New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive music, local cuisine, unique dialects and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife. The city has been described as the “most unique and European-like city” in the United States, owing in large part to its cross-cultural and multilingual heritage.

Must experience

• The streetcar ride down St. Charles Avenue – Forget rideshare apps and experience the historical streetcar of New Orleans. The streetcar is a unique, charming, and inexpensive way to see all that our city has to offer. With 4 different streetcar lines, you can visit Downtown, Uptown, Bywater, and the Garden District all in one day.
• A morning stroll through the French Quarter/Jackson Square – Before the crowds gather and music takes over the city, take a morning stroll through the French Quarter. From historic buildings and stunning architecture, there is nothing more beautiful than New Orleans in the morning.
• New Orleans Saints Game – New Orleans natives take two things very seriously: food and football. Reaching over 125 decibels, you’re going to remember this experience! Enjoy a nonstop, day-long activity of dancing in Champion Square, cheering on this famous American football team in the dome and listening to local music. You won’t experience a more passionate group of people than these fans known as “Saints Mafia”.
• Tour of Mardi Gras World – At Mardi Gras World, tourists are given the opportunity to see Mardi Gras “behind the scenes”. During this tour, guests are invited to view various aspects of what keeps Mardi Gras alive from year to year. Watch artists build the floats from the ground up while learning about the history of each float. New Orleans is known for its experiences and you won’t want to miss this one.

Must eat: Here are just a few of the foods New Orleans is known for: Shrimp po-boys (spicy shrimp on a French roll), muffulettas (filled sicilian sesame bread), BBQ shrimp, oysters any way (fried, charbroiled or raw in a half shell) and beignets (deep-fried sweet fritters). And don’t miss out on our wonderful French cajun and creole cuisine at some of the best restaurants in the USA.

Best nightlife: New Orleans neighborhoods have extensive nightlife with differing experiences:

• Frenchman Street might just be the most consistently musical stretch of asphalt in New Orleans with an array of live performances ranging from traditional jazz to blues to reggae and rock.
• Vintage Rock Club is a throwback club and video music experience for all ages that brings your vintage favorites to the big screen. Dance to the “best of the decades” with a cocktail in hand while watching music videos, concert footage, and the most memorable movie clips.
• OHM Lounge at Barcadia – For late-night fun and dancing, OHM is a contemporary, Asian-themed live music venue and nightclub with décor derived from Japanese and Chinese influences.
• Carousel Bar – Take a spin as you drink at an historic New Orleans Bar on Royal Street.
• Pat O’ Brien’s and then to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop! If you want a Bourbon Street experience, these are two must-visits with the Dueling pianos and beautiful courtyard at Pat O’s and Lafittes, one of the oldest bars in the country.
• Hot Tin – An intimate rooftop bar where champagne and bright cocktails complement the 270-degree view of Downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi River.
• Apres Lounge – Known for its chic decor, this hot spot serves up nothing but the best. Enjoy a cocktail or two in one of New Orleans’ best nightclubs while listening to local DJs. For the late- and all-nighters, Apres Lounge is definitely not a place to miss.

Best time to visit

• Early Spring if you are a music lover – Jazz Fest is one of a kind.
• Late Fall if you are a sports lover – Saints games can’t be explained in words.
• Winter if you are wanting to see the ultimate New Orleans experience – Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday!
• Summer if you are looking for amazing hotel deals and local experiences such as Running of the Bulls, Red Dress Run and Coolinary New Orleans.

Top tip: The rumors are true. It’s hot and humid in New Orleans. Pack a fan or two and wear comfortable walking shoes or enjoy the cool breeze as you walk/run/stroll along the Mississippi River on the Moon Walk. Make a list of the places you want to visit. Remember there is more than just the French Quarter, we have a plethora of neighborhoods that are all uniquely different.  The Garden District and Bywater neighborhoods, which are full of architecture, city parks, restaurants and New Orleans experiences, are just two examples.

Contact our local DMC in New Orleans to plan a memorable getaway.