New Orleans holidays

How to reach New Orleans

Flight time: Direct flights to New Orleans from London typically take about 10 hours. Flights from other major UK airports may include a layover, usually in cities like New York or Atlanta, adding to the travel time.

Transfer time: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is roughly 26km west of downtown. The Airport-Downtown Express (E2) Bus operated by the Jefferson Transport Authority (JET) runs every 15–20 minutes and takes approximately 50 minutes to reach the city. A taxi or rideshare takes 30 minutes outside of rush hour.

Price:

• Bus: The most budget-friendly option at $2 per journey.

• Taxi: A ride to the city centre can set you back around $45–$50.

• Rideshare: Typical fares with services such as Uber and Lyft range from $30 to $40.

Weather and best time to visit New Orleans

The city is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking to get out of your New Orleans holidays.

February to May is arguably the best time to visit. The weather is comfortably cool, and the city buzzes with the excitement of Mardi Gras in February and the Jazz Festival in April. Expect average temperatures from 17°C in February to about 25°C in May. Rainfall is moderate, with 6 to 7 hours of sunshine daily.

June to August is hot and humid, with temperatures often climbing above 30°C. While it’s perfect for those who enjoy tropical climates, the heat can be intense for others. Rainfall peaks during this period, along with indoor activities and museum visits. Expect around 9 hours of sunshine daily.

September to November sees the heat start to subside, making it a pleasant time to explore the city’s beautiful architecture and outdoor spaces. Temperatures range from 22 to 28°C, with 7 to 8 hours of sunshine daily. However, this is also peak hurricane season, so it’s wise to check the forecast and plan accordingly.

December to January brings cooler temperatures (around 12 to 17°C), making sightseeing and enjoying the city’s Christmas decorations more comfortable. It’s less crowded, offering a more laid-back experience of the city. Rainfall is minimal, and the days are noticeably shorter.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language, but thanks to the French and Creole influences, you’ll hear a good number of dialects.

• Local habits and customs: New Orleans is known for its laid-back attitude. Casual attire is widely acceptable, and the locals are known for their warm hospitality. Tipping is customary – usually about 20 percent for good service in restaurants.

• Currency: The United States Dollar (USD) is used. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available.

• Getting around: The city’s public transport system includes buses and streetcars, with a standard fare of $1.25. You can also buy a Jazzy Pass for unlimited access for a day or more. Rideshare apps are also convenient ways to navigate the city.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 120V with A and B plug types. British visitors will need a plug adapter.

• Time zone: New Orleans operates on Central Standard Time (CST), 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-6).

Things to do in New Orleans

The city is bursting with energy and character, so you can look forward to an eclectic range of experiences during your holidays to New Orleans.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Jackson Square: Take some time here to enjoy iconic views of the Mississippi River, flanked by historic buildings, including the stunning St. Louis Cathedral.

• Algiers Ferry: Enjoy sweeping views of the New Orleans skyline and the mighty Mississippi as you take a short ride across the river.

The best districts

• French Quarter: The heart of New Orleans’ culture and nightlife, known for its vibrant street life, jazz clubs and historic architecture.

• Warehouse District: With a mind-boggling mix of Federal, Neoclassical and Greek Revival architecture, the Warehouse District is a prime photo opportunity spot.

• Garden District: Admire antebellum homes, lush gardens and the scenic beauty of one of the city’s most charming and affluent areas.

• Bywater: This neighbourhood blends artistic flair with rustic charm, offering a quieter, bohemian alternative to the French Quarter.

Parks and gardens

• City Park: One of the oldest and largest urban parks, featuring beautiful oak trees, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the enchanting Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

• Audubon Park: Located in the Uptown neighbourhood, this park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic under the ancient oak trees.

Museums

• New Orleans Museum of Art: Arguably the best museum in the city, NOMA is on the must-see list for many.

• Ogden Museum of Southern Art: New Orleans’ classiest museum, offering a cornucopia of work that defines this evocative, distinctive and other-worldly region.

• Backstreet Cultural Museum: Tremé’s love letter to New Orleans street culture, from its Second Line parades to its Mardi Gras Indians.

Historical monuments

• St. Louis Cathedral: This iconic symbol of New Orleans provides both spiritual solace and a glimpse into the city's rich religious heritage.

• The Cabildo: A museum located next to St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square, rich with history as the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies.

• Preservation Hall: Established to preserve, perpetuate and protect traditional New Orleans Jazz, with concerts performed nightly.

Day trips in the area

• Swamp Tours: Venture into the bayous and swamps surrounding New Orleans to see alligators, birds and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Gulf Coast Beaches: Spend a day on the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast, accessible with a short drive.

Activities for families in New Orleans

New Orleans is a playground for families, with a sizeable offering of fun and educational activities.

• Parks and gardens: Within City Park, families can enjoy Storyland – a fairytale playground with 25 giant storybook sculptures that children can interact with and play on. There’s also the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, which includes a historic carousel.

• Interactive museums: The Louisiana Children's Museum is a must-visit, with exhibits that engage kids with hands-on learning.

• Aquariums and zoos: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas on the riverfront gives children a close-up view of marine life, while the Audubon Zoo offers exotic animals in themed settings such as the Louisiana Swamp.

• Historical monuments and sites: One way families can see the sights a little differently is to explore the historic French Quarter in a horse-drawn carriage or take a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River.

• Theme parks and adventure: Adventure Quest Laser Tag in nearby Harahan invites families to enjoy laser tag, bumper cars and arcade games. It’s perfect for an energy-burning day out.

Free things to do in New Orleans

Exploring New Orleans doesn’t have to cost a fortune; there are plenty of free or low-cost activities that capture the city’s spirit.

• Free events: Enjoy free seasonal festivals such as the French Quarter Festival in April and Satchmo SummerFest in August. Both serve up live music, food trucks and local craft stalls.

• Free museums: The New Orleans Museum of Art offers free admission on Wednesdays. Better still, the Sculpture Garden here is free to visit year-round.

• Free guided tours: Look out for volunteer-led tours of historic neighbourhoods like the Garden District and the French Quarter, which often just ask for tips.

• Explore New Orleans by public transport: Hop aboard the historic streetcars along St. Charles Avenue, Canal Street and the riverfront to see the city. Each ride costs just $1.25.

• Lafayette Square concerts: Catch free live music performances at Lafayette Square during the spring and autumn months, showcasing local bands and artists.

Local dishes in New Orleans

One of the great delights of holidays to New Orleans is the chance to sample the city's famed cuisine. From spicy Creole dishes to sweet Southern treats, here’s what to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Gumbo: A hearty, flavourful stew with a mixture of meats, seafood, okra and Creole spices.

• Jambalaya: Similar to Spanish paella, this Creole dish combines rice with chicken, sausage, seafood and a mix of fragrant seasonings.

Tapas dishes

While not traditionally known for tapas, New Orleans offers small plate dining in many restaurants, featuring bites like Cajun devilled eggs or mini muffuletta sandwiches.

Meat dishes

• Crawfish Étouffée: A rich, spicy stew of crawfish served over rice.

• Po'boys: Iconic New Orleans sandwiches on French bread, filled with fried seafood like shrimp and oysters, or roast beef with gravy.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Blackened Redfish: A Cajun creation featuring a fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, cooked in a very hot skillet.

• Oysters Bienville: Baked oysters topped with shrimp, mushrooms, green peppers, sherry and breadcrumbs.

Street food

Beignet stands and po'boy stalls dominate the street food scene, offering quick, delicious eats that are easy to carry as you explore the city.

Sweets and desserts

Sweet treats like beignets, dusted with confectioner's sugar and served hot, are a must. Pralines, made from nuts and sugar syrup, are another.

Local drinks

• Sazerac: Considered America’s first cocktail, this New Orleans invention consists of rye whiskey, absinthe, a sugar cube and bitters.

• Hurricane: A sweet alcoholic concoction made of rum, lemon juice and passion fruit syrup, often associated with the raucous celebrations of Mardi Gras.