Holidays to New Orleans
Nicknamed The Big Easy or simply NOLA, New Orleans is famous for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live jazz, rich history and unique mix of French, African, Spanish and American cultures.
It’s a city unlike anywhere else in the USA.
One minute you’re listening to jazz musicians performing on a street corner in the historic French Quarter, the next you’re exploring voodoo legends, hidden courtyards and centuries-old architecture before finishing the evening with cocktails and live music on the legendary Bourbon Street.
And of course — there’s Mardi Gras.
But New Orleans is far more than just its famous festival. It’s a destination built around atmosphere, food, music and storytelling. Every street feels alive with character, history and energy.
New Orleans - The Big Easy
Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit: May - October
Average Temperatures: 21°c
Average Flight Time: 9 Hours
Time Difference: - 6 hours
What Makes New Orleans So Special?
New Orleans has a completely different feel to anywhere else in America. It’s energetic but relaxed, historic but modern, chaotic in the best possible way and full of personality.
The city is best explored slowly.
Spend your mornings grabbing coffee and beignets at a local café, afternoons wandering through the historic French Quarter or Garden District, and evenings listening to live jazz spilling out from bars and hidden courtyards.
The architecture alone is worth the trip. We’re talking, colourful balconies, gas lamps, hidden courtyards and historic mansions give the city its instantly recognisable charm.
- The streets are filled with history. If the walls could talk, they’d have unbelievable stories to tell
- Experience incredible festivals, celebrations and world-famous nightlife
- Step into the birthplace of jazz with live music around almost every corner
- Enjoy world-famous cuisine including gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish and fresh beignets
- Walk along the Mississippi River or take a traditional steamboat cruise
- Explore the iconic Bourbon Street with its bars, clubs and live music venues
- Discover the city’s supernatural side with voodoo history, ghost tours and historic cemeteries
Things to do in New Orleans:
Explore the French Quarter
The heart of New Orleans and home to live jazz, historic streets, balconies and some of the city’s best food and nightlife.
Explore the Supernatural Side
Ghost tours, voodoo history and famous cemeteries give New Orleans its mysterious reputation.
Take a Mississippi River Cruise
See the city from the water aboard a traditional paddle steamer while enjoying live jazz and incredible river views.
Discover New Orleans Food
From gumbo and jambalaya to po’boys and beignets, New Orleans is one of America’s top foodie destinations.
Experience Live Jazz
From gumbo and jambalaya to po’boys and beignets, New Orleans is one of America’s top foodie destinations.
Visit Bourbon Street
Known worldwide for its electric nightlife, bars, music venues and party atmosphere.
New Orleans for Couples
New Orleans is perfect for couples looking for something a little different.
Think romantic jazz clubs, candlelit courtyards, rooftop cocktails, steamboat cruises along the Mississippi and late-night walks through the French Quarter.
It’s ideal for:
- Couples city breaks
- Honeymoons
- Twin-centre USA holidays
- Food & music lovers
New Orleans for Families
While New Orleans is famous for nightlife, there’s also plenty for families to enjoy.
Families can:
- Ride the historic streetcars
- Visit the Audubon Aquarium & Zoo
- Take river cruises along the Mississippi
- Explore museums and historic districts
- Enjoy live music and local food experiences
- The city works especially well as part of a wider Deep South or Florida multi-centre holiday.
The LaBranche House
Iconic Jazz Music - the Soul of NOLA
New Orleans Streets
Step Onboard The Famous Trams
New Orleans Festivals
Mardi Gras
The city’s most famous celebration featuring huge parades, costumes, music and street parties.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
One of the world’s best music festivals celebrating jazz, blues, gospel and local culture.
French Quarter Festival
A huge showcase of local music, food and Louisiana culture throughout the historic district.
FAQs
Is New Orleans worth visiting?
Absolutely. New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the USA, famous for live jazz, incredible food, historic streets, festivals and nightlife. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
What is the best time to visit New Orleans?
The most popular time to visit New Orleans is between February and May when temperatures are warm and festival season is in full swing. Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival are especially busy periods.
October to December is also a fantastic time to visit for slightly cooler weather and fewer crowds. Not to mention Halloween in New Orleans is more than just an event, its part of the city!
How many days do you need in New Orleans?
We usually recommend around 4 nights in New Orleans. This gives you enough time to explore the French Quarter, experience the nightlife, enjoy the food scene and take in some of the city’s history and culture.
Many travellers also combine New Orleans with Florida or a Deep South road trip.
What food is New Orleans famous for?
New Orleans is world-famous for its food scene. Popular dishes include Gumbo, Jambalaya, Beignets, Crawfish, Po’boys, Cajun and Creole cuisine .
It’s considered one of the best foodie destinations in America.
What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is New Orleans’ most famous festival, known for huge parades, live music, costumes and celebrations across the city. It usually takes place in February or early March and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Do you offer tailor-made New Orleans holidays?
Yes, we can create fully tailor-made New Orleans holidays including flights & hotels. We can also combine multi-centre itineraries and road trips based on your travel style and budget.
