New Orleans holidays

The Big Easy is one of America’s most fascinating cities, a steaming gumbo of French, Spanish and African influences. The best holidays to New Orleans take a street-level view. Wander by the wrought-iron balconies and crumbling facades of the French Quarter, but don’t stay too long. The spirit of New Orleans lives in the jazz joints, cocktail bars and cajun kitchens of its far-flung neighbourhoods.

New Orleans holiday highlights

Lafayette Cemetery No.1

Captivating cemeteries

A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a visit to New Orleans' cemeteries. The distinctive raised crypts and mausoleums were built in response to this city’s high water table. Take a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and pay your respects to Marie Laveau, New Orleans' most famous voodoo priestess.

Ghostly goings-on

In a city as storied as New Orleans, it goes without saying that not all residents have moved on. Visit LaLaurie Mansion on a ghost and vampire tour to learn about the most macabre chapter in NOLA’s history. Need something to lighten the spooky mood? Some tours double as a pub crawl.

Swamp tour

The city is built on and surrounded by swampland. Exploring it at some point is a must during your trip to New Orleans. Operators run tours via boat, kayak and even zipline. At Honey Island Swamp, you’ll spot gators, osprey, turtles and more moss-covered cypress trees than your eyes can handle. 

New Orleans: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)

High season

February – May and October

Low season

June – September

Find the best time to go to New Orleans

Weather in New Orleans

March – May: Crowds arrive during spring, when temperatures climb into the 20s°C. Thisis primefestival season. The heat and humidity pick up as May nears.

June – August: It’s hot during the rainy season, when downpours and thunderstorms are most common. This is also the start of hurricane season, so pay close attention to weather alerts.

September – November : The weather cools slightly as autumn begins, making this a great time to experience the city without the crowds. Hurricane season stretches into November.

December – February: With temperatures no higher than 20°C, winter is the high season in New Orleans. Tourists take advantage of the balmy weather, so expect higher prices for accommodation.

Events in New Orleans

Mardi Gras (February or March): New Orleans turns into one big party for Mardi Gras. Don’t miss parades and performances fuelled by colourful ‘krewes’ (local clubs). Some of them have decades-long histories within the city.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (April to May): Spread over two weekends, this legendary music fest has outgrown its label. Expect to see multiple genres and big-name acts from Pearl Jam to HAIM.

Southern Decadence (August to September): This Labor Day weekend celebration of queer culture has a distinctly Mardi Gras vibe. Days of festivities end in a costumed parade through the French Quarter.

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The best neighbourhoods in New Orleans

French Quarter

Position yourself in the French Quarter, the heart of the party and the best area to stay in New Orleans. The ornate wrought iron balconies of the Creole townhouses are the best spot from which to watch the Mardi Gras parades. Explore the open-air artist colony at Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark, or walk along Royal Streets and wander into its many beloved antique shops.

Good for: Nightlife, historic architecture

Garden District

For a different character to the French Quarter without skimping on beauty, the Garden District is the best neighbourhood to stay in New Orleans. Its oak-lined avenues and leafy parks paint a more tranquil scene than the Quarter. Admire the grand mansions on St. Charles Avenue and find the city’s best vintage shops on Magazine Street.

Good for: Antebellum mansions, shopping, parks

Treme

This tiny district is considered the oldest African American neighbourhood in the United States, and the birthplace of jazz. Check out landmarks like St. Augustine church (the oldest African American Catholic parish) and Congo Square, whose Sunday drum circles are legendary. And don’t miss the Backstreet Cultural Museum, home to a colourful collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes.

Good for: African American cultural heritage, jazz festivals

Things to do in New Orleans

New Orleans
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Family friendly things to do

Visiting the Louisiana Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do with family in New Orleans. You’ll find plenty of fun and interactive experiences here, including cooking in a Creole kitchen, walking through the reeds, creating your own music and much more. Here for Mardi Gras? Most parades are family friendly, particularly those located Uptown.

Shopping

Shopping in New Orleans is a lot of fun. In the French Quarter you’re sure to pick up some oddity you never knew you needed, be that vampire fangs, a voodoo doll or a love potion. Take a taste of the South home for loved ones in the form of praline, hot sauce and cajun spices from World Famous N’awlins Cafe & Spice Emporium.

Take in the culture

Choose from a long list of museums in New Orleans to keep you busy. Mardi Gras World gives a behind-the-scenes peek into the flamboyant parade, while the Southern Food and Beverage Museum’s Prohibition propaganda is a sobering contrast to the city that loves to party. The Jazz & Heritage Festival is a major city highlight in the spring.

Nightlife

For the uninitiated, the party starts on Bourbon Street, but locals know the best nightlife in New Orleans is found on Frenchmen Street (do tip the jazz bands). Elsewhere, experience the city’s cocktail culture at the Carousel Bar & Lounge, which has been rotating counter-clockwise since 1949. Don’t miss out on visiting Cafe Lafitte in Exile, one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars.

Free things to do

You’ll find lots of free things to do in New Orleans. Gallery hop in the Arts and Warehouse District, enjoy some live street music along the French Quarter or browse the eclectic mix of shops on Oak Street. If you’re here between January and March, join in on the Mardi Gras parades. And yes, they are free to attend!

Places to eat

After a Jackson Square palm reading, make your way to Cafe du Monde for chicory coffee and beignets. Next door you’ll find the historic open-air French Market. Try local specialities like blackened gator, fried shrimp po’boys and crawfish etouffee (basically a shellfish gravy over rice). Have dessert at Arnaud’s, one of the best restaurants in New Orleans and famed for its flaming banana Foster.

Plan your holiday to New Orleans

Budget

For a cheap holiday to New Orleans, travel during the summer or autumn. This is when the crowds are thinnest and prices for attractions and accommodation are at their cheapest. An inexpensive meal in New Orleans will cost about 28 US dollars ($). A domestic beer costs around $6, and a cappuccino is about $5. A short taxi ride starts at under $8.

Day trips from New Orleans

Explore Louisiana’s capital city of Baton Rouge, just under 90 minutes away. Start with a tour of the Old State Capitol building, a Gothic wonder of towers and stained glass built in the late 19th century. For a dose of small-town charm, head north to Abita Springs, home to one of the largest craft breweries in the South.

Getting around New Orleans

New Orleans is a walkable city, with most attractions located in and around the French Quarter. For a charming and affordable way to explore the neighbourhoods, hop on a streetcar or hire a bicycle. You can also catch a bus or a ferry or call a pedicab. And there are more than enough taxis and rideshare services to go around.

FAQs about New Orleans holidays

January brings the coolest weather for a New Orleans holiday. Book your trip sometime then and you'll experience lows of 4ºC (39ºF).
The ideal length of your trip to New Orleans depends on your starting point and what you want to do. Travelling a short distance? Three to five days is perfect if you're looking for a quick escape. If you're travelling from afar, consider staying for a week or longer. This will give you time to venture further out or just explore at a more relaxed pace.
The hottest month in New Orleans is August, when temperatures reach a maximum of 36ºC (97ºF).
Many conversations will be in English. Learning a few local greetings and phrases can be a great way to break the ice and get to know people during your city break in New Orleans.
The best time to visit New Orleans is during Mardi Gras in February or March, but be aware that hotels book up a year in advance. Spring is also one of the best seasons to visit, as the weather during this time of year is the most pleasant.
New Orleans is generally considered safe. As with any major city, keep your wits about you and don’t go too crazy with the daiquiris. It’s also wise to research the neighbourhood that you plan to stay in before travelling.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while on your trip to New Orleans. As well as your cards, consider having cash available for things like small purchases and getting around.
The airline you travel with, where you depart from, and the timing of your trip all influence the cost of a city break in New Orleans. Prices for New Orleans flights and hotels can differ greatly, but planning early and being flexible with travel dates can help you save.
With around 27 cm of rainfall, August is the rainiest month. If you're taking your New Orleans holiday then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Eat at a top-rated restaurant, relax in a local cafe, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
French Quarter and Jackson Square are just a glimpse of the adventures waiting for you here. Check out all the things to do in New Orleans and see why it should be your next stop.
Absolutely. This unique city is full of life and has plenty to see and do. Part of NOLA’s charm lies in its easy walkability. Most attractions are within close proximity to each other, allowing you to make the very most of your New Orleans holiday.

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