New Orleans, otherwise known as the “Big Easy,” is bursting with life and is known for its 24/7 nightlife, bustling live music scene, and unique cuisine. From the sound of jazz spilling out of bars on nearly every corner to the deliciously spicy dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, New Orleans is a destination for music lovers, foodies, art enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.
And of course, there’s Mardi Gras, the annual late-winter extravaganza that takes over the city with colorful parades, beads, and celebrations. Whether you’re traveling for the festivities or just for a weekend away, let this New Orleans travel guide lead the way.
Where to stay
Whether you’re after a cozy Airbnb in the Garden District or a luxury hotel right in the heart of downtown, New Orleans has plenty of options to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as the city itself.
Best Airbnb: Parks-Bowman Mansion
The Parks-Bowman Mansion Airbnb, nestled in the heart of New Orleans’ charming Garden District, is a book lover’s paradise. This cozy bedroom, known as “The Library,” is filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, making it the perfect retreat for one or two guests.
The room features a queen-sized antique cypress bed, a private shower with travertine marble, and a second-floor porch. If you’re traveling with more people, the mansion offers two additional rooms for rent, making it ideal for group stays.
- Nearest airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
- Time: 20 minutes by car
- Distance: 15.5 miles
Best mid-range hotel: AC Hotel by Marriott New Orleans French Quarter
The AC Hotel located in the French Quarter offers guests everything they need including close proximity to the heart of New Orleans. Nestled just one block from Bourbon street, the AC Hotel is a modern and sleek stay for guests looking for easy access to the city. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, of course, as well as complimentary snacks.
The stylish lounge is a great stop for a nightcap on the way in, and the hotel also has a good breakfast each morning before you set out for the day. Those who want to get their exercise will also appreciate the fitness room. Upgrade when you check in for a wonderful view of the city, especially if you are looking for a change of scenery for a staycation.
- Nearest airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
- Time: 18 minutes by car
- Distance: 12 miles
Best budget hotel: Hampton Inn and Suites New Orleans Convention Center
The Hampton Inn and Suites New Orleans Convention Center offers great value for a stay in the Bayou. While the hotel is located at the southern end of the central business district, it is perfectly situated between both the French Quarter and the Garden District, which holds an abundance of beautiful city parks, Buckner Mansion, and tons of great bars and restaurants that are further from the beaten path.
The hotel also looks out over the Mississippi River and affords a short walk to a nearby railway stop that’s necessary to reach other districts and attractions. The elegant lobby is only a precursor to the spacious rooms that include a sitting area as well as a comfortable bed. The hotel also has a well-equipped fitness room and a rooftop pool that’s perfect for cooling off during sweltering days. Though this is an optimal hotel for a stay on a budget, guests won’t give up any amenities or atmosphere for the lower price.
- Nearest airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
- Time: 20 minutes by car
- Distance: 15.3 miles
What to eat
No New Orleans travel guide is complete without mentioning the food. Dining out in the Big Easy is one of the best ways to experience the city. There are plenty of amazing restaurants in New Orleans. Cajun dishes are distinct and an entire Southern cuisine unto itself.
First-time visitors and seasoned travelers to New Orleans alike should skip the run-of-the-mill restaurants that serve American classics like pizza, burgers, and wings for places that truly get to the heart of the region’s food. From classics to trendy haunts, these restaurants are the best for any occasion and are must-visits for any local too. Price ranges are indicated with a “$” sign. For your reference:
“$” = budget-friendly or cheap
“$$”= average
“$$$”= expensive
Classic: Café du Monde
For those who have not done it, Café du Monde’s French Quarter location is a must. Though the beignets will leave you with powdered sugar absolutely everywhere, it is an experience visitors and locals alike have to have. Don’t forget to order a cup of chicory coffee to sip with your beignets.
- $
Brunch: Elizabeth’s
For breakfast and lunch, you can’t go wrong at Elizabeth’s. Set in an old house near the Bywater district, this joint is a local favorite. Filled with folk art and a lively bar, the restaurant offers only the essentials. Vinyl-covered tables quickly fill up with plates full of food, thanks to the large servings dished out here.
The breakfast menu includes your typical breakfast items as well as Cajun-country staples like fried catfish with two eggs. A can’t-miss starter for the table is the praline bacon, which has a near-cult following. The lunch menu includes burgers, salads, and a range of po’boys to choose from, too.
- $$
Vegan: Sweet Soulfood
If you’re traveling to New Orleans as a vegan (or just looking for a meat-free meal), then check out Sweet Soulfood. This venue serves up vegan, organic, soy-free, and dairy-free dishes. However, just because you’re eating vegan doesn’t mean you need to skip out on traditional New Orleans cuisine. You can enjoy vegan gumbo, cornbread, mac and cheese, and more.
- $
Seafood: Carmo
Set in a light and airy historic building, Carmo is a fresh take on seafood with tropical influences. A departure from fried shrimp and hushpuppies, this bistro serves up dishes ranging from ceviches and tiradito fish to Creole fish and salads topped with fresh Gulf tuna. Check the website for weekly specials as well. The light and fresh fare is a perfect way to round out a day of rich or indulgent food like a plate of Café du Monde’s beignets.
- $$
Visit Carmo Seafood Restaurant
Delivery: Heard Dat Kitchen
Heard Dat Kitchen is the real deal when it comes to Southern and Cajun food. The low-key, no-frills restaurant only offers take-out and delivery, so it is very easy to order out. The menu ranges from perfectly crisp, fried chicken and blackened fish to delicious red beans and shrimp and grits.
With sides like lobster potatoes, mac and cheese, and fries topped with buttermilk ranch and candied bacon, you might have trouble choosing where to start when you open the to-go box. You might find yourself making more than one trip to this restaurant for lunch or dinner.
- $$
Special: Atchafalaya
For a special occasion or an elegant night out, look no further than Atchafalaya. The contemporary Louisana kitchen is an approachable take on fine dining. Set in a quiet neighborhood, the restaurant has a down-to-earth atmosphere while turning out some beautifully plated dishes. Start with the blue crab raviolo or the fried green tomatoes with crabmeat. Mains include Southern classics like shrimp and grits as well as Andouille-cornbread stuffed quail among other options.
- $$$
What to do
With New Orleans’ pleasant weather year-round, there’s always something to do and new places to explore. Whether you’re diving into the city’s history at one of its many museums or simply strolling through the beautiful neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of activities to fill your days.
Walk the heart of the city
For those who are new to the city, take a walking tour. Saunter down Bourbon street to take in the scene and hear music drifting through the air. One place you might want to try to visit is the Cigar Factory on Bourbon street. The store also includes a cigar museum and folks actively rolling cigars as a demonstration.
Experience live music, New Orleans style
Visiting bars with live jazz museum is a must when visiting New Orleans. The Longue Vue House and Gardens are both great places to consider checking out. Don’t pass Jackson Square by either. There are tons of local artists, fortune tellers, and tarot card readers set up around the square. It will give you the mystical, magical air of the Big Easy that everyone should experience.
Museums you’ll actually want to tour
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the museums around town too. The National World War II Museum has only been open for roughly three years, making it a newer option to try. Not to mention, The Higgins is a new hotel across the street that has an amazing view from the rooftop bar and grill. Carmo is also nearby. So, plan a late afternoon tour of the museum followed by happy hour at The Higgins and dinner at Carmo.
Backstreet Cultural Museum and the New Orleans Jazz Museum are two other quintessential places to stop by. Backstreet Cultural Museum is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to Black history in New Orleans. Located in Treme, the exhibits also include a collection of Mardi Gras costumes as well as the origin of jazz funerals. It’s definitely a worthwhile stop for locals to visit, too. While both museums tough on jazz, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is solely dedicated to jazz. Though it’s a small museum, it includes exhibits and information on jazz legends and New Orleans’ role in the music genre.
Get outside, by land or sea
If you want to let loose away from the city and maybe even get some time outside, plan to schedule a tee time at a golf course or book a fishing guide for a full- or half-day. There are three easily accessible golf courses in New Orleans. The first is inside the city park, which makes it easier to plan closer to time. The other courses, the New Orleans Country Club and the Audubon Park Golf Course might require notice further in advance.
Similarly, a fishing charter typically requires more planning to schedule as well. Try calling New Orleans Fishing Charters, St. Bernard Fishing Charters, or Southern Fly Expeditions. Depending on the season and the charter you book, you can look forward to fishing for speckled trout, redfish, black drum, jack crevalle, and more.
