Why Go to New Orleans
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
New Orleans is unlike any other city in America. It's known for its European-style architecture, irresistible Creole and Cajun food and a love of a good time. As the birthplace of jazz, music pours from every corner, from brass bands on the street to blues, zydeco and rock in the clubs. Mardi Gras is the city's most famous celebration, with parades, masks and merriment, but there's a festival almost every weekend of the year.
New Orleans has faced hard times, from Hurricane Katrina to other storms and disasters, and its resilience is inspiring. Start with a walking tour of the French Quarter, where wrought-iron balconies, colonial history and ghost stories await. Ride the St. Charles streetcar past the grand mansions of the Garden District, explore the moving National WWII Museum, and catch live jazz on Frenchmen Street. Then dig into beignets at Cafe du Monde, gumbo, jambalaya and po'boys, and stay at a charming inn or historic hotel.
New Orleans is also a major cruise port, with sailings to the Caribbean and Mexico and river cruises on the Mississippi. I'll plan your city stay and pre-cruise night, with transfers to the ship.
BEST FOR
Music lovers, culinary travelers, history fans and couples
BEST MONTHS
February to May and October to November
EXPLORE
The French Quarter has historic buildings and music venues; the Warehouse District features museums; the Garden District has notable architecture, while the Marigny offers neighborhood music spots.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
New Orleans
North America › Southeast › USA › Louisiana
Jazz on every corner, Creole flavors and a party spirit like nowhere else.
Historical & Heritage
Music
Culinary
Festivals
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Skip the Bourbon Street crowds and head to Frenchmen Street for live jazz in small clubs. It's where the locals go to hear great music.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Explore early in the morning, when the streets are quiet and the light is beautiful.
French Quarter
The city's oldest neighborhood is full of wrought-iron balconies, colorful Creole townhouses, jazz clubs and historic landmarks.
Grab beignets at nearby Café du Monde and people-watch in the square.
Jackson Square
The heart of the French Quarter, where street performers, artists and fortune tellers gather in front of St. Louis Cathedral.
Step inside for a quiet moment and admire the beautiful interior.
St. Louis Cathedral
The oldest cathedral in continuous use in the U.S., with its iconic white spires overlooking Jackson Square.
Wander from club to club, and tip the bands generously.
Frenchmen Street
The city's best street for live jazz, with small clubs and bars featuring local musicians every night.
Allow at least half a day; there's a lot to see.
National WWII Museum
A world-class museum dedicated to the American experience in World War II, with immersive exhibits and aircraft.
A luxury hotel in the Central Business District, known for its art collection and afternoon tea.
The Windsor Court
Central Business District / Gravier Street
City
A historic French Quarter hotel famous for its rotating Carousel Bar.
Hotel Monteleone
French Quarter / Royal Street
City · Boutique
A modern luxury hotel on the riverfront, with a spa, rooftop pool and stunning river views.
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Riverfront / Canal Street
City
A historic grand hotel with a famous lobby, the Sazerac Bar and holiday decorations.
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Central Business District / Roosevelt Way
City
An elegant hotel at the edge of the French Quarter, with a spa and Southern hospitality.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Canal Street / French Quarter Edge
City
A beautifully restored church, rectory and schoolhouse turned boutique hotel near Frenchmen Street's jazz clubs.
Hotel Peter & Paul
Marigny
Boutique
A storied St. Charles Avenue hotel with a rooftop bar and the streetcar at the front door.
The Pontchartrain Hotel
Garden District
Boutique · City
A classic French Quarter hotel with balconies over Bourbon Street and a quieter courtyard pool.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
French Quarter / Bourbon Street
City
A large, family-friendly hotel next to the Caesars Superdome, with good value for groups.
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Central Business District
City · Family · Value
A grand historic hotel with ornate lobby, famous for its free nightly peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches.
Le Pavillon Hotel
Central Business District
Value · City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in New Orleans
High 71°F · Low 53°F · Rain 4.5 in
All Saints' Day on November 1 brings families to the cemeteries, and the Thanksgiving Bayou Classic draws football fans.
The best times to visit New Orleans are February through May and October through November, when the weather is mild and the festival calendar is full. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November. Winter is cool and festive, with Mardi Gras season beginning in January.
Best Times to Visit New Orleans
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
New Orleans is one of the great food cities of the world, with Creole and Cajun flavors, legendary restaurants and some of the best po'boys and gumbo you'll ever taste.
- Classic restaurants: Legendary dining rooms like Commander's Palace and Galatoire's are New Orleans institutions.
- Casual eats: Grab a po'boy, a muffuletta and a bowl of gumbo.
- Must-try: Beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée and a Sazerac cocktail.
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Bikes
Blue Bikes bike-share stations make it easy to explore flat neighborhoods like the Marigny and Bywater.
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Walking
The French Quarter and nearby neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot.
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Buses
RTA buses connect neighborhoods across the city.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are widely available and convenient, especially at night.
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Streetcars
Historic streetcars run along St. Charles Avenue, Canal Street and the Riverfront, a charming way to get around.
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Flying In
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 25 minutes from downtown, with a modern terminal and nonstop flights from across the U.S.
Most visitors fly into Louis Armstrong International, about 25 minutes from downtown. Once you're here, the French Quarter is best explored on foot, and the historic streetcars are perfect for reaching the Garden District and City Park. Skip the car: parking is expensive and limited.
Getting Around New Orleans