New Orleans

Understand

Overview

New Orleans is known for a host of attributes like its famous Creole food, abundant alcohol, music of many styles, nearby swamps and plantations, 18th- & 19th-century architecture, antiques, gay pride, streetcars, and museums. Nicknamed the Big Easy, New Orleans has long had a reputation as an adult-oriented city. However, the city also offers many attractions for families with children and those interested in culture and the arts. It is a city with Roman Catholic plurality owing to its French and Spanish origins. Famous festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest bring in tourists by the millions, and are the two times of the year when you must book well in advance to be sure of a room. The city also hosts many smaller festivals and gatherings like the French Quarter Festival, Creole Tomato Festival, Satchmo SummerFest, the Essence Festival hosted by the magazine, Halloween parading and costume balls, Saint Patrick's Day and Saint Joseph's Day parading, and Southern Decadence. The city takes almost any occasion for an excuse for a parade, a party, and live music, and in New Orleans most events often have a touch of Mardi Gras year round. Like they say, New Orleanians are either planning a party, enjoying one or recovering from one. Party down! It is a city of great culture with a clash of French, Cajun and some Spanish designs. You may see some voodoo activity at night. The streetcar rides are fun and many of the stores carry exclusive cultural art such as the blue dog collection.

History

In the late 1600s, French trappers and traders began settling in what is now New Orleans, along a Native American trade route between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain via Bayou St. John. In 1718 the city was founded as "Nouvelle-Orléans" by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, Governor of the French colony of Louisiana, with the intent to build it into a provincial capital city. The early French city grew within the grid of what is now the French Quarter. Louisiana was transferred to Spanish rule in the 1760s, but much of the population retained French language and culture. After briefly returning to French rule, Louisiana was purchased by the United States in 1803. At first the new "American" settlers mostly built their homes and shops upriver from the older French parts of the city, across wide "Canal Street" (named for a planned canal that was never built). Canal Street was the dividing line between the Anglophone and Francophone sections; the street's wide median became a popular meeting place called "the neutral ground"—and "neutral ground"

Getting there

By plane 1 Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY IATA) (Loyola Dr, Exit 221 of I-10 in Kenner). The city's primary airport, in the suburb of Kenner. It is a hub for Southwest Airlines, and serves flights from major airports around the country. International flights are available from Toronto, Cancun, San Pedro Sula, Panama City, and London. (updated Apr 2020) To get into town a taxi ($36 for one or two people, $15 per person for three or more) is quickest; that's the flat fee from the airport to any spot in the French Quarter or Central Business District. Limo service is also available for rates starting at $35. See the airport website for other options. A cheap way to get to town is the Jefferson Parish Transit Airport Express route E1-Veterans/Airport, which is $2, or RTA route 202-Airport Express, which is only $1.25. The E1-Veterans/Airport route runs straight down Veterans Boulevard to the Cemeteries Transit Center (more of a collection of seats outside than an actual building of significance, approximately 45 minutes) on Canal Blvd/City Park Ave, while the 202-Airport Express takes the I-10 freeway to CBD just outside of the French Quarter (approximately 30 minutes). It is possible to get into Downtown/French Quarter from the Cemeteries Transit Terminal by streetcar (route 47) or bus (route 91). The Airport bus stop is on Level 1- Baggage Claim, outside Door 2, Zones B4 and B5. Many major hotels have shuttle buses from the airport. Even if you're not staying at one of those hotels, the shuttles can often be a value for those getting into town if their destination is near one of the hotels.

2 Lakefront Airport (NEW IATA). The former main airport before it was replaced in that role by Louis Armstrong International Airport in 1946, it now only serves general aviation. The beautiful Art Deco terminal building was completed in 1934, and after decades of being covered in a concrete shell during the Cold War, was restored to its original 1930s appearance starting from 2013, and is worth a trip to have a look even if you are not flying. Customs and immigration facilities are available for international arrivals, but must be booked in advance. Free parking and admission. (updated Dec 2020)

By car The main artery into and out of town is Interstate 10, going to the east and west. &

By train

New Orleans is served by several long-distance Amtrak routes.

City of New Orleans: Daily daytime train from Chicago via Champaign-Urbana, Carbondale, Memphis, Jackson and Hammond LA. Crescent: Daily from New York via Philadelphia, Washington, Charlotte

Getting around

If you are visiting the French Quarter, casinos, or just the Central Business District, a car may be more of a burden than an asset. Most hotel parking is valet/remote/expensive/difficult at best. New Orleans is ready for visitors, and the rapid transit, trolley cars and buses are plentiful 24/7. Walking is fun and healthy during daylight and early evening. After midnight, you may want to call a taxi, but likely it will be a short trip at reasonable cost. For a great way to see the city, try renting a bike from one of the several bike rental companies in the French Quarter or Marigny. Be very aware when riding a bike; the drivers can be quite aggressive. However, outside the French Quarter or areas served by the streetcar, public transport tends to be unreliable, so renting a car would be the best way to get around.

With a car Be alert that the streets of much of the city were laid out before the automobile, especially in the older parts of town of most interest to visitors. There are many one way streets. It is common for cars to park on the side of the street causing some of the streets to be too narrow for 2 way traffic. This means someone needs to pull to the side. Due to consolidation of the underlying soils and a lack of resources, potholes are common and road conditions are often poor for a developed country. Some developing countries even have better roads. Street signage is sometimes unclear or missing. Some streets have terrible drainage and will flood nearly every time it rains. Water will drain after but makes for difficult driving . Parking is often hard to find around many areas of interest to tourists, but there are generally pay lots in the area. Hotel parking can cost over $40/night downtown and in the French Quarter. Those who don't know how to parallel park may wish to just leave their car in a pay lot when visiting much of the city.

Without a car

Those staying in or near the French Quarter can easily get around by foot, with optional occasional trips by streetcar, bus, or cab if they wish to visit other parts of town. In the French Quarter, bicycle rentals are available at a bike shop on Dauphine Street near the hotels of Canal St as well as at an antique shop on Decatur Street near the French Market. Other places with bike rentals include a bicycle shop in the Marigny Triangle neighborhood on Frenchmen Street and another Uptown on Magazine Street. The Riverfront (#49), Canal Street (#47, #48) and St. Charles (#12) streetcars travel to or near many of the sites listed here. Fares for buses or streetcars are $1.25, which include

See

Detailed listings of attractions are mentioned in the Districts sections listed above. Highlights include:

Historic architecture in neighborhoods Ornate colonial French and Spanish in the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Bywater and Tremé Victorian mansions Uptown and other historic architecture citywide Historic cemeteries are in the Uptown, Tremé, and Mid-City areas the Superdome & Smoothie King Center, in the Central Business District Aquarium, Central Business District Museums – museum highlights include: National World War II Museum (formerly D-Day Museum), Central Business District. New Orleans Museum of Art, Mid-City; Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Central Business District; French Quarter museum highlights include the Cabildo and Presbytere history museums, the Old Mint, and several house museums. Visit the Lower Ninth Ward Museum to learn about the history of this often under-represented and under-valued neighborhood that suffered some of the worst damage and is least recovered from hurricane Katrina. Cities of the Dead – Historic cemeteries Mardi Gras World – with thousands of sensational sculptured props and giant figures—it's the place where Mardi Gras floats are made. A great place to get the Mardi Gras spirit year-round; at the edge of the Central Business District Audubon Zoo in the Audubon & University District New Orleans Museum of Art and City Park in Mid-City the Mississippi River - great views from the French Quarter, the Algiers ferry, and the Audubon Zoo "Butterfly" park Uptown St. Louis Cathedral. Holds regular celebrations of the Catholic Mass

Special interests

Children's attractions New Orleans with children Some top children and family friendly attractions in New Orleans include:

Audubon Zoo, Audubon & University District Aquarium of the Americas, French Quarter Louisiana Children's Museum, Mid-City Storyland Amusement Park, City Park, Mid-City Streetcar rides—many children from cities without trams find riding on an old streetcar an interesting novelty in itself—and parents can enjoy the scenery and historic architecture.

Occult and Voodoo destinations Tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau in St. Louis Cemetery #1, Treme Alombrados Encampment. The hosts the Gnostic Mass and frequent classes on Magick; Bywater Island of Salvation Botanica. Distributes Voodoo goods and holds Voodoo ceremonies in the Marigny Esoterica. Supplies wares, herbs, and oils in the French Quarter.

Do

1 Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. - located in New Orleans Stroll historic neighborhoods look at the architecture and businesses, and people watch in the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Faubourg Tremé, Bywater, Esplanade Ridge, Uptown, Algiers Point and Carrollton Streetcar rides St. Charles Avenue (green cars) is the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the U.S.; the Canal Street route also provides a pleasant ride Riverboat cruises - short or long cruises, some of which have quite good jazz bands on board. Great way to enjoy 3 attractions-in-one: New Orleans food and music during a cruise down the Mississippi. Aquarium-Zoo Cruise - riverboat cruise package is a great way to see the Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Zoo 2 Steamboat Natchez Riverboat Harbor Jazz Sightseeing Cruise, 600 Decatur St., Suite 308 (departs from the Toulouse Street Wharf behind Jax Brewery), ☏ +1 504 586-8777, toll-free: +1-800-365-2628. Daytime cruise daily 11:30AM and 2:30PM, M-Sa evening cruise 7PM. Two-hour cruise on a stream-powered paddlewheel boat. Boarding 30 min before departure (1 hour before dinner cruise). Live narration of historical facts and highlights of the port. Bar and gift shop. Snacks and light meals available for purchase if you're not buying a meal. Adult/child 6-13/child under 6: daytime cruise $34/13.50/free; M-Sa cruise with lunch $46/23/9.50; Sunday brunch with cruise $51/27.50/17.50; evening cruise $48/24/free; cruise with dinner $83/38/18.25. (updated Apr 2018) Creole Queen Sightseeing Cruise, 365 Canal Street, Suite 2350, ☏ +1 504-529-4567, toll-free: +1-800-445-4109. Daily: daytime cruise 10AM and 2PM, evening cruise with jazz band 7PM. A diesel-powered paddlewheel boat. A one-hour shore excursion at the battlefield features a guided tour and talk by National Park Rangers. Boarding 30 min before departure. Daytime: adult $34, child (6-12) $14, child under 6 free; buffet $19 per person, or available à la carte. Evening with dinner/without: adult $79/48, child (6-12) $36/24, child (3-5) $12/free. (updated Apr 2018) New Orleans Pedal Barge, 2101 Paris Road, ☏ +1 504 264-1056. Cruises and tours start at 10am and occur every 2 hours. Pedal a stationary bike around a communal bar that powers a paddlewheel. Up to 18 participants. (updated Apr 2025) River ferry – the budget alternative to riverboats, take the pedestrian ferry from the foot of Canal Street across the Mississippi to Algiers Point and back for a great view of the river, downtown, and the Quarter. It is $2 per person, each way (the 24-hour RTA Jazzy day pass is only $3 if

Eat

Individual listings can be found in New Orleans's district articles OK, so you're hungry. You've come to the right place. New Orleans is a culinary delight, but don't look too hard for healthy food; some would say don't look at all (although those demanding vegetarian, vegan, or kosher food can, with effort, find some). You're on vacation, so take advantage of what they prepare best here. New Orleans has good food for people on any type of budget. While most places take major credit cards, "cash only" restaurants are perhaps a bit more common here than other places, so plan in advance. The main culinary tradition in New Orleans is Creole - which means the culture and its cuisine already flourishing when Louisiana was purchased by the U.S. in 1803. The Creoles were the peoples living in New Orleans from its founding. Creole has a mixture of influences, including French, Spanish and Native American, with a strong West African foundation. Creoles cook with roux (a blend of butter and flour) and the "trinity," a popular term for green pepper, onion and celery. These are the base for many savory dishes. 19th-century southern Italian immigrants added increased appreciation for garlic — an old local joke calls garlic the "Pope" to the culinary "Trinity" — along with tomato based sauces and other dishes. (The influences went both ways; some New Orleans "Italian" restaurants have their own take on the Italian tradition, sometimes called "Creole Italian".) Eastern European, Latin American, Vietnamese, and other immigrants have added to the New Orleans mix. Thus New Orleans cuisine is rich in tradition while open to new ideas, and culturally inclusive while still uniquely distinctive. The seafood is fresh and relatively cheap compared to many places. Some think it is often best fried, but you can try seafood of a wide variety cooked many different ways here. Repeated studies have shown that the 2010 oil spill has not at all affected the quality of Gulf seafood.

Oysters are a popular specialty, gulped down raw, battered and fried, in a po' boy sandwich, or elegant Rockefeller style. Most oysters served here come from local Gulf Coast oyster beds, and are larger and meatier than most oysters from the Pacific or Atlantic. There may on occasion be some exotic items on the menu. Yes, you can have alligator if you’d like - it mostly tastes like chicken (but chewier). The softshell crab can be excellent. If it's on the menu of a good restaurant, it's probably pretty good—when in doubt, ask. Crawfish (don't say "cray" fish) is a popular dish here, usually boiled in a huge

Drink & nightlife

Individual listings can be found in New Orleans's district articles The legal drinking age is 21 in Louisiana, as it is across the US. At bars in New Orleans this is strictly enforced, but not as much in restaurants. However, notably unlike the vast majority of US cities, drinking in public is legal everywhere in the city, provided it is within a plastic container (note that outside the French Quarter, there are no container restrictions). New Orleans also has no "blue laws" or mandatory closing times for liquor establishments, which means that any hour of day or night, every day of the year, there is always somewhere to get alcohol. You can head out the door with an open container of alcohol—but not in a bottle or can; to try to keep broken glass and jagged metal from filling the street, local laws mandate you use a plastic cup while on city streets and sidewalks. These are known locally as "go cups", and every local bar provides them, usually has a stack of them by the door and the bouncer will take your drink from you and pour it into the cup because bars can be held liable if they don't. Use them, because New Orleans Police are watching for it, especially on Bourbon Street.

Some drinks are noted for their potency, such as the tourist favorite "Hurricane" (a fruit punch and rum drink), which originated at Pat O'Brien's bar but now common in the Quarter. However, drinking does not have to be about quantity. Popular refined local cocktails include the "sazerac" and the "Ramos gin fizz". New Orleanians also love wine.

Beer lovers will be happy to learn that local craft brewers have expanded in New Orleans. While Abita was the perennial favorite, newer options include NOLA Brewing Company, Port Orleans Brewing, and Urban South. Smaller brewers include Zony Mash Brewing Company, Courtyard Brewery (which specializes in IPAs), Miel Brewery, and Brieux Carre. Listings of some top choices of the city's bars, from friendly neighborhood dives to elegant cocktail palaces, can be found in the neighborhood articles.

Tales of the Cocktail. An annual event each July in the Quarter and CBD with seminars, tastings, and other events, drawing in people from master bartenders to casual cocktail lovers. There's even a "jazz funeral" procession for the cocktail which top bartenders would most like to see buried (past "funerals" have included "sex on the beach" and the "appletini"). Especially if you're drinking alcohol (but even if you aren't), be sure to drink a lot of water or other non-alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration in the southern heat and humidity. New O

Sleep

Individual listings can be found in New Orleans's district articles The numerous hotels in the French Quarter and Central Business District are most centrally located for most tourists, but there are good accommodations in many other parts of town as well. Hotels on or near the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line in Uptown are popular with many visitors, and the smaller hotels and guest houses in neighborhoods like Marigny and Mid-City can provide an immersion in New Orleans away from the larger masses of tourists. Individual hotels are listed in the parts of town sub-articles.

Go next

If you have a car and want a short adventure, drive north on the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway bridge for a thrill. As soon as you get to the other side, start looking for the plentiful seafood offerings: fresh crab and shrimp out of the lake at very reasonable prices. You're now in St. Tammany Parish, which has various small cities, towns, and attractions. I-10 runs east west through the city, I-55 dumps into I-10 West of the city and Pontchartrain; I-59 outflows into I-10 on the East side. Travel west on I-10 out of Greater New Orleans to Acadiana or "Cajun Country". While there are a few places to get good Cajun in New Orleans, for authenticity go to the source. River Road is home to a stretch of Plantations. The plantations are scattered along the River Road on both sides of the Mississippi between Greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sugar plantations brought in a nice bit of income in the 18th and 19th centuries, and there are some lovely homes with the archetypal oak colonnades at the entrance. There are also plantations in the French Creole style. The most popular plantations include Oak Alley, Laura, and San Francisco. You can also arrange for a swamp tour. Spring at Jean Lafitte swamp is a lovely time to see the swamp iris. Also, the first and longest running prison rodeo is just up the way at Angola. Before and after the rodeo, the inmates sell crafts, such as belt buckles, wallets, original paintings, earning money for their families in the process. For a taste of the less urban aspect of South East Louisiana, continue further down river to Saint Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish. I-55 takes you from Laplace up the Mississippi River ultimately to Chicago. If you take I-10 West, you can end up in Texas, or even California. Head east to Florida. Or take 59 North up the Appalachians.