About New Orleans
New Orleans is a consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in the U.S. state of Louisiana. With a population of 383,997 at the 2020 census, New Orleans is the most populous city in Louisiana, the second-most populous in the Deep South, and the twelfth-most populous in the Southeastern United States; the New Orleans metropolitan area, with about 1 million residents, is the 59th-most populous metropolitan area in the United States. New Orleans serves as a major port and commercial hub for the broader Gulf Coast region. The city is coextensive with Orleans Parish.
Places to visit in New Orleans
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French Quarter
Neighborhood · 1 mi from centreThe city's oldest district, with iron-lace balconies, courtyards, street musicians and jazz clubs; wander Royal Street for galleries and antiques, and save Bourbon Street for its nighttime buzz.
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Jackson Square
Landmark · 2 mi from centreA historic square facing the Mississippi, surrounded by artists, fortune tellers and street performers, with the Cabildo and Presbytere museums flanking the cathedral at its head.
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St. Louis Cathedral
Religious · 2 mi from centreThe triple-spired cathedral overlooking Jackson Square is among the oldest in continuous use in the United States and is worth stepping inside for its painted ceiling and quiet interior.
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The National WWII Museum
Museum · 2 mi from centreAn expansive museum campus covering the American experience of the Second World War through restored aircraft, personal oral histories and immersive galleries; allow most of a day.
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Garden District
Neighborhood · 3 mi from centreReached by the St. Charles streetcar, this area of grand antebellum mansions and lush gardens is best explored on foot, along with the above-ground tombs of Lafayette Cemetery.
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Frenchmen Street
EntertainmentIn the Marigny just beyond the Quarter, a compact strip of intimate music clubs where locals go for live jazz, brass bands and blues, plus an evening art market.
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City Park
Park · 2 mi from centreA large park shaded by ancient live oaks, home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, a free sculpture garden, botanical gardens and lagoons for paddle boating.
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French Market
Market · 2 mi from centreOpen-air market sheds along the riverfront where vendors sell local food, crafts and souvenirs, an easy stop between Jackson Square and the Frenchmen Street area.
Things to do in New Orleans by type
39 tours, tickets and experiences across 10 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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City tours 13 experiences City Sightseeing 2 day 2 Tour Package -
Cruise & Water Tours 7 experiences Airboat Swamp Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 7 experiences Airboat Swamp Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 4 experiences Airboat Swamp Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 4 experiences Hard Rock Cafe New Orleans -
Art & culture 4 experiences Oak Alley Plantation Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 4 experiences City Sightseeing 2 day 2 Tour Package -
Travel Services 3 experiences SmartSIM USA - eSIM All Access Pass -
Shows, sports and special events 2 experiences National Football League: New Orleans Saints Football Game at Caesars Superdome - Ticket - Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours 2 experiences Airboat Swamp Tour
- 1-3 hours 9
- Flexible 2
- Couples 14
- Senior 13
- Families 12
- Youth 11
- Adult only 2
- Shore excursions 17
- Small group 3
- Private 2
Top experiences in New Orleans
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 39 available.
Swamp Tour with Optional Transportation
From $28 per adult
Historic Cruise with Optional Meal
From $41 per adult
Jazz Cruise with Optional Meal
From $52 per adult
The Court of Two Sisters Restaurant - Brunch Buffet with Live Jazz
From $40 per adult
Daytime Jazz Cruise
From $38 per adult
Evening Jazz Cruise
From $51 per adult
Oak Alley Plantation Tour
From $78 per adult
City Sightseeing 2 day 2 Tour Package
From $50 per adult
City Sightseeing 3 day 3 Tour Package
From $59 per adult
City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $46 per adult
Large Airboat Swamp Tour
From $79 per adult
Original Cocktail Walking Tour
From $60 per adult
Where to stay in New Orleans
Popular hotels in New Orleans, out of 277 properties you can book.
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
From $107 per night
InterContinental New Orleans by IHG
From $152 per night
Holiday Inn Express New Orleans - Arts District
From $117 per night
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
From $123 per night
International House
From $159 per night
Le Pavillon, New Orleans, A Tribute Portfolio
From $419 per night
Moxy New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter Area
From $130 per night
La Quinta Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown
From $78 per night
Hotel Theo New Orleans Tapestry Collection Hilton
From $250 per night
Le Meridien New Orleans
From $139 per night
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter
From $150 per night
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
From $196 per night
Best time to visit New Orleans
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit New Orleans is October, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
New Orleans weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 79° 57° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 81° 66° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 82° 68° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 78° 69° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 77° 68° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 80° 68° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to New Orleans
These are the airports closest to central New Orleans. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- NEW Lakefront Airport5 mi (9 km) from the city centre
- NBG Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans11 mi (17 km) from the city centre
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport11 mi (17 km) from the city centre
Getting around New Orleans
If you are visiting the French Quarter, casinos, or just the Central Business District, a car may be more of a burden than an asset. Most hotel parking is valet/remote/expensive/difficult at best. New Orleans is ready for visitors, and the rapid transit, trolley cars and buses are plentiful 24/7. Walking is fun and healthy during daylight and early evening. After midnight, you may want to call a taxi, but likely it will be a short trip at reasonable cost.
With a car
Be alert that the streets of much of the city were laid out before the automobile, especially in the older parts of town of most interest to visitors. There are many one way streets. It is common for cars to park on the side of the street causing some of the streets to be too narrow for 2 way traffic. This means someone needs to pull to the side.
Without a car
Those staying in or near the French Quarter can easily get around by foot, with optional occasional trips by streetcar, bus, or cab if they wish to visit other parts of town. In the French Quarter, bicycle rentals are available at a bike shop on Dauphine Street near the hotels of Canal St as well as at an antique shop on Decatur Street near the French Market. Other places with bike rentals include a bicycle shop in the Marigny Triangle neighborhood on Frenchmen Street and another Uptown on Magazine Street.
Knowing which way is up
The older neighborhoods of the city, (which comprise nearly 45% of the city), were laid out along the banks of the Mississippi River. Except for the grid of the French Quarter, streets were laid out either following the river's curves or perpendicular to them, not according to compass directions or a grid.
New Orleans travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit New Orleans is October, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in New Orleans?
August is usually the warmest month in New Orleans, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 44°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 230 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to New Orleans?
Lakefront Airport (NEW) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (9 km) from the centre of New Orleans. Other nearby airports include Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (NBG, 11 mi) and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY, 11 mi).
What time zone is New Orleans in?
New Orleans uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around New Orleans?
If you are visiting the French Quarter, casinos, or just the Central Business District, a car may be more of a burden than an asset. Most hotel parking is valet/remote/expensive/difficult at best. New Orleans is ready for visitors, and the rapid transit, trolley cars and buses are plentiful 24/7.
What are the best places to visit in New Orleans?
Top sights in New Orleans include French Quarter, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral and The National WWII Museum. The city's oldest district, with iron-lace balconies, courtyards, street musicians and jazz clubs; wander Royal Street for galleries and antiques, and save Bourbon Street for its nighttime buzz.
What are the top things to do in New Orleans?
Popular experiences you can book in New Orleans include Swamp Tour with Optional Transportation, Historic Cruise with Optional Meal and Jazz Cruise with Optional Meal. Destina Holidays offers 39 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in New Orleans?
The most popular types of experiences in New Orleans are city tours (13), cruise & water tours (7), zoo, aquarium & nature (7) and outdoor activities & adventure (4). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in New Orleans?
Popular areas for hotels in New Orleans include French Quarter, Downtown and Arts District. Well-reviewed options include Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter and InterContinental New Orleans by IHG.
How many hotels can I book in New Orleans?
Destina Holidays currently lists 277 properties in and around New Orleans, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
