A Complete Travel Guide To New Orleans, Louisiana (Updated 2026)

New Orleans is unlike any city in the United States. You will be met with delight and dismay wandering through the stunning yet chaotic streets of the largest city in Louisiana. Home to mardi gras, jazz music, remarkable architecture, and incredibly unhealthy, but delicious food, New Orleans is a city that is hard to forget. This is the ultimate travel guide to New Orleans, Louisiana!

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Map Of New Orleans

Where To Stay In New Orleans

Luxury New Orleans Hotel - Four Seasons

Located on the bustling Canal Street, The Four Seasons New Orleans is an excellent luxury option. Completed in 1968, this hotel is historic as it was originally a World Trade Center and International Trade Mart and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside you will find a restaurant serving authentic New Orleans cuisine, a beautiful rooftop pool, and comfortable rooms.

Middle Range New Orleans Hotels - Hotel Peter and Paul

What sets Hotel Peter and Paul apart is its design. Think colorful drapes, bold patterns that seem to fit perfectly, floor to ceiling windows, and moody lighting. The restored Catholic school is packed with beauty and NOLA charm.

Budget New Orleans Hotel - Old Number 77 Hotel & Chandlery

Certainly unique in terms of design and room details. While staying at Old Number 77 Hotel we were greeted with art pieces in the lobby and hallways that are New Orleans inspired. The room was comfortable with a rainfall shower and a design that had NOLA grunge vibe. You can also enjoy a drink at the bar, order room service, have a latte from the coffee bar, or enjoy a sit down dinner!

Read Next - 25 Best Hotels in New Orleans for Every Budget

What Do In New Orleans

1. Bourbon Street

You will either  love or hate Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is the place to drink and party in New Orleans. While it is dodgy, it is one of the main attractions in New Orleans and should not be missed. I found it to be kind of gross; the whole street was loud and smells of pee, throw up, and alcohol. I guess this is what happens after a night out on Bourbon Street. 

2. Magazine Street

Picturesque buildings that will make you feel like you have stepped into a European city for a moment. Lined with adorable boutique hotels, Magazine Street is lovely to take a stroll down if you enjoy photography or peaceful morning walks. 

3. Cafe Du Monde

One of the most popular things to do in New Orleans is dining at the iconic Cafe du Monde. Cafe du Monde is known for being the oldest coffee and beignet stand in New Orleans. The large outdoor restaurant will serve you New Orleans famous beignets straight out of the fryer, coated with powdered sugar.

Not only is the food delicious, Cafe du Monde’s environment will transport you back in time. The staff wear old fashioned uniforms (what I would imagine they would wear in the 1950s), and there is usually a jazz band outside, often with a barefoot local dancing to the music. It is cash only. 

4. Jackson Square

Located across the street from Cafe Du Monde is a New Orleans gem, Jackson Square. Most well known for the "Battle Monument" that commemorate the American victory over the British in at the Battle of New Orleans. I won't bore you with all the history, but if you would like to read more, checkout this article all about it.

In front of Jackson square you will find horses that can take you on a carriage ride. Please don't go on a carriage ride, they often treat the horses poorly at these sort of attractions.

5. St. Louis Cathedral

Just beyond Jackson Square is St. Louis Cathedral. You cannot miss the stunning Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France (also known at St. Louis Cathedral). Opening in 1794, the St. Louis Cathedral is one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the United States.

To learn more about the St. Louis Cathedral read this article all about it!

6. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

A bar located on the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip Street. Most well known for being the oldest bar in New Orleans and one of the oldest bars in the United States, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a phenomenal historic structure that is a must visit in the Big Easy. Not only will you find unique architecture, but you can also enjoy some of the the best drinks and music the city has to offer at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.

7. Frenchman’s Street

Frenchman's Street was one of my favorite parts of my trip to New Orleans. You can find wonderful examples of high-style Queen Anne and Eastlake style buildings on Frenchmen Street. There are less bars here, more coffee shops, and residential areas on and around the street. Frenchman's is a great place to grab a coffee and walk along in the morning!

8. French Market

The French Market is located right between Frenchman's Street and Jackson Square. At the French Market you can find booths with merchants selling all sorts of food, handmade goods, art, and more. You will often find a jazz band playing outside and places around the market to sit and enjoy food, or just listen to music.

You can expect all of the booths to be open from noon to five daily!

9. Mississippi River

If you are from the US you probably remember learning about the Mississippi River in school. This was my first time seeing the river so it was a pretty cool experience for me. You will see magnificent steamboats on the Mississippi that will remind you that you are really in the deep south. Keep an eye out for alligators!

You can actually go on a ride on one of the steamboats! You can book a steamboat tour here.

10. Louis Armstrong Park

Louis Armstrong Park is the best place to go if you are looking to get away from the city for a bit. With thirty two acres of green space just outside of the French Quarter, enjoy the best nature Louisiana has to offer at Louis Armstrong Park.

11. New Orleans Cemeteries

Believe it or not New Orleans is known for there cemeteries. The history behind the New Orleans Cemeteries are truly fascinating.

To be brief, the cemeteries were a gathering place for locals in the early nineteenth century were they told ghost stories and folklore evolved, mainly in the likes of voodoo. You can also learn all about Jazz funerals at New Orleans Cemeteries.

New Orleans Cemeteries are most well known for their above ground tombs. Due to the high water table in the soil, burying is difficult so the bodies are placed in tombs above ground.

There is so much to learn about New Orleans Cemeteries read this article to learn more.

12. Musical Legends Park

Musical Legends Park is a small and cozy park that packs a ton a character. You will find statues of Al Hirt, Fats Domino, Louis Prima, and more icons at the park. There is also a small beignet stand, tables, and is there often live music! Musical Legends Park is truly one of the most unique parks I've ever been to.

Where To Dine In New Orleans

Best New Orleans Coffee Shops

Cafe du Monde - Cafe du Monde is an iconic coffee shop in New Orleans French Quarter! I covered it above, but it is a wonderful place to enjoy coffee and beignets for an unforgettable breakfast in New Orleans.

Cafe Beignet - Cafe Beignet serves all the same things as Cafe du Monde, but it is a bit more convenient. There are short lines and multiple locations.

Nova Espresso - If you are looking for a simple coffee shop that serves classic lattes and pastries, then checkout Nova Espresso. It is also a great place to do any work!

Ruby Slipper - For brunch in NOLA the Ruby Slipper is a wonderful option! Enjoy a classic American breakfast or brunch in the heart of the historical French Quarter.

Read Next - Best Coffee Shops In New Orleans

Best New Orleans Restaurants

August - Located in the New Orleans business district. At August you will feel like you have stepped into the early 19th century. The restaurant is elegant and has so much character with chandeliers and unique finishes in the interior design. The upscale restaurant serves delicious creole food.

Galliers - Located by the famous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, Galliers is a casual restaurant that serves Cajun seafood. If you are looking for a restaurant that has delicious New Orleans style food at a fair price be sure to checkout Galliers.

Brennan's - Brennan's is one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans; the design of Brennan is what makes it so popular. Each room has a design and they are all absolutely stunning. Checkout photos here. Brennan's serves up tradition New Orleans cuisine, be sure to make a reservation asap because they book out.

Best New Orleans Bars

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - I mentioned Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop earlier in this article, but when it comes to bar in New Orleans this one is definitely worth checking out. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is the oldest bar in New Orleans, and one of the oldest bars in the United States.

Erin Rose - Located just off of Bourbon Street is Erin Rose Bar. I noticed that Erin Rose had much more of a laid back and chill vibe compared to other bars in the area. It is a lovely place to chat and get to know new people!

Molly's at the Market - Located in the French Quarter, Molly's at the Market is a hidden gem in New Orleans. The Irish bar serves fun drinks in a laid back atmosphere.

Best Tours To Take In New Orleans

Steamboat Ride - Seeing the Mississippi River was surreal! Doing a steamboat ride on the Mississippi river is something that I will never forget. This tour was so fun, they even had a jazz band on board!

New Orleans Ghost Tour - New Orleans is home to ghosts and voodoo. You must learn more about New Orleans fascinating history of voodoo while visiting. On this affordable New Orleans ghost and voodoo tour a knowledgeable guide will take you to all of the cities best and most interesting ghost sites.

New Orleans Food Tour - New Orleans is known for their delicious, yet incredibly unhealthy food. This New Orleans Food tour will take you to all of the best spots in the French Quarter to enjoy tradition NOLA food!

Hop On Hop Off Bus - I love doing hop on hop off buses while traveling to a new place, especially if the transportation is expensive. This New Orleans hop on hop off bus will take you to all of the cities main attractions!

Affordable Bayou Swamp Cruise - If you are looking to get out of the city and see some of Louisiana's intriguing terrain, this Bayou Swamp Cruise is for you. Look out for alligators!!

Getting To New Orleans

The best way to get to New Orleans is by flying into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MYS). The airport is only about thirty minutes to the French Quarter. The best way to get from the airport to downtown is by taxi. I tried to find a bus, but they are not very trustworthy in terms of times.

You can find flights from all different airlines to New Orleans. I flew from Orlando to MYS On Breeze Airlines. Breeze has budget friendly prices and I found that the seats were clean and spacious!

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was easy to navigate and security was quick so you will be fine arriving to the airport one and a half hours ahead of your flight (depending on the time of year).

When To Visit New Orleans

The best time to visit New Orleans is February to May. The summer and fall tend to be extremely hot and humid. I visited in April and it was super humid, but still manageable. The fall and summer is hurricane season, so if you plan your trip then know that you may experience flight delays, and crazy weather.

New Orleans is the place you should go to celebrate a holiday or got to a festival. NOLA is known for there New Years celebrations, halloween, Jazz Festival, Mardi Garis, and more. If you visit for one of these events, hotels and flight will likely be more expensive.

New Orleans FAQs:

What is the #1 attraction in New Orleans?

The #1 attraction in New Orleans is definitely the French Quarter, but more specifically, I would say Jackson Square.

What do I need to know before traveling to New Orleans?

I wish that I knew how humid it was before visiting! Be sure to bring layers. Also keep your wits about you as it is not the safest city.

How many days do you need to do New Orleans?

You can see all of the main attractions in two days, but if you want more of a leisurely trip or want to find NOLA's hidden gems stay for three or four days.

Is it better to stay in the French Quarter or downtown New Orleans?

Stay in the French Quarter - not only is it much cooler, it is also near all of New Orleans main attractions.

A Complete Travel Guide To New Orleans, Louisiana Wrap Up

New Orleans has something for everyone weather that's partying on Bourbon Street, enjoying beignets and coffee and local cafes, listening to jazz music on the streets, admiring the architecture of the French Quarter, eating amazing food, or staying in a stylish hotel. New Orleans is truly a trip you will remember! I hope that this complete New Orleans travel guide helps you plan the best trip to the Big Easy.

If you liked this post all about your travel guide to New Orleans I think that you will love my Ultimate Guide To Savannah and Charleston, 24 Hours In New Orleans, The Best Coffee Shops In New Orleans, or my Boston Weekend Itinerary From a Local!