking, picnicking, and seeing the city's only remaining natural waterway.
It's incredibly peaceful, with beautiful historic homes and a local vibe. You might see people practicing on rowing shells or celebrating at the Pitot House museum.
New Orleans Culture & Customs
New Orleans culture is a tapestry of celebration, resilience, and deep community ties. It's Catholic in tradition but spiritually diverse, superstitious, and deeply connected to music, food, and family. Time moves slower here ('New Orleans time'), and socializing is a priority. The city honors its dead, celebrates its saints, and finds joy in the face of hardship.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Greet people with a smile and a 'How y'all doin'?' It's polite.
- •Never touch or lean on the tombs in the cemeteries; it's disrespectful.
- •If you're invited to a second-line, you can join, but don't get in front of the main parade or band.
- •Tipping is not optional for good service in restaurants, bars, and for tour guides.
- •Dress respectfully when visiting churches like St. Louis Cathedral (cover shoulders and knees).
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about New Orleans
Is New Orleans safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas like the French Quarter, Garden District, and Marigny are generally safe during the day and busy evenings. As in any major city, be aware of your surroundings, don't wander alone down dark, deserted streets at night, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. Stick to well-lit, populated areas.
Do I need to rent a car in New Orleans?
Not if you're staying in the core areas. The French Quarter, CBD, Warehouse District, and Marigny are very walkable and connected by streetcars and buses. A car is a hassle and expensive due to parking fees. Rent a car only if you plan extensive day trips outside the city.
What should I wear during Mardi Gras?
Comfort is key—wear shoes you can walk/stand in for hours. Costumes are highly encouraged, even for spectators! Pack layers as weather can change. For parades, avoid wearing anything you mind getting dirty, as beads and trinkets can be thrown. Purple, green, and gold (the Mardi Gras colors) are always appropriate.
What's the difference between Creole and Cajun food?
Creole cuisine is 'city food' from New Orleans, with European (especially French and Spanish) and African influences, often using tomatoes, butter, and cream (e.g., Shrimp Creole). Cajun cuisine is 'country food' from the Acadian settlers in rural Louisiana, known for one-pot dishes, darker roux, and more robust spices (e.g., Crawfish Étouffée).
Can I visit the cemeteries on my own?
For St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, you must be with a licensed tour guide (a city rule for safety and preservation). Other cemeteries like Lafayette No. 1 in the Garden District can be entered alone, but it's highly recommended to go with a guide to understand the history, symbolism, and to ensure you stay in safe, open areas.
How do I get around during Mardi Gras?
Walking is often the only way in the French Quarter and along parade routes, as streets are closed. Streetcars run but on limited routes and are extremely crowded. The best strategy is to stay within walking distance of where you want to watch parades. Use rideshares sparingly, as surge pricing is high and pickup/drop-off zones are chaotic.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes, the tap water in New Orleans is safe to drink. In fact, the city's soft water is part of what makes the coffee and bread (like French bread for po'boys) so distinctive. You can refill water bottles from the tap.
What's a 'second line'?
A second line is a traditional parade, most commonly for a wedding or funeral. The 'first line' is the main parade (the band, the honored guests or family). The 'second line' is everyone else who joins in to follow, dance, and celebrate with handkerchiefs or parasols. If you see one, you're welcome to join the second line!
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