Top things to do in New Orleans
Attractions, tours, and activities in New Orleans
Recommended museums in New Orleans
Where to find art and culture in New Orleans
New Orleans: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in New Orleans
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French Quarter (Vieux Carré)
0.8 miles from downtown
The heart of old New Orleans wears a couple of masks. On one hand, it’s got cute colonial abodes, Royal Street’s refined antique shops and Jackson Square’s horse-drawn carriages. Then there’s Bourbon Street, where the boisterous bars guarantee a tipsy trip! At cosy Café du Monde, plan your route over beignets and chicory-infused coffee.
Places to stay from $45 a night
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Downtown New Orleans
In downtown
Work hard, play hard. This area buzzes with seasoned “suits” and fresh-faced professionals that shuttle between gleaming skyscrapers. They let their hair down in classy joints like the Sazerac Bar – think dark wood, Art Deco murals and old-school waiters. High rollers hit Harrah’s Casino, then splash the cash in chic, chandeliered eatery August.
Places to stay from $41 a night
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Garden District
1.8 miles from downtown
After the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, rich Americans flooded this quarter. Today, their grand mansions are owned by Hollywood actors. Ramble west of Jackson Avenue to peruse a medley of architectural styles, from Victorian and Italianate to Greek Revival. Then pop into the storied Commander’s Palace for a genteel jazz brunch and 25-cent Martini.
Places to stay from $90 a night
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Arts - Warehouse District
0.6 miles from downtown
In the ’70s, this area traded its grain stores for culture hubs. At the Contemporary Arts Center, pour over edgy paintings and performance art. Chin-stroke your way through Julia Street’s independent galleries, then sup sumptuous southern dishes at swanky NOLA. For something a little earthier, try Howlin’ Wolf’s down-home grub and bopping bands.
Places to stay from $56 a night
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Treme
1.1 miles from downtown
Ooh poo pah doo! Treme is the Big Easy’s most soulful neighbourhood. Swing by historic Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park, where the forbidden rhythms of African slaves gave birth to the pam-pam beat of jazz. At Dooky Chase’s, chow on classic Creole gumbo stew. Then join an impromptu parade of parping street bands as a “second line” dancer.
Places to stay from $49 a night
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Mid-City
1.9 miles from downtown
This may be “backatown”, but it ain’t middle of the road. The oak-lined avenues of Mid-City’s quirky neighbourhoods spill over with local gems. For proof, try the gravy-licious “Po’ boy” beef sandwich at Parkway Bakery. Pull up a stool at Finn McCool’s for a pint and some banter. Then get your groove on to upcoming roots bands at Chickie Wah Wah.
Places to stay from $44 a night
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Uptown
2.4 miles from downtown
Upscale Uptown grew out of the plantations that dotted the area in the 19th century. Hop on the rickety St Charles Streetcar to pass well-to-do mansions, leafy parks and Tulane University’s bustling campus. Browse Maple Street’s vintage shops and Magazine Street’s upscale boutiques, then find your thrill with a blueberry mojito at St Joe’s Bar.
Places to stay from $71 a night
About New Orleans
Including tips for the best time to visit New Orleans
Bursting with music, character and a smorgasbord of cultures, if there’s one thing New Orleans promises, it’s a good time. NOLA is home to the legendary Mardi Gras carnival – a parade of colourful revellers donning masks and draped in beads. The city is also regarded as the birthplace of jazz, from street performers belting out top-notch tunes at every corner to the recurring celebration of Jazz Fest attracting thousands every year. Check out a live band at one of the many upscale cocktail lounges on the electric Bourbon Street, or pop into a dive bar for a more casual experience. Whether you’re a jazz lover or not, it’s hard to spend time in New Orleans without grooving to the beat of the city, with music from bars and clubs spilling out into the streets every evening.
Nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’, New Orleans has a laid-back charm about it that offers a welcome contrast to the hectic pace of other popular destinations in the United States. Soak up the city’s atmosphere with a stroll around its French Quarter with a beignet (a French pastry) and a signature cocktail (such as the Sazerac) in hand. Along with the 18th-century architecture, popular sights you’ll see here include the triple-steepled St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square – a hub for local artists and musicians. For a uniquely New Orleans experience, dare to take a voodoo tour covering some of the city’s historic cemeteries, like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
Tonight
From $97 per night
Next weekend
From $184 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | USD |
| Language | |
| Average weekend price | $27 per night |
| Average weekday price | $28 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in New Orleans
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in New Orleans
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Bourbon Street
0.7 miles from downtown
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Mercedes-Benz Superdome
0.2 miles from downtown
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National World War II Museum
0.7 miles from downtown
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French Market
1.6 miles from downtown
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Jackson Square
0.9 miles from downtown
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Natchez Steamboat Cruise
0.9 miles from downtown
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New Orleans reviews
What other travelers say about New Orleans
New Orleans is a small city, absolutely flat and with little...
May 31, 2023
New Orleans is a small city, absolutely flat and with little charm. Bourbon street is totally overrated. If they go in the afternoon, around 7 to 9 PM, the atmosphere is "interesting". Around midnight, the atmosphere is decadent, full of drunks and drug addicts and prostitutes in the doorways of the brothels. The smell in the street is disgusting. Complete decadence. I recommend going to Frenchmen street, where there are nicer clubs and the atmosphere is much better. Well worth the streetcar ride. The district garden is very nice. A walk through the cemetery is interesting. Undoubtedly the best thing was the ride through the swamp in an airboat and the alligators. They can't miss it. Napoleon House is a very good restaurant (try the pig-alligator sausage, really excellent) The Laffitte Blacksmith is the best pub.
This was an awesome trip.
May 31, 2023
This was an awesome trip. There is so much to see and do. We enjoyed the food from Beignets to Gumbo. There is the paddle wheeler on the Mississippi river, the fabulous views from the top of the port authority building on the river, the Official National World War II museum, Bourbon Street and much more. If you go to New Orleans, you must go to the Gumbo Shop!!
Get your walking shoes and sneakers ready.
May 31, 2023
Get your walking shoes and sneakers ready. Have a refillable bottle, portable fan, and be ready for a great time! Highly recommend: -Swamp tour (with hotel pickup) - Hop on/off bus to see more of New Orleans -Visit Frenchmen street during day & night -Visit Bourbon street of course! -Cafe Du Monde, Acme, Tropical aisle, and Cafe De Fleur -Highly recommend Briquette for a nice dinner 10/10
Loved the atmosphere and culture of the city.
May 30, 2023
Loved the atmosphere and culture of the city. The people are so nice and inviting. Took a swamp tour of Honey Island wih Cajun Encounters. Highly reccomended. I also went to the World War II museum which was so heartbreaking to listen to the stories of the soldiers, see props and experience thow the war impacted America. It is an amazing Museum. I stood there for 3 hours and I still did not see everything. As for food. Well if you are Seafood lover you def. need to try the Po-Boys or the gumbo. Everything is seasoned so well. We went to Oceana's such good food and drinks. I also reccomend the Aquarium. It was not open when I visited last time . Frenchmen street is a fav. of the locals. Amazing Jazz spots to just relax . And of course cafe du-monde Yummy beignets. The only thing that was was the amount of homeless people. Most were ok but we had a couple of scares. One was following my daughter and another was visibly on something and was hurting himself. I am from New York so I am very aware of my surroundings at all time. But I can see how this may be a deal breaker for most thinking of vacation. If you are not on the main strip it is pretty much deserted so just be safe.
We had a blast.
May 30, 2023
We had a blast. We only stay over night. But we’re coming back next weekend and staying all weekend.. we’re definitely looking forward to it. French Quarter by day and Bourbon St by night. Can’t wait.
I enjoy each time I visit New Orleans, love the food and the...
May 30, 2023
I enjoy each time I visit New Orleans, love the food and the vibe. I don't care for how Google maps routes you in the city. It becomes annoying when it seems to have you take unnecessary steps. It would say make a turn on a street and it's a one way street. I found out certain streets would give me a straight shot to where I wanted to go without hoping on the highway.
Popular places to stay in New Orleans
Stay in some of the best accommodations New Orleans has to offer
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Luxury Historic Shotgun Home in Lower Garden District New Orleans, United States of America
From $162 per night
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Bienville Villas: Brand New 4BR Mid-City, New Orleans
From $161 per night
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Pasters Apartment in Deconsecrated Church Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans
From $139 per night
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Beautifully updated New Orleans home New Orleans, United States of America
From $376 per night
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Other accommodations in New Orleans
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in New Orleans
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Apartments
From $54 per night
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Villas
From $118 per night
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Cottages
From $65 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $58 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $65 per night
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Guest houses
From $49 per night
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Hostels
From $24 per night
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Motels
From $60 per night
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B&Bs
From $57 per night
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $42 per night
