New Orleans Travel Guide
New Orleans eats, drinks and plays music like nowhere else in America. Come hungry, stay out late and look beyond Bourbon Street.
- Best Time
- February to May, October to November
- Ideal Length
- 3 to 4 days
- Getting Around
- Streetcar, walking and ride-hailing
Planning Your Trip to New Orleans
New Orleans has its own culture, music and food, which sets it apart from other American cities. The French Quarter is the obvious starting point, but the best experiences tend to be found a few blocks away, in the Marigny, along Frenchmen Street or at a neighborhood restaurant. Come with an appetite and a sense of curiosity, and plan to stay up later than usual. Heat and humidity are real factors for much of the year, so pace your days and drink water. The city's festivals are spectacular, but they sell out hotels far in advance.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
February to May, October to November is the sweet spot for most visitors. Here is how each season actually feels.
Spring
Mild and pleasant, with Mardi Gras in February or March and festivals through April and May. Book far ahead for big events.
Summer
Hot, humid and rainy, with hurricane season running from June to November. Prices are lower and the pace is slow.
Autumn
Warmth eases, humidity drops and the festival calendar fills up. A very good time to visit.
Winter
Cool and mild, with holiday decorations. A quiet period before Carnival season.
How Many Days in New Orleans?
3 to 4 days
Three days gives time for the French Quarter, a few neighborhoods, live music and meals. A fourth lets you take a swamp or plantation tour.
New Orleans Neighborhoods
Pick the area that matches the kind of trip you want, and you will rarely need to cross town.
French Quarter
The historic core, with iron balconies, jazz clubs and Jackson Square. Lively and loud, and best away from Bourbon Street.
Frenchmen Street
Live music venues in the Marigny, a locals' alternative to Bourbon Street.
Garden District
Antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets, reached by streetcar.
Marigny and Bywater
Colorful creole cottages, art studios and a relaxed, creative neighborhood.
Treme
One of the oldest Black neighborhoods in the US, with deep roots in jazz and second-line parades.
Warehouse District
Galleries, museums, restaurants and the National WWII Museum.
What to Do in New Orleans
Live Jazz
Catch a set at a club on Frenchmen Street or in the Marigny. The music is the soul of the city.
Beignets and Café Au Lait
Fried dough with powdered sugar, a classic breakfast in the French Quarter.
A Streetcar to the Garden District
The St. Charles line is among the oldest continuously operating streetcars in the world.
Creole and Cajun Food
Gumbo, jambalaya, po' boys and étouffée. The city takes its eating seriously.
A Cemetery Tour
Above-ground tombs in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which can be visited only with a guide.
The National WWII Museum
A large, well-regarded museum covering the American experience of the war.
A Swamp Tour
A boat trip into the bayous to see alligators and cypress trees.
Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest
The city's biggest celebrations, which require early booking and a lot of stamina.
Getting Around
The French Quarter and nearby areas are walkable, though the sidewalks are uneven and the heat is heavy. Streetcars run along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street, and ride-hailing and taxis are common. A car is not needed for most visitors, and parking is difficult.
Practical Tips
- Look beyond Bourbon Street. Frenchmen Street and neighborhood bars offer better music.
- Stay hydrated and avoid walking long distances in the midday heat.
- Stay in well-lit areas at night, and use ride-hailing for longer trips.
- Carry cash for tips, as bands and some small venues rely on it.
New Orleans Travel FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need in New Orleans?
Three days covers the French Quarter, music and food. Four allows a swamp tour or a visit to the Garden District.
When Is the Best Time to Visit New Orleans?
February to May and October to November are the most pleasant. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs until November.
Is New Orleans Walkable?
The French Quarter and the Marigny are, though the heat is a factor. Streetcars and ride-hailing help for other areas.
Is New Orleans Safe?
It has areas to be careful in. Stay in busy, well-lit areas at night, use ride-hailing and take normal city precautions.
Plan Your New Orleans Itinerary
Tell us when you are going, who is coming and what you love. We will build a day-by-day New Orleans plan around it, ready in about twenty minutes.