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USA · Louisiana

New Orleans travel guide

Jazz, Creole cooking and the French Quarter

The French Quarter. Photo: Chris Litherland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9h 30mflight from London
MSYnearest main airport
28° in Julwarmest month
12° in Jancoolest month

New Orleans is America's most distinctive city, with French and Spanish architecture, live jazz on every corner and some of the best food in the country.

Mardi Gras is the famous party, but the music and food are here all year.

Good forMusicFoodNightlifeHistory

What New Orleans is known for

  • Jazz

    Live music on Frenchmen Street.

  • Mardi Gras

    Parades and parties before Lent.

  • Creole food

    Gumbo, jambalaya and beignets.

  • The French Quarter

    Iron balconies and lively streets.

Top things to do in New Orleans

  1. 1

    The French Quarter

    Jackson Square, balconies and street musicians.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Frenchmen Street

    Jazz clubs with live music every night.

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  3. 3

    Café du Monde

    Beignets and chicory coffee.

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  4. 4

    A swamp tour

    Alligators in the bayous outside the city.

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See all tours and tickets in New Orleans

Where to stay in New Orleans

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Best time to visit New Orleans

Best value: Oct–Feb, May. February to May: mild weather and the festival season, including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
12 C12°J14 C14°F17.3 C17°M21 C21°A24.7 C25°M27.9 C28°J28.5 C28°J28.5 C28°A26.8 C27°S22.3 C22°O17 C17°N13.5 C14°D
Bar height is the average temperature in New Orleans, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 9h 30m from London to MSY, and flights from most UK airports.

Streetcars and walking. Rideshare at night.

Find flights to New Orleans (MSY)

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Good to know

  • Summer is very hot and humid.
  • Stick to busy, well-lit streets at night.
  • Book hotels early for Mardi Gras.
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New Orleans FAQ

When is Mardi Gras?

February or early March, depending on Easter.

How many days?

Three or four days.

More places in USA

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