Holidays to New Orleans

New Orleans travel guide

• When is the best time to visit New Orleans?

  The climate of New Orleans is typical of the southern states of the US; warm, humid and sunny summers and mild but short winters. This means that any time of the year is perfect for a visit to this amazing city.
  
  Take a look at our climate a chart below.

• New Orleans attractions

  Carnivals are held throughout the year, during which time the city’s streets come to life with colour, music and dancing; the most famous of which is the Mardi Gras in January - February every year. You’ll have so much fun partying with the locals and eating the home-style foods that you won’t want to go home.

  French Quarter

  The French Quarter of New Orleans is by far the most famous former French city in the US. To this day it still has its architectural, linguistic and cultural charms that it has had since its foundation in the early 1700s. As most of the surviving buildings were actually built in the 1800s when the city was under Spanish control, there’s a very European feel about this part of the city. St. Louis Cathedral is by far one of the grandest religious buildings in the country, with its white spires and castle-like style.
  
  It’s not uncommon to see traditional horse and carriages roaming the streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, and the abundance of bars and pubs on Bourbon Street easily rival those in any European city. There are a large number of Creole cottages throughout this part of the city that can be booked at great, low prices with Netflights.

  St. Charles Avenue

  This historic street that splits the city in two is famous for its streetcars, the oldest in the world. Hundreds of colonial buildings and mansions line the street, as do modern skyscrapers in the central business district. The street is best known for the impressive Pontchartrain Hotel; built in 1927, with notable guests including Rita Hayworth, The Doors, George Bush Sr., and Tennessee Williams. Notably being the place where Williams wrote his play ‘Streetcar Named Desire’, after seeing the streetcar passing by his windows.

  Magazine Street

  The shopping district of New Orleans is reminiscent of something you’d see in an old western movie, as bars with swinging saloon doors, and wooden façade buildings, line this curved street. Although only a single street, it does span six miles in total, with shops, bars and restaurants. Many of the products sold on the street are handmade and unique to the city. Given the street’s length, it is advisable to rent a car.

• Top 5 things to do in New Orleans

  Mardi Gras

  Join the singing, dancing and feasting of the Mardi Gras celebrations held from Jan to Feb

  Tennessee Williams

  Visit the French Quarter where the famous writer and playwright Tennessee Williams stayed, retrace his steps throughout this awesome city

  Shop 'til you drop

  Shop in the many unique family-owned shops lining Magazine Street

  A Streetcar Named Desire

  Travel across the city in the world’s oldest streetcar

  Aquarium of the Americas

  Visit the Aquarium of the Americas, one of the world’s leading aquariums, home to sharks, snakes, stingrays, turtles, alligators and owls to name just a few.

• New Orleans events - what's on when?

  February - Mardi Gras

  The not-to-be-missed, Mardi Gras starts in January and peaks before Fat Tuesday - this is the last day of the Carnival season which always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

  March - Tennessee Williams Literary Festival

  Celebrating the world-famous playwright who enjoyed a successful creative period in New Orleans. The celebration attracts the best authors, actors, playwrights and speakers with performances, readings, masterclasses and more.

  April - French Quarter Festival

  This grand fete is loved by all. With over 20 stages booming out jazz, Latin, R&B, funk, swing and more from more than 2000 artists, stroll the street, grab a beer and a bite to eat and soak the atmosphere in.
  
  May - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

  The annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival attracts nearly half a million visitors over seven days in late April and early May. Hear every music genre from jazz and gospel, to R&B and rock from the multiple stages throughout the grounds.

  July – Go Fourth On The River

  Celebrate the 4th of July along the historic New Orleans Riverfront with a firework show.

  October - Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

  Enjoy a Halloween with a difference as thousands of people gather under the Live Oak at City Park with big name bands, carnival rides, and fun for all.

  November - New Orleans Film Festival

  Showcasing over 160 films from some of the most talented filmmakers with exclusive screenings and specially curated experiences.

  December - Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

  Bring in the New Year with a bang with music and festive fireworks at Jackson Square.

• New Orleans travel advice

  Do you need a visa for New Orleans?

  Everyone travelling into America must have completed the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA for short, a US Customs & Passport Control entry requirement. US Immigration may well refuse you entry at border control if you do not complete the online form.