New Orleans is an American city unlike any other. It’s a melting pot of French, American, Spanish, and West African cultures. This explains why the city looks like no other city in the country, with a lot of its architecture resembling the cobbled streets in France, the gorgeous bright colors in West Africa, and artistic influences from Spain. The local cuisine is as diverse as its architecture, featuring Southern Classics like grits and gumbo, as well as Creole and Cajun favorites.
New Orleans, also called the “Big Easy” is known to have a party scene unlike any other in the USA. It’s also one of the only places in the country that allows drinking on the street, which only adds to its culture of famous street parties with live music. Mardi Gras festivities are the most important time of the year in New Orleans and we highly recommend visiting New Orleans during this time.
It is also known to famously be one of the most haunted cities in the country, and it attracts a lot of ghosthunters. Taking a ghost tour or visiting during Halloween is also highly recommended. Here are some of the best New Orleans travel tips to give you the full experience of being a local resident!
New Orleans
French Quarter
The heart of the city, and the most popular of the city’s neighborhoods, the French Quarter area is the hub that most travelers and tourists prefer to stay in New Orleans. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city and is known for its rich history. Visit the French Market, stop by some stunning antique stores, grab a bite to eat at an artisanal restaurant while sipping on a cocktail, or head to Bourbon Street to catch the best New Orleans Jazz music at some of the best clubs and bars. You can also find some amazing Cajun food places here.
Garden District
The Garden District is another prime neighborhood that visitors choose to stay in. It’s an upscale residential neighborhood. While you’re exploring this area, don’t forget to go on a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar which is the oldest continuously functioning streetcar in the world. This area is located just upriver from the Mississippi River, making this the uptown part of the city. Walk under a canopy of trees while looking at some of the most luxurious mansions in the city.
Central Business District
Central Business District is located in downtown New Orleans and this bustling area is where you’ll find some of the city’s most high-end restaurants and hotels. Enjoy Cajun-Creole cuisine here to the fullest. This district is also home to some of the most opulent theatres that host live music performances and plays. The South Market District is a micro-neighborhood here and it has some of the nicest restaurants and eateries so we highly recommend going there.
New Orleans Itinerary
We highly recommend visiting the following places and doing these activities on your trip to New Orleans:
- Go on a food tour to be able to truly appreciate the vastness of traditional New Orleans food.
- Take a stroll down St. Charles Avenue and also take a ride in the streetcar.
- Try Beignets! These little pillowy pieces of fried dough sprinkled with sugar were birthed in New Orleans and are a must-try! Cafe Du Monde makes some of the best beignets in the city.
- Visit Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter.
- Party on Frenchmen Street late in the night with the locals – this is an experience that absolutely should not be missed. This is the epitome of New Orleans’ nightlife.
- Sip coffee at any of the amazing coffee shops on Magazine Street.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to go to New Orleans?
The best time for a New Orleans vacation is between March and May when it comes to the weather. However, we highly recommend visiting either during Mardi Gras or Halloween, as this is a period when the city comes to life even more than usual and the celebrations are like nothing you would’ve seen before.
How many days is enough for New Orleans?
We recommend staying in New Orleans for between 4-6 days to get a true taste of the city.
Is it worth visiting New Orleans?
New Orleans is a melting pot of global cultures, food, and architecture. It is very different from most other American cities and so it’s most definitely worth a visit.
What is the best New Orleans hotel to stay at?
The Ritz Carlton New Orleans, The Roosevelt New Orleans, Bourbon Orleans Hotel, and The Westin New Orleans are some of the best hotels in New Orleans.
What are the top New Orleans attractions?
Some of the top places to visit in New Orleans are French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Oak Alley, Frenchman street, and Garden District.
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