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Discover New Orleans: Jazz, Creole Flavours and French Quarter Magic

From the historic French Quarter to live jazz on Frenchmen Street, discover the best things to do in New Orleans, where music, food, and culture come alive.

Tourism Tickets United States New Orleans

Neighborhoods

French Quarter, Garden District, Marigny

Tremé, Bywater, Uptown

French Quarter for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Stroll famous Bourbon Street, admire Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, savour beignets at Café du Monde, ride the historic St. Charles streetcar, and explore the world-class National WWII Museum.

Best Time Windows

Spring (Feb–May) brings mild weather and the city’s biggest celebrations, from Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest. Autumn (Oct–Nov) offers warm days and fewer crowds, while summer is hot and humid but lively with festivals.

Getting Around

The historic streetcars are an iconic way to travel

Jazzy Passes and the Le Pass app offer great value

The French Quarter is compact and walkable

Food & Nightlife

Creole and Cajun cooking, gumbo, beignets, and po’boys

French Quarter, Frenchmen Street, and Magazine Street dining

Live jazz clubs, Bourbon Street bars, and late-night music

Seasonal Highlights

Spring Mardi Gras parades and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Summer festivals, river cruises, and lively street music

Autumn Halloween events and festive holiday lights

Side Trips

Oak Alley Plantation and historic River Road

Bayou swamp tours and Cajun Country around Lafayette

Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Famous New Orleans City Spots

Visit New Orleans
Audubon Aquarium
Visit New Orleans
Audubon Zoo
Visit New Orleans
The National WWII Museum Tickets

Things to Do in New Orleans

Live Jazz & Music

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and music fills the air day and night. Catch live performances in the legendary clubs of Frenchmen Street, soak up the atmosphere on Bourbon Street, and discover brass bands, blues, and street musicians on nearly every corner of the city.

Visit New Orleans

French Quarter & Historic Architecture

Wander the atmospheric streets of the French Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans. Admire wrought-iron balconies, colourful Creole townhouses, and historic landmarks such as Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, all steeped in centuries of French, Spanish, and Caribbean heritage.

Creole & Cajun Cuisine

New Orleans is one of America's greatest food cities. Sample gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée, bite into a classic po'boy, and finish with warm beignets dusted in powdered sugar at Café du Monde. From historic Creole restaurants to lively food markets, every meal is an experience.

Mardi Gras, Festivals & Culture

Few cities celebrate like New Orleans. Experience the world-famous Mardi Gras parades, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and a packed calendar of cultural events. Discover voodoo history, vibrant second-line parades, and the unique traditions that make NOLA unlike anywhere else.

River, Swamps & Outdoor Experiences

Cruise the mighty Mississippi River aboard a historic steamboat, take a thrilling swamp tour to spot alligators among cypress forests, and explore the lush oasis of City Park. New Orleans pairs its urban energy with unforgettable encounters along the bayous and waterways of Louisiana.

New Orleans Neighborhoods

French Quarter

The historic heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is famous for its wrought-iron balconies, lively Bourbon Street, and landmarks such as Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. Stay here for unbeatable access to music, dining, and the city's most iconic sights, all within walking distance.

Garden District

Elegant and leafy, the Garden District is famous for its grand antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and the historic St. Charles streetcar. Stroll past beautifully preserved homes, browse the boutiques and cafés of Magazine Street, and enjoy one of the city's most picturesque neighbourhoods.

Faubourg Marigny & Frenchmen Street

Just beyond the French Quarter, the Marigny is the city's live-music hub. Frenchmen Street is lined with jazz and blues clubs loved by locals, alongside colourful Creole cottages, art markets, and laid-back bars. It's the place to experience the authentic New Orleans music scene after dark.

Tremé

One of the oldest African American neighbourhoods in the United States, Tremé is the birthplace of brass-band traditions and second-line parades. Visit Louis Armstrong Park, explore Congo Square, and immerse yourself in a community at the very roots of jazz and New Orleans culture.

Bywater

A creative, colourful neighbourhood downriver from the Marigny, Bywater is known for its street art, indie cafés, and bohemian charm. Explore Crescent Park's riverfront views, browse local galleries, and enjoy some of the city's most exciting independent restaurants and bars.

Uptown & Magazine Street

Spread along the river bend, Uptown is home to grand universities, the lush Audubon Park, and the long, eclectic stretch of Magazine Street. With its boutiques, cafés, and historic streetcar route, it offers a relaxed, residential side of New Orleans away from the crowds.

How to Get to New Orleans

New Orleans is served by Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located in Kenner around 11 miles west of downtown and roughly 15 miles from the French Quarter. The modern terminal offers direct flights across the United States and a growing number of international routes. Getting from the airport to the city:

  • Taxi Flat rate of around $36 to the French Quarter / CBD; about 20–25 minutes
  • RTA Airport Express (202) Public bus to downtown and the Union Passenger Terminal for $1.25
  • Airport Shuttle Shared shuttle service to many downtown hotels (advance booking required)
  • Rideshare Uber and Lyft pick-ups available; usually 20–35 minutes depending on traffic

New Orleans is a major Amtrak hub, with long-distance trains connecting the city to destinations across the South, Midwest, and beyond. Main station: New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

  • City of New Orleans from Chicago and Memphis (approximately 19 hours from Chicago)
  • Crescent from New York, Washington D.C., and Atlanta (around 13 hours from Atlanta)
  • Sunset Limited from Houston and Los Angeles (around 9.5 hours from Houston)
  • Mardi Gras Service regional train along the Gulf Coast to Mobile, Alabama

Long-distance coach services connect New Orleans with cities throughout Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and the wider South.

  • Main bus station New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (shared with Amtrak)
  • Greyhound and FlixBus offer budget-friendly routes from Houston, Baton Rouge, Jackson, and Atlanta.

New Orleans is connected by Interstate 10, making road travel straightforward from across the Gulf South and Texas.

  • Typical driving times Baton Rouge: 1.5 hours Mobile (Alabama): 2.5 hours Jackson (Mississippi): 3 hours Houston (Texas): 5.5–6 hours
  • Parking in the French Quarter and downtown can be limited and expensive.
  • Many visitors prefer to explore on foot or by streetcar once in the city.

Plan your perfect New Orleans City itinerary

New Orleans in 3 Days

We recommend: New Orleans in 3 Days

  • Explore the French Quarter, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and Café du Monde
  • Balance live music, Creole dining, and a streetcar ride through the Garden District
  • Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience the city's highlights

Jazz & Music Lover's Weekend

We recommend: New Orleans Music Itinerary

  • Spend evenings on Frenchmen Street and in the historic clubs of the French Quarter
  • Visit Preservation Hall, Congo Square, and the brass-band roots of Tremé
  • Perfect for music lovers and fans of jazz, blues, and live performance

Food & Culinary New Orleans

We recommend: New Orleans Foodie Itinerary

  • Sample gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, and beignets across the city's best kitchens
  • Dine on historic Creole classics and explore Magazine Street's food scene
  • Ideal for food lovers wanting to taste authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine

History & Architecture

We recommend: New Orleans Heritage Itinerary

  • Discover the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, and grand Garden District mansions
  • Visit the National WWII Museum and learn the city's French, Spanish, and Creole story
  • Perfect for history enthusiasts and lovers of historic architecture

Beyond the City: Bayou & Plantations

We recommend: New Orleans Day Trips Itinerary

  • Take a swamp tour to spot alligators among the cypress bayous
  • Visit Oak Alley and Whitney Plantations along historic River Road
  • Great for travellers wanting to explore Louisiana beyond the city

Beyond New Orleans City: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Oak Alley Plantation

About an hour from New Orleans along historic River Road, Oak Alley is famous for its breathtaking quarter-mile canopy of 300-year-old oak trees. Tour the restored antebellum mansion and learn the layered history of Louisiana's sugar plantations.

Swamp & Bayou Tours

Just 30–45 minutes from the city, Louisiana's swamps offer unforgettable adventures. Glide through cypress forests on an airboat or covered boat, spot alligators and herons, and hear Cajun captains share tales of life on the bayou.

Baton Rouge

Louisiana's capital sits around 1.5 hours up the Mississippi River. Visit the towering State Capitol, explore the LSU campus, and discover riverside museums and Southern history in this lively university city.

Lafayette & Cajun Country

Around two hours west along I-10, Lafayette is the heart of Cajun and Creole culture. Experience zydeco music, authentic Cajun cooking, and the bayou heritage of Acadiana in one of Louisiana's most distinctive regions.

Whitney Plantation

A short drive from the city, Whitney Plantation is the only Louisiana plantation museum focused entirely on the lives of enslaved people. Its powerful, moving memorials offer an essential perspective on the region's history.

Mississippi Gulf Coast

Around 1.5 hours east, the Gulf Coast offers sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, and fresh seafood. Towns like Bay St. Louis and Biloxi make a relaxing escape from the energy of the city.

FAQs About Visiting New Orleans City

What is the best time to visit New Orleans?

The best time to visit New Orleans is during spring (February to May), when the weather is mild and the city hosts its biggest celebrations, including Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Autumn is also pleasant with fewer crowds, while summer is hot and humid but full of festivals and lower hotel rates.

How many days do you need in New Orleans?

Most travellers find that 3 to 4 days in New Orleans is enough to explore the French Quarter, enjoy live music, sample Creole and Cajun cuisine, and ride the historic streetcars. Those planning swamp tours, plantation visits, or day trips to Baton Rouge or Lafayette may want to stay longer.

What are the top attractions to visit in New Orleans?

Some of the best things to do in New Orleans include exploring the French Quarter, walking through Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, strolling Bourbon Street, tasting beignets at Café du Monde, riding the St. Charles streetcar, and visiting the National WWII Museum. These attractions capture the city's unique music, food, and history.

Is New Orleans expensive for tourists?

New Orleans can suit a range of budgets. Many attractions, live music venues, and walking the French Quarter are free or low-cost, though hotel prices rise sharply during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and major events. Booking accommodation and tickets in advance helps visitors find better value.

What is the best way to get around New Orleans?

The historic streetcars are the most iconic way to get around New Orleans, connecting the French Quarter, Garden District, and City Park. The compact French Quarter is easy to explore on foot, while RTA buses, rideshares, and the Le Pass app make travelling between neighbourhoods simple and affordable.

What are the best day trips from New Orleans?

Some of the most popular day trips from New Orleans include Oak Alley and Whitney Plantations along River Road, bayou swamp tours, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Cajun Country, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. These trips offer history, nature, and authentic Louisiana culture just beyond the city.