New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the "Big Easy," it's known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for raucous costumed parades and street parties. â Google
February to May ð
Best time for weather and festivals, including Mardi Gras and French Quarter Fest
Book early — it’s the most popular season
October to January ð
Cooler temps, fewer crowds, and festive events like Voodoo Fest and Holiday NOLA Style
June to September âïļ
Hot and humid, but hotel deals are great
Watch for afternoon storms and hurricane season (August/September)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – 20–30 minutes from the French Quarter
Flights from most major U.S. cities
Amtrak’s Crescent, Sunset Limited, and City of New Orleans lines serve the city
Easy road trip from Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, or Florida panhandle
Historic heart of the city, filled with music, bars, Creole townhouses, and street performers
Highlights: Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Royal Street art galleries
Famous for nightlife, daiquiris, jazz clubs, and beads
Go early for quieter vibes or late for a wild night out
Beautiful oak-lined streets with mansions and historic cemeteries
Don’t miss Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and Magazine Street shopping
Explore the Louisiana bayou outside the city to see alligators and cypress trees
One of the best museums in the U.S. — interactive and immersive exhibits
Oldest and most famous cemetery; visit with a tour (Marie Laveau’s grave is here)
Listen to live jazz at Preservation Hall or along Frenchmen Street
Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River (Natchez or Creole Queen)
Enjoy a cooking class or food tour to learn about Cajun & Creole cuisine
Attend a second line parade — spontaneous, joyful street dancing with brass bands
Visit Voodoo shops and museums to explore local spiritual traditions
Hotel Monteleone – literary history & rooftop pool
Royal Sonesta – lively and elegant, right on Bourbon Street
Place d’Armes Hotel – charming, traditional Creole courtyard hotel
Pontchartrain Hotel – classic with rooftop bar views
Henry Howard Hotel – boutique mansion vibes
The Quisby – funky hostel with bar
Hotel St. Pierre – affordable, cozy, and close to everything
Beignets at Café du Monde or Café Beignet
Gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée
Po’boys, muffulettas, red beans & rice
Bananas Foster, bread pudding, and pralines
Commander’s Palace – upscale Creole dining in the Garden District
Cochon – modern Cajun dishes in the Warehouse District
Willie Mae’s Scotch House – award-winning fried chicken
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – soul food with civil rights legacy
GW Fins – high-end seafood, great for a night out
New Orleans is a cultural melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences
The city lives and breathes music — jazz, funk, blues, brass
Known for Mardi Gras, but festivals run year-round: Jazz Fest, Voodoo Fest, Essence Fest
Deep-rooted voodoo and Catholic spiritual traditions coexist
People are friendly, expressive, and deeply proud of their food, heritage, and resilience