***Travel Disclaimer: This post in no way is an encouragement to travel or not travel but rather just personal experience for informational purposes. For those who chose to travel, I highly recommend doing personal research and checking your local government’s latest restrictions & regulations regarding COVID-19.
Whether you’ve been many times or never before New Orleans travel should always be on your list of places to visit. Filled with so much history and culture, New Orleans is also one of the best cities for food, fun, and events. The unique beauty of New Orleans comes from the melting pot of people that cross African, French, and indigenous backgrounds, making Louisiana a state unlike any other. The Big Easy or NOLA, as it’s affectionately called, is another city that rarely sleeps as art, live jazz, and street musicians take over the streets.
Here is our ultimate travel guide on how to visit New Orleans.
Thinking Travel - Visit New Orleans...
Entry Requirments
All international travelers entering must show proof of a negative PCR COID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Things to Know/Useful Advice
New Orleans hosts many events, festivals, and conferences throughout the year so expect high-season to last more than half the year.
Yes, there’s more to Louisiana than New Orleans and always encourage people to explore, but New Orleans is a great starting place!
If you’re a jazz, food or nature lover you have to visit!
General information Box
Airport - Luis Munoz Marin International Aiport (MSY)
Time Zone - Central Standard Time
When to Go - High season can run from October to July, the rainy season can range from June to November, however, rates and crowds start to lessen between Aug-Nov
Weather - Averaging 80s, humid summers, rainy season
Currency- USD, both cash & credit card are accepted throughout (highly recommend having cash for street shopping, the streetcars, tipping, and more)
Languages - English
Service - tipping is welcomed, if possible cash is nice
Getting around - rental car, rideshare, public transportation
Travel Insurance - I always recommend World Nomads
Recommended Must-have apps - Waze, TripAdvisor, RTA GoMobile
SEARCH HOTELS IN NEW ORLEANS | SEARCH ACTIVITIES IN NEW ORLEANS
getting around
Finding your way around town is not always very easy but with the options of public transportation, rideshare, or rental car it’s fun exploring.
Car rental or rideshare is at the top of our recommended ways to get around town. Both options allow for a little more freedom to go and come as you please. Rideshare gives you the option to explore and party while still being safe.
Depending on what area of town you’re exploring, New Orleans is very walkable.
Using public transportation? New Orleans streetcars are a fun form of transportation that’s convenient when traveling around canal or Charles streets. Buses are available around town with about 40 routes. New Orleans Transit Authority offers both mobile Jazzy and Regional Passes for easy access.
RTA Ferry or water taxis as it’s most commonly called are available for transportation to/from Algiers and Chalmette for $2 per ride.
where to stay
New Orleans, the go-to destination for festivals, conferences, and more there is an array of accommodations that meets everyone’s needs. Some hotels and hostels to help start your New Orleans travel planning:
Hotels
Windsor Court Hotel ($$$) exclusive
Photo | Booking.com (NOPSI Hotel)
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans ($$$) Beautifully elegant luxury hotel with premium full-service amenities, pool, and rooftop
Rose Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn ($$) relaxing historical B&B mansion minutes from the lakefront
Hotel Monteleone ($$) historic non-traditional family-owned hotel with unique detailing
NOPSI Hotel ($$) downtown hotel with a gorgeous rooftop pool with a view hosting lively entertainment
Hostels
The Quisby ($)
Site 61 Hostel ($)
where to eat & drink
Just know when you visit New Orleans there will never be a shortage of flavors and aromas that entice your senses. Taste the amazing seafood, try something you’ve never had before, and indulge in creole everything. Enjoy some of these staples when eating your way throughout New Orleans.
Conchon Restaurant ($) southern cajun food that’s absolutely delicious, be sure to also check out Cochon Butcher
N7 ($$) unexpected scenery delivering great French food
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits ($) like music and a picnic in the backyard with live music perfect for a sunny chill vibes afternoon
Morrow’s ($) when you want great drinks, “home-cooked meals” with a twist and great vibes
The Vintage ($) when you’re in the mood for stuffed beignets and happy hour
Mambo’s ($) the only rooftop that gives you views of bourbon street and authentic New Orleans cuisine
things to do
Yes, New Orleans has things to explore beyond Bourbon street. Take a mixology class or even a cooking class.
View turtles and alligators as you kayak the swamp.
True crime or ghost lover, there’s a tour for you.
Eat your way through New Orleans or walk and take in the historical and cultural sights of the French Quarter. Maybe even visit the Whitney Plantation.
End your nights with live jazz music as your bar hop.
VIEW MORE ACTIVITIES
events in town
If you didn’t know, New Orleans hosts many events throughout the year. If you’re in town or planning to visit New Orleans be sure to visit some of the events in town like:
Mardi Gras
Jazz Fest
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Nola Caribbean Experience
VIEW MORE EVENTS
Planning a vacation soon? Been to New Orleans, what was your favorite part. Have tips to add to this visit New Orleans travel guide? Share below in the comments and let me know how your New Orleans travels went.
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