New Orleans
Currency
USD
Language
English
Timezone
Chicago
Continent
North America
Discover New Orleans
New Orleans was French, then Spanish, then American, and never quite chose. The French Quarter keeps its cast-iron balconies and courtyards, a Spanish inheritance despite the name. The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France closes Jackson Square, and The Cabildo, the former seat of colonial government, holds the museum where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. Saint Louis Cemetery Number One buries its dead above ground, the water table being too high. Café du Monde has served beignets since 1862, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum occupies the old Mint.
When to go
February to May: mild, dry, and the season of Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest — so also the most expensive and the fullest. October and November are quieter and just as pleasant. Summer is hot and humid to the point of being punishing, and hurricane season runs June to November. January is cool and cheap.
Getting around
The streetcars, the St. Charles Avenue line running since 1835 among them, are real transport and the most pleasant. The French Quarter is walked and cannot be seen otherwise. The Garden District is reached by streetcar. Ride-hailing fills in, especially at night — the city is not uniformly safe and it is worth asking about neighbourhoods.
Where to eat
Creole and Cajun cooking are not the same thing: the first is urban and French in origin, the second rural and Acadian. Gumbo, jambalaya and po'boys cross both. Beignets are eaten under icing sugar and paid for in disorder. Gulf oysters come raw or grilled. No halal address is listed.
Good to know
The US dollar is the currency, tax is added at the register and a tip of 18 to 20 % is expected. You may drink in the street in the French Quarter provided it is in a plastic cup — the rule is real and enforced. Summer humidity calls for air-conditioned pauses. And live music is everywhere and free in many bars, but the musician passes a hat: carry cash.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Top Activities in New Orleans
landmarkFrench Quarter
landmarkSaint Louis Cemetery Number One
landmarkCathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France
landmarkCafé du Monde
museumNew Orleans Mint
museumThe Cabildo
museumNew Orleans Jazz Museum
museumThe National World War II Museum
landmarkBourbon Street
landmarkCongo Square
activityAudubon Insectarium
landmarkJackson Square
landmarkPreservation Hall
museumThe Presbytère
museumHermann-Grima House
landmarkNew Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
museumOgden Museum of Southern Art
museumConfederate Memorial Hall;Confederate Memorial Hall Museum
landmarkSteamboat Natchez
landmarkJoan of Arc
landmarkNew Orleans
museumNew Orleans African American Museum
museumNew Orleans Pharmacy Museum
landmarkMardi Gras World
Restaurants in New Orleans
Napoleon House
Antoine's Restaurant
Brennan's Restaurant
Commander's Palace
