New Orleans
United States
Why New Orleans is a great destination
A lighter-on-crowds city break where music, food and character run deep—New Orleans matches big-name destinations for experience without the queues or price shock.
- Atmosphere: Intimate, music-first nights over mega-clubs—trade packed party drags for Frenchmen Street jazz rooms, Tipitina’s and Maple Leaf residencies, or a backyard set at Bacchanal with a go-cup in hand.
- Food: Authentic and great value—po’boys at Parkway, fried chicken at Willie Mae’s, chargrilled oysters at Casamento’s, plus weekday prix-fixe lunches (think Commander’s Palace) and August COOLinary deals; don’t miss Vietnamese flavours in New Orleans East.
- Neighbourhoods: Stroll the French Quarter’s side streets, then branch into Treme, Marigny/Bywater and Uptown via the St. Charles Streetcar—live music, Creole cottages and corner bars, minus the crush.
- Traditions: Join a second line, embrace lagniappe, and time it right—crawfish in spring, oysters in the ‘R’ months, King Cake during Carnival; festivals like French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest feel local if you follow WWOZ’s Livewire and arrive early.
Who should go to New Orleans?
Few cities reward curiosity like New Orleans—a place where food, music and history mingle on every corner. Travellers who crave flavour, rhythm and character will find days of eating and nights of dancing without repeating themselves. It suits food obsessives, live‑music fans, culture vultures, night owls and easygoing city‑breakers alike.
- Foodies: Feast on Creole-and-Cajun icons—from po’boys and dark‑roux gumbo to chargrilled oysters—with bargain prix‑fixe lunches and COOLinary August menus for top value.
- Music lovers: Swap Bourbon Street for Frenchmen’s intimate clubs, brass‑band second lines and Preservation Hall sets—use WWOZ’s Livewire to find world‑class gigs any night.
- Night owls: Embrace go‑cup freedom, 24/7 bars and a cocktail lineage (Sazerac, Carousel Bar) that turns bar‑hopping into living history.
- History lovers: Trace jazz from Storyville to Treme, dine where civil-rights history simmered at Dooky Chase, and wander French Quarter balconies and the oak‑lined Garden District.
- City‑breakers: Compact and walkable, with streetcars, neighbourhood bistros and year‑round festivals—easy in a long weekend yet bigger than cities twice its size in feel.
- Trend seekers: Go beyond classics to pop‑ups, Vietnamese po’boys and globally inspired kitchens—proof the dining scene rivals much larger capitals.
Who should go to New Orleans?
Few cities reward curiosity like New Orleans—a place where food, music and history mingle on every corner. Travellers who crave flavour, rhythm and character will find days of eating and nights of dancing without repeating themselves. It suits food obsessives, live‑music fans, culture vultures, night owls and easygoing city‑breakers alike.
- Foodies: Feast on Creole-and-Cajun icons—from po’boys and dark‑roux gumbo to chargrilled oysters—with bargain prix‑fixe lunches and COOLinary August menus for top value.
- Music lovers: Swap Bourbon Street for Frenchmen’s intimate clubs, brass‑band second lines and Preservation Hall sets—use WWOZ’s Livewire to find world‑class gigs any night.
- Night owls: Embrace go‑cup freedom, 24/7 bars and a cocktail lineage (Sazerac, Carousel Bar) that turns bar‑hopping into living history.
- History lovers: Trace jazz from Storyville to Treme, dine where civil-rights history simmered at Dooky Chase, and wander French Quarter balconies and the oak‑lined Garden District.
- City‑breakers: Compact and walkable, with streetcars, neighbourhood bistros and year‑round festivals—easy in a long weekend yet bigger than cities twice its size in feel.
- Trend seekers: Go beyond classics to pop‑ups, Vietnamese po’boys and globally inspired kitchens—proof the dining scene rivals much larger capitals.
Top things to do in New Orleans
These are the unmissable highlights of New Orleans, drawn from its legendary food and nightlife. Hit these essentials to taste, hear and feel the city’s soul.
- Walk the French Quarter’s side streets to Grand Dames like Antoine’s and Galatoire’s, then savour classic cocktails away from Bourbon.
- Explore Frenchmen Street’s intimate clubs—The Spotted Cat, d.b.a. and Blue Nile—for world-class jazz, brass and funk with a go‑cup.
- Visit Dooky Chase’s or Willie Mae’s in Tremé for defining Creole flavours, civil-rights history and proper plate lunches.
- Take the St. Charles Streetcar Uptown for nights at Tipitina’s or the Maple Leaf, and a po’boy at Domilise’s.
- Hike the Bywater to Bacchanal Wine’s backyard stage for al fresco bites, a great bottle and live music under the trees.
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Top things to do in New Orleans
These are the unmissable highlights of New Orleans, drawn from its legendary food and nightlife. Hit these essentials to taste, hear and feel the city’s soul.
- Walk the French Quarter’s side streets to Grand Dames like Antoine’s and Galatoire’s, then savour classic cocktails away from Bourbon.
- Explore Frenchmen Street’s intimate clubs—The Spotted Cat, d.b.a. and Blue Nile—for world-class jazz, brass and funk with a go‑cup.
- Visit Dooky Chase’s or Willie Mae’s in Tremé for defining Creole flavours, civil-rights history and proper plate lunches.
- Take the St. Charles Streetcar Uptown for nights at Tipitina’s or the Maple Leaf, and a po’boy at Domilise’s.
- Hike the Bywater to Bacchanal Wine’s backyard stage for al fresco bites, a great bottle and live music under the trees.
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3-day New Orleans itinerary
Day 1: The French Quarter, Garden District and Frenchmen Street Ease into New Orleans with the city’s historic core and a taste of its grand traditions. You’ll move from heritage cafés and architecture to a leisurely Uptown lunch, then end with the city’s finest live music strip.
- Morning: Wander the French Quarter before it’s busy: Jackson Square, Royal Street galleries and the French Market. For beignets and chicory coffee, go early at Café du Monde (or use the City Park location for fewer queues); don’t inhale when you bite or you’ll wear the sugar. If you’re here Sept–Apr, consider a half‑dozen raw oysters at a casual bar.
- Midday: Ride the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District for a long lunch at Commander’s Palace (weekday prix fixe is superb; book ahead; jackets preferred for men). Stroll the oak‑lined streets and Lafayette Cemetery’s exterior afterwards; in summer, pace yourself and hydrate.
- Afternoon: Explore Magazine Street’s boutiques and antique shops, or cool off with a sno‑ball at Hansen’s Sno‑Bliz (seasonal; expect queues). If you prefer seafood classics, swing by Pascal’s Manale for its BBQ shrimp (messy, glorious).
- Evening: Reserve an early set at Preservation Hall (all‑ages, no bar; book online), then walk to Frenchmen Street in Faubourg Marigny for live jazz at The Spotted Cat, d.b.a. or Snug Harbor. Bring cash for the tip bucket, grab a go‑cup for the stroll, and use WWOZ Livewire to see who’s playing.
Day 2: Uptown greens, Mid‑City comforts and a big night out Today leans local: streetcar vistas, neighbourhood eats and New Orleans’ legendary live‑music clubs. It’s a great day to sample po’boys, sno‑balls and oysters, then end with a late show.
- Morning: Take the St. Charles Streetcar past mansions to Audubon Park for a loop under the live oaks; grab coffee and a pastry at La Boulangerie or a corner café. If architecture’s your thing, walk a Garden District block or two before the heat builds.
- Midday: Po’boy pilgrimage: Domilise’s or Guy’s (Uptown) or Parkway Bakery (Mid‑City). Order it “dressed” (lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo); for roast beef, ask for extra debris. In ‘R’ months, a fried oyster po’boy is a rite of passage.
- Afternoon: Cool off with a sno‑ball at Hansen’s (spring–summer) or post‑lunch oysters at Casamento’s (best in ‘R’ months; check hours). Prefer modern Southern? Try a tasting at Lula Restaurant Distillery or browse Freret Street’s bars and shops.
- Evening: Dinner in the Warehouse District: Cochon for Cajun‑leaning plates or Pêche for wood‑fired Gulf seafood (book). Then catch a show Uptown at Tipitina’s or the Maple Leaf Bar (Rebirth Brass Band’s Tuesday residency is electric). Use rideshare between districts; keep valuables secure in crowds.
Day 3: Bywater vibes, Vietnamese flavours and a Creole farewell Close with the city’s bohemian edges and its Vietnamese heartbeat, then toast the trip with a classic Creole dining room. If you’re here in spring, weave in a crawfish boil for peak seasonality.
- Morning: Amble through the Bywater: coffee, street art and a stroll along Crescent Park’s riverfront. If it’s a Sunday, watch for a second line parade—join the “second line” behind the brass band, stay respectful, and keep to the side of club members.
- Midday: Vietnamese lunch: take the Algiers Ferry to Algiers Point (scenic), then rideshare to Tan Dinh in Gretna for phở and bánh mì, or head east by car to Dong Phuong for bread and bakery (King Cake Jan–Mardi Gras only). Prefer to stay central? Opt for a plate lunch at Li’l Dizzy’s or Willie Mae’s in Treme (arrive early; lunch‑only days).
- Afternoon: Linger at Bacchanal Wine’s garden with cheese plates and live music (shady courtyard; great on mild days). If it’s Jan–Jun, slot in a proper crawfish boil at Clesi’s; peak size/price is Mar–May. Summer travellers: August’s COOLinary menus offer excellent fixed‑price value citywide.
- Evening: Classic Creole send‑off in the French Quarter at Galatoire’s, Antoine’s or Arnaud’s (dress codes apply; reserve). Nightcap at the Carousel Bar (rotating seats) or the Sazerac Bar; in the LGBTQ+ “Lavender Line” area (Bourbon & St Ann), Oz and Bourbon Pub keep things lively. Stick to well‑lit streets, enjoy the go‑cup culture responsibly, and savour that last lagniappe of hospitality.
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Food and drink in New Orleans
New Orleans cooks with history in every pot—French technique, West African soul, and Caribbean spice. Meals are social rituals here, from street-corner snacks to white-tablecloth classics. Come hungry; leave planning your next bite.
- Gumbo – A deep, roux-based stew (seafood or chicken-and-andouille) with the “holy trinity” and filé or okra; rich, smoky, and comforting. Best savoured in neighbourhood cafés and family-run bistros.
- Po’boy – Overstuffed sandwich on crackly New Orleans French bread; fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef with gravy and “debris,” ordered “dressed.” Grab one at bustling corner shops and taverns.
- Chargrilled oysters – Gulf oysters sizzling with butter, garlic, and parmesan, or go classic with Oysters Rockefeller in old-line dining rooms. Perfect for lively oyster bars and historic restaurants.
- Sazerac – America’s first cocktail: rye (or cognac), Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and an absinthe rinse; smooth, aromatic, and potent. Sip in elegant hotel bars or intimate cocktail lounges.
Eat like a local: Discover New Orleans top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in New Orleans
New Orleans cooks with history in every pot—French technique, West African soul, and Caribbean spice. Meals are social rituals here, from street-corner snacks to white-tablecloth classics. Come hungry; leave planning your next bite.
- Gumbo – A deep, roux-based stew (seafood or chicken-and-andouille) with the “holy trinity” and filé or okra; rich, smoky, and comforting. Best savoured in neighbourhood cafés and family-run bistros.
- Po’boy – Overstuffed sandwich on crackly New Orleans French bread; fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef with gravy and “debris,” ordered “dressed.” Grab one at bustling corner shops and taverns.
- Chargrilled oysters – Gulf oysters sizzling with butter, garlic, and parmesan, or go classic with Oysters Rockefeller in old-line dining rooms. Perfect for lively oyster bars and historic restaurants.
- Sazerac – America’s first cocktail: rye (or cognac), Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and an absinthe rinse; smooth, aromatic, and potent. Sip in elegant hotel bars or intimate cocktail lounges.
Eat like a local: Discover New Orleans top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in New Orleans
Picking the right New Orleans base matters more than the hotel—each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe, noise level, and access to food, music, and sights. Decide if you want late-night energy, leafy calm, or a central launchpad, then choose accordingly.
- French Quarter — Iconic, busiest and most historic; walk to sights and classic Creole spots, but expect late-night noise and crowds—best for first‑timers and night owls.
- Faubourg Marigny (Frenchmen Street) — Bohemian and music-forward; steps to live jazz and art markets with a local feel—ideal for gig‑goers and culture seekers.
- Garden District & Uptown — Leafy streets, grand homes and Magazine Street boutiques; quieter nights and streetcar access—great for families and couples wanting charm without the bustle.
- CBD & Warehouse District — Modern, central and well‑connected; galleries, museums and top restaurants with calmer nights—suits business travellers and food lovers.
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Where to stay in New Orleans
Picking the right New Orleans base matters more than the hotel—each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe, noise level, and access to food, music, and sights. Decide if you want late-night energy, leafy calm, or a central launchpad, then choose accordingly.
- French Quarter — Iconic, busiest and most historic; walk to sights and classic Creole spots, but expect late-night noise and crowds—best for first‑timers and night owls.
- Faubourg Marigny (Frenchmen Street) — Bohemian and music-forward; steps to live jazz and art markets with a local feel—ideal for gig‑goers and culture seekers.
- Garden District & Uptown — Leafy streets, grand homes and Magazine Street boutiques; quieter nights and streetcar access—great for families and couples wanting charm without the bustle.
- CBD & Warehouse District — Modern, central and well‑connected; galleries, museums and top restaurants with calmer nights—suits business travellers and food lovers.
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Good to know before you go to New Orleans
Travelling to New Orleans is straightforward: compact historic districts, abundant dining and year‑round events make planning easy. A few local quirks—festival timing, streetcars and neighbourhood dining customs—are worth knowing to get the best value and avoid hassles.
- Affordability: Meals range from budget £8–£15 po’boys or plate lunches, to £20–£50 mains at most bistros, with fine dining £80+ per person (weekday prix‑fixe lunches at top spots like Commander's Palace run ~£35–£45).
- Transport: The French Quarter and CBD are walkable; use the streetcars for Uptown/Garden District and ride‑shares or taxis for farther neighbourhoods, with rental cars mainly useful for out‑of‑town excursions.
- Language: English is the main language and universally understood in hospitality, though you’ll see French/Creole terms on menus (e.g., roux, lagniappe) that staff are happy to explain.
- Safety & comfort: Generally welcoming for families and solo travellers; use standard big‑city precautions at night (stick to well‑lit streets, watch for petty theft in crowded areas), pace alcohol and arrange transport rather than walking long distances after dark.
- Crowds: Biggest crowds and highest prices arrive for Mardi Gras and spring festivals (French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest), while summer is quieter with good dining deals like August’s COOLinary—book top restaurants well ahead year‑round.
Good to know before you go to New Orleans
Travelling to New Orleans is straightforward: compact historic districts, abundant dining and year‑round events make planning easy. A few local quirks—festival timing, streetcars and neighbourhood dining customs—are worth knowing to get the best value and avoid hassles.
- Affordability: Meals range from budget £8–£15 po’boys or plate lunches, to £20–£50 mains at most bistros, with fine dining £80+ per person (weekday prix‑fixe lunches at top spots like Commander's Palace run ~£35–£45).
- Transport: The French Quarter and CBD are walkable; use the streetcars for Uptown/Garden District and ride‑shares or taxis for farther neighbourhoods, with rental cars mainly useful for out‑of‑town excursions.
- Language: English is the main language and universally understood in hospitality, though you’ll see French/Creole terms on menus (e.g., roux, lagniappe) that staff are happy to explain.
- Safety & comfort: Generally welcoming for families and solo travellers; use standard big‑city precautions at night (stick to well‑lit streets, watch for petty theft in crowded areas), pace alcohol and arrange transport rather than walking long distances after dark.
- Crowds: Biggest crowds and highest prices arrive for Mardi Gras and spring festivals (French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest), while summer is quieter with good dining deals like August’s COOLinary—book top restaurants well ahead year‑round.
Best time to go to New Orleans
New Orleans is a year-round destination with distinct swings: balmy springs packed with festivals, sweltering storm-prone summers with great dining deals, and mild winters punctuated by Mardi Gras. Seafood seasonality matters too—crawfish peak in spring, while Gulf oysters shine September–April.
- Spring (Mar–May): Warm, often gorgeous weather; biggest crowds and higher prices; festival buzz (French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest) and lively outdoor dining.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Very hot, humid, and storm-prone (hurricane season starts); lighter crowds and strong value (COOLinary dining deals); nightlife shifts indoors.
- Autumn & Carnival (Sep–Feb): Pleasant-to-cool temps; moderate crowds in autumn with prime oyster season; quieter winter except a sharp surge in energy, prices, and visitors around Mardi Gras.
Best time to go to New Orleans
New Orleans is a year-round destination with distinct swings: balmy springs packed with festivals, sweltering storm-prone summers with great dining deals, and mild winters punctuated by Mardi Gras. Seafood seasonality matters too—crawfish peak in spring, while Gulf oysters shine September–April.
- Spring (Mar–May): Warm, often gorgeous weather; biggest crowds and higher prices; festival buzz (French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest) and lively outdoor dining.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Very hot, humid, and storm-prone (hurricane season starts); lighter crowds and strong value (COOLinary dining deals); nightlife shifts indoors.
- Autumn & Carnival (Sep–Feb): Pleasant-to-cool temps; moderate crowds in autumn with prime oyster season; quieter winter except a sharp surge in energy, prices, and visitors around Mardi Gras.
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How to get to New Orleans
By Air
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – Kenner; about 11 miles/18 km west of the French Quarter. 20–30 minutes by car/taxi (longer at peak times). Rideshare and car hire on site. The 202 Airport Express bus runs to the city centre (Loyola/Union Passenger Terminal) in around 35–45 minutes.
- New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW) – primarily general aviation; ~7 miles/11 km from the city centre.
- Alternative airports (useful if fares are lower):
- Gulfport–Biloxi (GPT), Mississippi – ~80 miles/1.5 hours east.
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR) – ~80 miles/1.5 hours northwest.
- Mobile Regional (MOB) – ~150 miles/2.5 hours east.
- MSY has extensive domestic non-stops (e.g., Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles) and limited international links (seasonal/periodic services such as Toronto or Cancun).
By Train
- Union Passenger Terminal (UPT), 1001 Loyola Avenue, is the city’s main rail hub.
- Amtrak routes:
- City of New Orleans (Chicago–Memphis–Jackson–New Orleans) – daily; approx. 19 hours from Chicago.
- Crescent (New York–Philadelphia–Washington, DC–Charlotte–Atlanta–Birmingham–New Orleans) – daily; approx. 30 hours from New York.
- Sunset Limited (Los Angeles–Tucson–El Paso–San Antonio–Houston–New Orleans) – typically three times weekly; approx. 46–48 hours from Los Angeles.
- UPT is walkable/short ride to the CBD and streetcar lines.
By Bus
- Intercity coaches serve UPT and nearby stops (operators include Greyhound and FlixBus).
- Typical direct connections and times (traffic dependent):
- Baton Rouge: ~1.5 hours.
- Gulfport/Biloxi: ~1.5–2 hours.
- Mobile: ~2.5 hours.
- Jackson, MS: ~3–3.5 hours.
- Houston: ~5–6 hours.
By Car
- Primary approaches:
- I‑10 east–west across the city (from Houston via Lake Charles/Lafayette; from Mobile/Pensacola/Tallahassee).
- I‑55 from the north (Jackson, MS; connects with I‑10).
- I‑59 from the northeast (via Slidell; links with I‑10/I‑12).
- Approximate driving times:
- Baton Rouge ~1.5 hours; Jackson, MS ~3 hours; Mobile ~2.5 hours; Houston ~5–6 hours; Pensacola ~3–3.5 hours.
- Notes: Hotel parking can be costly; streets in historic areas are narrow. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (to/from the Northshore) charges a southbound toll.
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