Destination guide

New Orleans

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New Orleans is unlike any other city in the United States. French and Spanish colonial streets, African and Caribbean traditions, live jazz on every corner and an extraordinary food culture all come together here.

It is warm, relaxed and friendly, and festivals fill the calendar throughout the year.

How many days: 3

Three days covers the French Quarter, a music night, a neighbourhood or two and a swamp trip. A long weekend is the classic length.

Eat well, walk slowly and keep your evenings free for music.

What to do in New Orleans

Walk through the French Quarter
Iron balconies, courtyards and old streets. Quieter in the morning and livelier at night.
Listen to live jazz
Small clubs on Frenchmen Street and elsewhere have live music most nights. Go early to find a spot.
Ride a streetcar through the Garden District
A historic streetcar passes grand mansions and leafy streets. A relaxed way to see another side of the city.
Visit a historic cemetery
Above-ground tombs are a hallmark of the city, and guided tours explain their history.
Take a swamp boat tour
Small boats glide through bayous to see alligators, herons and moss-covered trees. Book with a reputable operator.
Visit a museum on the city's history
Museums cover jazz, the Civil War and Hurricane Katrina.
Walk along the Mississippi riverfront
A promenade follows the river bend. A good place at sunset.
See a festival or parade
Mardi Gras is the most famous, but many smaller parades and festivals run all year.
Visit the National WWII Museum
A large, well-regarded museum covering the war, with immersive exhibits. Allow half a day.
Walk through a neighbourhood like the Marigny or Bywater
Colourful cottages, bars and small music spots, away from the crowds.
Take a ride on a paddle steamer
River cruises have live jazz and views of the harbour.
Visit City Park
A large park with live oaks, a sculpture garden and an old amusement area.
Browse a flea or art market
Weekend markets sell crafts, art and music. A good place for gifts.
Take a food walking tour
Guided tours explain the mix of Creole and Cajun dishes, and help you choose where to eat.

What to eat and drink

Gumbo
A rich stew of sausage, seafood and rice, thickened with a dark roux.
Jambalaya
A rice dish with meat, seafood and spices.
Beignets
Square doughnuts covered in powdered sugar, served warm with coffee.
Po'boys
A sandwich on crusty bread, filled with fried seafood or roast beef.
Crawfish
Boiled and spiced, a favourite in spring.
Cocktails
The city is the home of several classic cocktails. Order one at an old bar.
Muffuletta
A round sandwich of cured meats, cheese and olive salad.
Red beans and rice
A Monday tradition and a comfort dish, found all over the city.
Pralines
A sweet pecan candy, sold in shops across the French Quarter.
Chicory coffee
Dark coffee blended with chicory, served with milk.

Getting around

The French Quarter and nearby areas are walkable. Streetcars cover the main routes, and a day pass is a good option.

Ride-hailing apps and taxis are common at night.

Cycling is popular on the flat streets.

Good to know

  • It is hot and humid in summer, and hurricane season runs from June to November. Check forecasts and your insurance.
  • Take care at night, and stay in busy, well-lit areas.
  • Street drinking is allowed in some places. Check local rules.
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars and for musicians.
  • Visitors from many countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official site.
  • Do not expect the city to be quiet at night. Choose accommodation away from the busiest streets if you want sleep.
  • Carry a light layer, as air conditioning is strong indoors.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as streets and pavements can be uneven.

Where to stay in New Orleans

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

French Quarter

Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, Royal Street and centuries-old Creole architecture make the French Quarter New Orleans' defining visitor district. It suits first-time, food and nightlife trips; crowds, premium accommodation and near-constant evening activity make quiet stays difficult.

Marigny & Bywater

Colourful Creole cottages, Frenchmen Street music, Crescent Park and independent restaurants give these adjoining neighbourhoods a creative local character. They suit live-music and repeat visitors; deeper Bywater is less convenient for transport and evenings can be lively.

Garden District & Uptown

Grand mansions, oak-lined streets, Magazine Street and the St Charles streetcar give Uptown a slower, elegant alternative to Downtown. It suits couples and families; nightlife is dispersed and reaching the French Quarter or airport takes longer.

Warehouse Arts District

Converted warehouses now hold the National WWII Museum, galleries, acclaimed restaurants and hotels near the Convention Center. It suits culture, business and polished city stays; prices can be high and the atmosphere has less historic intimacy than older neighbourhoods.

Mid-City

City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Canal Street streetcars and neighbourhood restaurants give Mid-City a relaxed local feel away from the tourist core. It suits families and value-conscious longer stays; major Downtown attractions require a ride.

Central Business District

Skyscrapers, major hotels, theatres and the Superdome place New Orleans' business core directly between the French Quarter and Warehouse District. It suits conferences and short practical stays; office-block streets offer less romance and can feel subdued outside events.

What it costs

A typical day in New Orleans, per person, in pounds.

£90

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£204

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£485

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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