Things to do when traveling to New Orleans

Key Takeaways

• The French Quarter offers more than just Bourbon Street – explore Royal Street’s art galleries, Jackson Square’s street performers, and the historic French Market for a complete experience.
• New Orleans cuisine is essential to understanding the city – don’t miss beignets at Café du Monde, authentic gumbo, and the legendary Commander’s Palace jazz brunch.
• For the best live music experience, venture to Frenchmen Street where locals go, rather than sticking solely to tourist areas.
• Expand your visit beyond downtown by taking the historic St. Charles streetcar to explore the Garden District’s magnificent mansions and shady streets.
• Visit New Orleans Tours offers specialized guided experiences that reveal hidden gems even seasoned travelers might miss in the Crescent City.

New Orleans captivates visitors with its intoxicating blend of cultures, music, and cuisine unlike anywhere else in America. The city pulses with a rhythm all its own, inviting you to lose yourself in its centuries-old streets while discovering new adventures around every corner.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another taste of the Big Easy, this guide will help you experience the authentic magic that makes New Orleans one of the world’s most beloved destinations. From Visit New Orleans Tours, we’ve compiled the essential experiences that will transform your visit from ordinary to extraordinary, with insights that go beyond standard tourist recommendations.

Essential New Orleans Experiences At-a-Glance

New Orleans offers a dizzying array of activities that blend history, culture, cuisine, and music in ways that defy simple categorization. Beyond the beads and cocktails that often dominate the city’s reputation lies a complex tapestry of neighborhoods, traditions, and experiences waiting to be discovered. The city rewards those who approach it with curiosity and a willingness to step away from the most obvious attractions. While Bourbon Street certainly deserves a visit, the soul of New Orleans reveals itself in quieter corners, neighborhood restaurants, and spontaneous street performances that capture the city’s improvisational spirit.

Experience the Magic of the French Quarter

The French Quarter stands as New Orleans’ historic heart, where European architecture, African influences, and Caribbean flair merge to create something uniquely American yet distinctly its own. While often bustling with tourists, the Quarter rewards those who explore beyond the main thoroughfares with peaceful courtyards, local haunts, and unexpected moments of beauty.

Stroll Down Royal Street for Antiques and Art

Just one block from the revelry of Bourbon Street lies Royal Street, offering a sophisticated alternative with its upscale art galleries, antique shops, and street musicians. The elegant iron balconies overhead frame your journey past some of the city’s finest architecture. Pause to watch skilled artists at work in open galleries or listen to jazz combos that set up along the pedestrian-friendly blocks. Royal Street exemplifies the French Quarter’s more refined side, where centuries of cultural influences remain visible in everything from the architectural details to the curated collections in shop windows.

Morning visits provide the best opportunity to appreciate the street’s historic details and shop offerings without crowds. Take time to venture into the courtyards when gallery doors stand open, revealing hidden gardens and fountains that offer respite from the bustling street scene. The contrast between Royal and Bourbon streets perfectly illustrates New Orleans’ multifaceted personality – equal parts elegance and exuberance.

Visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

The heart of the French Quarter beats at Jackson Square, where the iconic St. Louis Cathedral rises majestically against the sky. Local artists display their work along the iron fence surrounding the square, while fortune tellers, musicians, and performers create an ever-changing outdoor spectacle. The cathedral itself, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, welcomes visitors with its stunning interior of soaring ceilings and religious artwork.

Take a moment to sit on a bench in the square and absorb the scene that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The surrounding Pontalba Buildings, the oldest apartment buildings in America, house shops and restaurants on their ground floors. Just behind the cathedral, the tranquil St. Anthony’s Garden offers a peaceful respite from the square’s energy. For a perfect French Quarter moment, grab a coffee from nearby Café du Monde and find a spot to watch the passing parade of humanity that makes Jackson Square the living room of New Orleans.

Explore the Historic French Market

Stretching along the riverfront from Jackson Square to Esplanade Avenue, the French Market has evolved from a Native American trading post to America’s oldest public market. Today’s market combines food halls, flea market stalls, specialty shops, and restaurants in an open-air celebration of New Orleans commerce. Start at the farmers’ market section for local produce and prepared foods before continuing to the flea market where vendors sell everything from local art to souvenirs.

The market provides an excellent opportunity to sample authentic New Orleans flavors – try alligator on a stick, pralines, or a muffuletta sandwich. The shade of the market’s pavilions offers welcome relief from the sun on hot days. Don’t miss the Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-op where local artisans showcase their creations, or the adjacent New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park where free music programs highlight the city’s contributions to jazz. The market’s riverside location also makes it a perfect jumping-off point for a stroll along the Mississippi River.

Taste the Iconic Foods of New Orleans

New Orleans’ culinary heritage reflects its multifaceted history, with French, Spanish, African, Caribbean and Italian influences creating a food culture that defies simple categorization. Eating here isn’t just sustenance – it’s a cultural experience that connects you directly to the city’s diverse history. From humble po-boys to elaborate Creole feasts, New Orleans treats food with reverence while maintaining a sense of joyful indulgence.

Grab Beignets and Café au Lait at Café du Monde

No visit to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the powdery perfection of beignets paired with chicory-laced café au lait at the legendary Café du Monde. Operating since 1862 in the French Market, this 24-hour institution serves these square doughnuts covered in a snowstorm of powdered sugar in orders of three. The ritual of sipping the strong coffee while attempting to eat a beignet without wearing the evidence is a quintessential New Orleans experience. Don’t worry about the inevitable sugar dusting on your clothes – locals consider it a badge of honor.

Try Authentic Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Po-boys

New Orleans’ signature dishes tell the story of its diverse cultural heritage through flavor. Gumbo, a rich stew thickened with roux and filled with seafood or sausage, represents the melding of African, French, and Native American cooking traditions. Jambalaya, the Louisiana cousin to Spanish paella, combines meats, vegetables, and rice in a single pot dish that varies from cook to cook. Meanwhile, the humble po-boy sandwich – crisp French bread stuffed with fried seafood, roast beef “debris,” or other fillings – began as affordable food for striking streetcar workers in the 1920s.

For the most authentic versions, look beyond the tourist zones to neighborhood restaurants where locals eat. Spots like Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, Willie Mae’s Scotch House, and Domilise’s have been perfecting these recipes for generations. Each neighborhood has its local favorite po-boy shop, where debates about the best in the city have raged for decades. Ask locals for their recommendations – New Orleanians love nothing more than talking about food.

Indulge in a Jazz Brunch at Commander’s Palace

The legendary Commander’s Palace restaurant in the Garden District has elevated the combination of food and music to an art form with its famous Jazz Brunch. Set in a turquoise Victorian mansion, this New Orleans institution has launched the careers of celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme while maintaining its commitment to refined Creole cuisine. The Jazz Brunch features a wandering jazz trio playing traditional New Orleans favorites as you dine on turtle soup, pecan-crusted fish, and bread pudding soufflé.

The 25-cent martini lunch (limit three per person) on weekdays has become the stuff of legend. Commander’s strict dress code (jackets preferred for dinner) and impeccable service hark back to a more formal dining era. Despite its accolades and elegant setting, the restaurant maintains the joyful atmosphere that defines New Orleans dining – sophisticated without being stuffy.

Sample Pralines and Local Seafood Dishes

The sweet, pecan-filled pralines (pronounced “prah-leens” locally) represent New Orleans’ French confectionery heritage with a distinctly Southern twist. These creamy, sugar-based treats studded with pecans are available throughout the city, but seeking out small-batch producers like Southern Candy Makers or Leah’s Pralines rewards you with the freshest versions of this classic sweet. Watch through shop windows as candy makers pour and paddle the mixture on marble slabs before hand-forming each candy.

Gulf seafood forms the backbone of New Orleans cuisine, from crawfish boils to oysters prepared every way imaginable. The city’s proximity to abundant fishing grounds means restaurants serve seafood that was swimming mere hours before reaching your plate. Try barbecued shrimp (not actually barbecued but simmered in a buttery, pepper-spiked sauce), chargrilled oysters topped with garlic butter and cheese, or a seafood platter featuring multiple preparations. For the full experience, visit during crawfish season (roughly January to June) and join locals in the ritual of pinching tails, sucking heads, and sharing pitchers of cold beer.

Discover New Orleans’ Vibrant Music Scene

Music isn’t just entertainment in New Orleans – it’s the lifeblood of the city, weaving through every aspect of its culture. As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans has nurtured generations of musical innovators while maintaining deep connections to its traditional sounds. On any given night, you can experience everything from brass bands parading through streets to intimate jazz combos in historic venues. Music here isn’t confined to concert halls or clubs – it erupts spontaneously on street corners, funeral processions, and Sunday gatherings in neighborhood parks, making the entire city a living musical experience.

Catch Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street

When locals want to hear great live music, they head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny neighborhood, just beyond the French Quarter’s eastern edge. This three-block stretch packs more authentic musical experiences into a small area than anywhere else in the city. Clubs like The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and Snug Harbor present multiple acts nightly, with minimal cover charges and a refreshing lack of pretension. The music spills onto the streets, creating an open-air party atmosphere where brass bands often perform for appreciative crowds on corners.

Unlike Bourbon Street’s tourist-focused venues, Frenchmen attracts a mixed crowd of locals and visitors, all united by a love of good music. The variety of sounds ranges from traditional jazz and funk to brass bands and experimental fusion. Between sets, browse the evening art market where local artists display their work, or grab street food from vendors who set up nightly. For the full experience, start your evening around 8 PM and club-hop until the wee hours – the best performances often happen after midnight.

Experience Bourbon Street After Dark

Love it or hate it, Bourbon Street remains an essential New Orleans experience – particularly after the sun goes down. This famous stretch of the French Quarter transforms into a neon-lit celebration of excess, where open container laws allow visitors to carry drinks between venues. While parts can feel overly commercial, pockets of authentic New Orleans music still thrive in venues like Preservation Hall and Fritzel’s European Jazz Club. The people-watching alone makes a Bourbon Street stroll worthwhile, as the street attracts an eclectic mix of tourists, performers, and characters found nowhere else.

To experience Bourbon like a savvy visitor, avoid the largest daiquiri shops and seek out historic establishments like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest bars in America, lit primarily by candles in the evenings. For cocktail enthusiasts, the legendary Sazerac, created in New Orleans in the 19th century, can be sampled at the Roosevelt Hotel’s Sazerac Bar or at century-old Tujague’s. Remember that New Orleans’ liberal open container policy applies only to plastic cups – no glass is allowed on the streets.

Visit Preservation Hall for Traditional Jazz

For an authentic musical experience in an almost religious atmosphere, nothing compares to Preservation Hall. This small, austere venue in the French Quarter has dedicated itself to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz since 1961. The nightly performances feature rotating bands of master musicians playing acoustic sets in an intimate space that holds fewer than 100 people on wooden benches and floor cushions. The lack of amplification, air conditioning, or even a bar (it’s music only here) focuses all attention on the masterful performances that connect directly to jazz’s earliest days.

Shows last about 45 minutes and run several times each evening, with lines forming well before doors open. The modest admission fee supports the Preservation Hall Foundation’s mission of protecting and perpetuating New Orleans’ musical heritage. For jazz enthusiasts, the Hall’s “late show” often features special collaborations and extended performances not found in the earlier sets. The experience of hearing this music in a venue where you can see every facial expression and finger movement of the musicians creates memories that last far beyond your visit.

Explore Beyond the French Quarter

While the French Quarter justifiably captures most first-time visitors’ attention, New Orleans’ most fascinating aspects often lie in its diverse neighborhoods beyond the historic center. Each district tells a different chapter in the city’s complex story, from the grand mansions of the Garden District to the bohemian energy of the Bywater. Venturing beyond downtown reveals a more authentic New Orleans where locals live, work and celebrate. These neighborhoods offer distinctive architecture, local restaurants free from tourist markups, and community traditions that have endured for generations. For those interested in exploring other unique cities, consider exploring Omaha’s must-see landmarks.

Where to Stay for Different Types of Travelers

New Orleans offers accommodations suited to every taste and budget, from historic boutique hotels to modern luxury properties. For first-time visitors, the French Quarter provides the most convenient base with its central location and walkable access to major attractions. The Hotel Monteleone with its famous Carousel Bar and the elegant Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street offer classic New Orleans experiences with courtyards and wrought-iron balconies. Families might prefer the quieter Garden District, where historic B&Bs occupy converted mansions surrounded by oak-lined streets and offer a more residential feel.

Budget-conscious travelers should consider the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, where vacation rentals and smaller guesthouses offer local character at lower prices. The Central Business District (CBD) features modern high-rise hotels with amenities like rooftop pools and fitness centers, plus easy access to the streetcar lines. Remember that prices spike dramatically during major festivals and events, so book well in advance if visiting during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. For those planning a weekend getaway on a budget, wherever you choose, prioritize properties that include parking if you’re bringing a car, as parking in most neighborhoods can be challenging and expensive.

Getting Around the City

New Orleans’ compact, walkable neighborhoods make it one of America’s more navigable cities for visitors. The historic streetcar system offers both practical transportation and a charming sightseeing experience. For $1.25 per ride (or $3 for a day pass), the green St. Charles Avenue line takes you from the French Quarter through the Garden District and Uptown, while the red Canal Street line connects to City Park and the cemeteries. Walking remains the best way to explore individual neighborhoods, allowing you to discover hidden courtyards, architectural details, and local shops that you’d miss otherwise.

Rideshare services operate throughout the city and provide convenient transportation for longer distances or late-night returns to your hotel. Bicycle rentals have become increasingly popular, with dedicated bike lanes on many major streets and the flat terrain making for easy riding. The RTA public bus system covers areas not served by streetcars, though schedules can be less reliable. For adventures beyond city limits, like plantation tours or swamp excursions, guided tours with transportation included offer the most convenient option. Visit New Orleans Tours specializes in seamless transportation to these outlying attractions, eliminating navigation and parking concerns.

Money-Saving Tips for Your Trip

New Orleans delivers exceptional value compared to other major tourist destinations, but costs can add up quickly. Take advantage of free activities like strolling the French Quarter, visiting the sculpture garden at City Park, or catching street performances in Jackson Square. Many museums offer free admission days – the New Orleans Museum of Art waives entry fees on Wednesdays for Louisiana residents, while the Ogden Museum of Southern Art offers free admission on Thursdays. For dining, seek out local favorites like the lunch special at Parkway Bakery or the Monday red beans and rice tradition at neighborhood bars. The city’s liberal open container laws mean you can purchase reasonably priced drinks from grocery stores rather than paying premium prices at tourist bars.

Must-Attend Festivals and Events in New Orleans

New Orleans proudly calls itself “America’s Festival Capital,” hosting over 130 official celebrations annually. The city’s calendar overflows with events celebrating everything from music and food to literature and heritage. These festivals reveal the soul of New Orleans, showcasing the city’s passionate dedication to preserving traditions while embracing new cultural expressions. Locals often plan their entire year around these celebrations, with many families maintaining multi-generational traditions of attendance.

Festival season kicks off in January with Carnival, building toward Mardi Gras in February or March. Spring brings French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest, followed by summer’s Essence Festival and Satchmo SummerFest. Fall features the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival and Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, while winter brings reveillon dinners and holiday celebrations. Each event transforms its respective neighborhood with music stages, food vendors, and art installations, creating temporary communities united by shared cultural experiences.

• French Quarter Festival (April) – The largest free music festival in the South
• Jazz & Heritage Festival (Late April/Early May) – World-class musicians across multiple genres
• Essence Festival (July) – Celebration of Black culture, music and empowerment
• Southern Decadence (Labor Day Weekend) – LGBTQ+ celebration in the French Quarter
• Voodoo Music + Arts Experience (October) – Major contemporary music festival

While major festivals draw the largest crowds and international headliners, smaller neighborhood celebrations often provide more authentic experiences. The Backstreet Cultural Museum’s Super Sunday event showcases Mardi Gras Indians in full regalia, while Wednesday at the Square offers free concerts by top local musicians in Lafayette Square during spring months. Visit New Orleans Tours can help you plan your itinerary around these events, ensuring you experience the city during its most vibrant celebrations.

Mardi Gras: The Ultimate New Orleans Celebration

Mardi Gras represents far more than the bead-throwing bacchanal portrayed in popular media. This weeks-long celebration encompasses family-friendly parades in residential neighborhoods, elaborate balls following centuries-old traditions, and community gatherings that strengthen neighborhood bonds. The celebration officially begins on January 6th (Twelfth Night) and builds toward Fat Tuesday, the final day before Lent. Each weekend features multiple parades organized by krewes – social organizations responsible for building floats, selecting themes, and providing the throws (beads, doubloons, and trinkets) that fly through the air along parade routes.

To experience Mardi Gras like a local, venture beyond Bourbon Street to family-friendly viewing areas along St. Charles Avenue where locals bring ladders with attached seats for children, ice chests full of refreshments, and picnic spreads to share with neighbors. Don’t miss the spectacle of the Super Krewes (Endymion, Bacchus, and Orpheus) whose massive floats and celebrity monarchs create unforgettable spectacles. For a deeper cultural experience, seek out the Mardi Gras Indians, African American communities who create stunning hand-sewn costumes honoring Native American tribes who sheltered escaped slaves, or the Skull and Bone gangs who roam Tremé at dawn on Mardi Gras day. If you’re planning to explore more of the region, consider a Miami travel guide for the best itinerary tips.

Jazz Fest and Other Music Festivals

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (locally known simply as Jazz Fest) has evolved from a small celebration of local music to an internationally renowned event spanning two weekends in late April and early May. Despite its name, the festival embraces all genres, from traditional jazz and blues to gospel, R&B, rock, hip-hop, and global sounds. Held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, Jazz Fest combines 12 music stages with craft demonstrations, cultural exhibits, and food booths serving the finest examples of Louisiana cuisine. Veterans know to arrive early to claim shady spots, wear comfortable shoes for the often muddy grounds, and pace themselves through the long days of music, food, and dancing.

Food Festivals Throughout the Year

New Orleans celebrates its culinary heritage with specialized festivals dedicated to virtually every iconic local food. The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience offers seminars, grand tastings, and wine dinners at top restaurants, while more focused events like the Louisiana Seafood Festival, Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, and New Orleans Oyster Festival highlight specific delicacies. These gatherings combine chef demonstrations, cooking competitions, and plenty of sampling opportunities with live music and local art vendors. The French Market Creole Tomato Festival celebrates the arrival of this local crop each June, while fall brings the Beignet Festival and cocktail-focused Tales of the Cocktail. These food-focused events offer visitors a delicious education in Louisiana’s culinary traditions, with opportunities to taste regional specialties from multiple vendors in one location.

Make Memories That Will Last a Lifetime in the Big Easy

New Orleans doesn’t just offer things to see and do – it creates transformative experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. The city’s unique approach to life, with its emphasis on celebration, community, and living in the moment, offers valuable perspective to visitors from more hurried cultures. Take time to absorb the rhythm of New Orleans by lingering over meals, striking up conversations with locals, and embracing spontaneous moments that often become the highlights of a trip – whether it’s joining a second line parade that passes by or accepting an invitation to a neighborhood crawfish boil.

The city rewards those who approach it with open hearts and minds, ready to experience rather than simply observe. Let yourself be swept up in the music that fills the streets, savor flavors you’ve never encountered before, and embrace the city’s motto of “laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll). New Orleans offers not just entertainment but a profound lesson in finding joy in life’s moments, big and small. Visit New Orleans Tours stands ready to help you unlock these authentic experiences, guiding you beyond tourist traps to the heart of what makes this city unlike any other in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans welcomes visitors with warmth and hospitality, but its unique culture and practices can sometimes confuse first-time travelers. These frequently asked questions address common concerns and misconceptions about visiting the Crescent City. From practical matters like transportation and safety to cultural questions about etiquette and customs, these answers will help you navigate New Orleans with confidence.

The city’s reputation often precedes it, creating expectations that don’t always align with reality. While famous for its celebratory atmosphere, New Orleans is also a working city with deep traditions, complex history, and strong community bonds. Understanding local customs, like greeting people on the street or respecting neighborhood boundaries during festivals, helps visitors experience the authentic city beyond tourist zones.

Weather considerations play an important role in planning a successful visit. New Orleans experiences subtropical conditions, with hot, humid summers and mild winters punctuated by occasional cold fronts. Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures, though they also attract larger crowds and higher prices. Summer brings lower hotel rates but requires adjusting activities around the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. For those planning a weekend getaway, understanding these seasonal variations can help in making the most of the trip.

Many visitors are surprised by how walkable New Orleans is, with major attractions concentrated in and around the French Quarter. However, the city rewards those who venture beyond downtown to explore residential neighborhoods, parks, and cultural institutions that reveal different facets of New Orleans’ personality. These questions address how to balance must-see attractions with off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

New Orleans Trip Planning Cheat Sheet

Planning a trip to New Orleans can be a thrilling experience, with its vibrant culture and lively music scene. For those interested in eco-friendly travel, consider exploring this sustainable travel guide for inspiration on how to make your trip more environmentally conscious.

• Best Weather: March-May, October-November
• Budget Season: June-September, December (except holidays)
• Festival High Seasons: February-May, October-November
• Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30 (peak: August-September)
• Must-Pack Items: Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight layers, rain jacket
• Transport Options: Streetcar ($1.25/ride), rideshare, walking
• Tipping Culture: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2/drink at bars

How many days should I spend in New Orleans?

A minimum of three full days allows you to experience the essentials of New Orleans – exploring the French Quarter, taking a swamp tour, enjoying the music scene, and sampling signature dishes. However, five to seven days provides a more relaxed pace that lets you venture into different neighborhoods, take day trips to plantations, and absorb the city’s unique rhythm. If your visit coincides with major festivals like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, add extra days to accommodate both festival activities and general sightseeing.

Consider structuring your visit around morning explorations, afternoon rest periods (especially important during summer months), and evening entertainment. This rhythm aligns with the local lifestyle and helps prevent exhaustion from New Orleans’ sensory intensity. Remember that the city operates on its own timeline – restaurants may close earlier than expected on certain days, while nightlife often continues well into the morning hours. Building flexibility into your schedule allows you to embrace spontaneous experiences that often become trip highlights.

Is it safe to visit New Orleans?

Like any major city, New Orleans has areas with higher crime rates, but tourist districts maintain robust police presence and generally remain safe for visitors who exercise common sense. The French Quarter, Garden District, and other popular neighborhoods see heavy foot traffic and rarely experience serious crime beyond occasional pickpocketing or vehicle break-ins. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry, particularly on Bourbon Street where crowds can provide cover for opportunistic theft.

Transportation safety merits consideration when planning evening activities. Rather than walking long distances after dark, use rideshare services or taxis for returns to accommodations outside tourist zones. The streetcar, while generally safe, operates with reduced frequency at night. Solo travelers should exercise additional caution in quieter areas, though group tours provide safe access to attractions beyond downtown. Visit New Orleans Tours prioritizes guest safety with scheduled pickups and returns, eliminating concerns about navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods independently.

What’s the best way to get around New Orleans?

Walking provides the ideal way to experience New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods, with their distinctive architecture and hidden courtyards. Most attractions in the French Quarter, Marigny, and CBD lie within comfortable walking distance of each other. The historic streetcar system offers both practical transportation and sightseeing value, particularly the St. Charles line through the Garden District. Download the RTA GoMobile app for real-time arrival information and mobile ticketing. For longer trips, rideshare services operate throughout the city, though prices increase significantly during peak times and major events.

Renting a car makes sense only if you plan extensive exploration beyond city limits, as parking in popular neighborhoods proves both expensive and scarce. Many hotels charge $30-45 daily for parking, while street parking requires navigating complex regulations and time limits. The flat terrain and expanding network of bike lanes make bicycle rentals an increasingly popular option, with hourly and daily rates available from multiple vendors. For day trips to swamps, plantations, or nearby communities, guided tours with transportation included offer the most convenient and informative option.

When is hurricane season in New Orleans?

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring from mid-August through September. While this shouldn’t necessarily deter visitors, it requires awareness and flexibility when planning summer or early fall trips. The city’s sophisticated warning systems provide ample notice of serious weather threats, allowing time for evacuation if necessary. Many hotels offer hurricane guarantees that refund deposits or reschedule stays if named storms threaten during your visit. Consider purchasing travel insurance with weather-related coverage if booking during these months.

Do I need to rent a car in New Orleans?

Most visitors find a car unnecessary and often burdensome in New Orleans. The French Quarter prohibits non-resident vehicles entirely during evening hours, while other popular neighborhoods offer limited and expensive parking options. The combination of walking, streetcars, rideshare services, and occasional taxis provides comprehensive transportation coverage for exploring the city. When venturing beyond walking distance, the historic streetcar system offers an authentic experience along with practical transportation, particularly along St. Charles Avenue through the Garden District.

For attractions beyond public transportation routes, like swamp tours or plantation visits, guided excursions with included transportation eliminate navigation concerns while providing expert commentary. If you’re planning extensive exploration of Louisiana beyond New Orleans, consider renting a car only for those specific days rather than your entire stay. Visit New Orleans Tours offers transportation services that can be more economical than rental cars when accounting for parking fees, fuel, and the stress of navigating unfamiliar streets.

New Orleans invites you to experience its unique blend of cultures, flavors, and sounds that create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in America. From the historic streets of the French Quarter to the oak-lined avenues of the Garden District, every corner of the city tells a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re savoring beignets at Café du Monde, dancing to brass bands on Frenchmen Street, or exploring the mysterious above-ground cemeteries, New Orleans promises memories that will last a lifetime. For those planning a weekend getaway, this city offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.

Visit New Orleans Tours can help you unlock the authentic experiences that make this city so beloved by travelers from around the world. Let the good times roll!