Know Before You Go: About New Orleans
Late night celebrations, signature cuisine and soulful music give New Orleans a relaxed, yet celebratory vibe
The laughter of late-night revelers, the aroma of gumbo and the smooth sounds of jazz float through the air in New Orleans, adding to the city’s relaxed, yet celebratory spirit. Situated on the Mississippi, The Big Easy is a mash up of French, African, Spanish and American cultures that offers just as much history as it does the chance to revel in its festive atmosphere.
New Orleans Weather
The best time of year to visit New Orleans is between February and May when temperatures comfortably average in the 70s. Southern summers usually bring searing heat in the 90s, along with high humidity and the potential for torrential downpours, so don’t be caught without an umbrella. August and September mark the height of the hurricane season, with crowds thinning out and the temps dipping back into the 60s and 70s during fall and winter.
Landmark Attractions
Step into the past in the French Quarter, the historic city center dotted with brick sidewalks and ornate gas lamps. The streets are lined with 18th-century pastel mansions adorned with wrought-iron balconies and hanging flower baskets. Sample Louisiana Creole cuisine with a bowl of spicy jambalaya or a thick shrimp po'boy sandwich at Stanley Restaurant. Sip a potent hurricane cocktail at Pat O’Brien’s, Bourbon Street’s legendary bar. Top off your culinary excursion with beignets—rich bits of fried dough dusted with powdered sugar—at the world-famous Café Du Monde. Be sure to take a selfie in Jackson Square with the many musicians and artists that perform daily in the 18th-century park. Fun is on hand for the kids at the Audubon Institute’s Aquarium of the Americas, where penguins and sea turtles live and birds fly through a massive indoor rainforest. Rent bikes for the family and pedal through the 1,300-acre City Park, where you can also have a relaxing picnic, boat ride or round of miniature golf.
Big Business in the Big Easy
New Orleans is at the center of a thriving Gulf Coast energy empire. Tourism is also a top industry—one that continues to recover following 2005’s devastating Hurricane Katrina. More than 9 million people visit in the city annually, but the streets are particularly packed during Mardi Gras and Carnival, the six-week celebration leading up to Easter, when the city comes alive with masquerade balls, beads and parades. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival draws music lovers during its two-weekend run in late April and early May. Twelve stages dominate the fairgrounds near City Park, hosting jazz legends along with major rock, pop and country acts.
Transportation Options
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is 15 miles west of the city, and the Airport Shuttle New Orleans can take you directly to your hotel in the city center. Interstate 10 runs east-west from Jacksonville, Florida, to Los Angeles and cuts through the heart of New Orleans. Major cruise lines operate out of New Orleans, and riverboats travel up and down the Mississippi River. If train travel is in your future, Amtrak runs service daily between Chicago and New Orleans. Embrace the city’s nostalgic side with a ride on an old streetcar or embark on a leisurely horse and buggy ride. The Canal Street/Algiers Ferry also offers sweeping views of the city from across the Mississippi.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in New Orleans.
More to Explore
New Orleans Food Tour
Don’t miss this blend of down-home dishes and celebrity-chef concoctions.
Live Jazz in New Orleans
Dance the night away at some of New Orleans’ favorite jazz venues.