New Orleans Travel Guide

Plan your trip to New Orleans with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, food, hotels, and more.


Introduction to New Orleans

Nestled in the Greater New Orleans area of Louisiana, in the southern region of the United States, New Orleans is a city teeming with rich cultural history and a vibrant community. Renowned for its fine cuisine, diverse music scene, and Mardi Gras celebrations, this city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique travel experience.

List of Places to Visit in New Orleans

New Orleans offers a plethora of tourist attractions to suit everyone’s interests.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The National World War II Museum: Dedicated to the remembrance of the brave men and women who served during the war, the museum holds a vast collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and personal stories.
  2. The New Orleans Museum of Art: Home to an extensive collection of art, ranging from modern to contemporary, visitors can experience unique exhibitions, art classes, and events.
  3. The Historic New Orleans Collection: A research center, museum complex, and publisher, the venue showcases a vast collection of historical artifacts, books, and documents spanning over 300 years of Louisiana’s history.

Natural Attractions of New Orleans: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: Located a short drive from the city, this natural reserve boasts a plethora of exceptional natural settings, including swamplands, bayous, and marshes.
  2. Audubon Park: Spread over 350 acres of greenery, this park is a favorite among locals for family picnics and outdoor activities.
  3. Jackson Square: With trees and manicured lawns, this open-air plaza stands as a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll.

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Orleans

New Orleans provides an excellent network of bike paths and trails that wind through the city, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the area’s beauty while riding.

Best Things to Do in New Orleans: Activities and Tours

  1. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride: Get a unique and memorable perspective of the city while enjoying a carriage ride through the French Quarter.
  2. Visit the St. Louis Cemetery: With some of the city’s most famous figures buried here, visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the history and culture of the cemetery.
  3. Go on a ghost tour: Take a spine-tingling tour through the city’s most haunted places and hear stories about ghosts that supposedly still lurk in the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for New Orleans

Day 1: Arrive in New Orleans and wander through the streets of the French Quarter.

Day 2: Explore the Swamp and Bayou Tour and learn about the unique wildlife that calls Louisiana’s wetlands home.

Day 3: Take a riverboat cruise and visit the delightful Tea Room at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Day 4: Go shopping in the uptown area, then visit the Audubon Aquarium.

Day 5: Take a trip to the National World War II Museum, and get educated about the history of WWII.

Day 6: Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art and take a stroll through the city’s famous City Park.

Day 7: Wrap up the trip with a visit to the colorful French Market and try some of the delicious local foods.

Food and Drink Scene of New Orleans

New Orleans is famous for its incredible food, and visitors should look forward to expanding their palate while here.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Gumbo: A Cajun stew made from shellfish, sausage, and rice, gumbo is a must-try dish for those visiting New Orleans.
  2. Jambalaya: A Creole dish made from rice, veggies, and a blend of spices, jambalaya is a signature meal of New Orleans.
  3. Beignets: A delicious dessert of fried dough pastries topped with powdered sugar.

Local Beverages

  1. Hurricane: A fruity and sweet cocktail made from rum, fruit juice, and grenadine, the Hurricane has become a New Orleans staple.
  2. Sazerac: A classic cocktail made from a blend of rye whiskey, absinthe, and sugar.

Where to Stay in New Orleans: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

New Orleans has a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.

  1. Hotel Monteleone: A family-owned hotel, it boasts an unbeatable location in the heart of the French Quarter.
  2. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans: For those looking for luxury accommodation in the heart of the city, this hotel is an excellent choice.
  3. Indian House Hostel: A charming hostel known for its cozy atmosphere, great facilities, and proximity to the city’s famous sights.

What to Buy in New Orleans: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Mardi Gras beads and paraphernalia: A symbol of the city’s famous festival, Mardi Gras beads and trinkets make for great souvenirs.
  2. Pralines: A sweet and treasured treat, the creamy and nutty candy makes for a great gift.
  3. Hand-made art and crafts: Visitors can take home unique art and crafts made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of New Orleans

For those looking to understand the city’s culture and customs better, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Mardi Gras is a big deal.
  2. Music is a significant part of the city’s identity.
  3. The French Quarter is the historic heart of the city.

Best Time to Visit New Orleans

The best time to visit New Orleans is during the fall or the spring months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Orleans

Do:

  1. Do indulge in the city’s food and drink scene.
  2. Do take a ghost tour and learn about the city’s spooky history.
  3. Do take time to explore the city’s beautiful and unique architecture.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t forget to tip your server or bartender.
  2. Don’t walk around alone at night in less populated areas.
  3. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations and tips.

Safety and Health

Safety in New Orleans

Though New Orleans is a relatively safe city, visitors should still take precautions to avoid any mishaps.

  1. Carry only essential belongings.
  2. Don’t flash cash in public.
  3. Take precautions late at night and park in well-lit areas.

Health in New Orleans

  1. It is recommended to stay hydrated due to the high humidity during summers.
  2. Be mindful of hurricane season.

Getting to New Orleans: Transportation Options and Logistics

New Orleans has a well-connected transport system, including:

Airports Near New Orleans

  1. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Bus Stations Near New Orleans

  1. Greyhound Bus Station

Other Options

  1. Amtrak Train Station

How to Get Around in New Orleans

New Orleans offers a variety of transport options, including buses, trams, taxis, and even ferry services to cross the Mississippi River.

Where to Go Next from New Orleans: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Biloxi, Mississippi
  2. Gulf Shores, Alabama
  3. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Conclusion

New Orleans has so much to offer, from rich cultural heritage and a vibrant music scene to a delectable food and drink scene. You can plan your trip using this comprehensive travel guide and add it to your bucket list of must-visit places around the world.

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    Audubon and University
    Central Business District
    French Quarter
    Lakeview and Lakeshore
    Lower 9th Ward
    Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge
    Tremé
    Uptown