Nestled on the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans, nicknamed 'the Big Easy', is the largest port city in the state of Louisiana. The city has a population of about 340,000. Brimming with diverse sights and attractions, New Orleans will pleasantly surprise you.
The city is a dream holiday destination, providing fascinating culture, stunning natural beauty, mouth-watering Creole cuisine, a vibrant jazz scene and colourful nightlife. Save on vacation packages in New Orleans by booking your flight to and hotel in New Orleans together.
Flights arrive at Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY), which is well connected with major destinations by various mode of transport, including shuttle buses, Uber, and taxis. For getaways in New Orleans, you can book a direct flight from Washington or New York to New Orleans.
As the official language is English in New Orleans, you likely won't face a language barrier. The time difference between New Orleans and the UK is five hours, and the city's currency is the US dollar.
July is the hottest month in New Orleans, with an average temperature of 32°C, and January is the coldest, at 6°C. July is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 168mm. The best months to visit New Orleans are February, March, April, October and November, when the weather is pleasant and the festival season is in full swing.
By booking your vacation packages in New Orleans during these months, you can enjoy a great weekend getaway. See some of New Orleans's noteworthy events, including Mardi Gras (February-March) and its colourful parade; New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (April-May), a 10-day cultural feast celebrating internationally acclaimed jazz musicians; and the French Quarter Festival (April), a four-day music extravaganza featuring local musicians.
New Orleans offers plenty of things to do and sites to explore. Getaways to New Orleans are sure to be unique and full of life. Take a visit to the historic French Quarter (Vieux Carré), a National Historic Landmark. This charming neighbourhood and its colonial-style architecture represent the culture and history of the city. Come here to enjoy jazz music or sample delicious Creole dishes at one of its restaurants.
The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, a must-see during weekend getaways in New Orleans, is the home of jazz and offers live musical performances. If you're travelling with kids, be sure to visit the Prytania Theatre and Audubon Zoo. For even more family-friendly fun, head to the John P Lyons Memorial Center and Louisiana Children's Museum.
A vacation in the city wouldn't be complete without visiting the National World War II Museum of New Orleans, where you can pay tribute to World War II veterans and brush up on military history. Discover the city's creative scene by stopping at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Cole Pratt Gallery and Berta’s & Mina’s Antiquities. Situated in City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is home to a renowned sculpture garden and a collection of over 40,000 artworks.
On weekend getaways in New Orleans, savour some the city's diverse cuisine. The food culture here is typically Creole and Cajun, covering a wide range of mouthwatering delicacies from crawfish to gumbo. Chargrilled oyster, a New Orleans classic, is prepared using a mixture of herbs, cheese, breadcrumbs and melted butter. Crawfish étouffée, one of the city’s popular dishes, is made with plump crawfish or shrimp, celery, seasonings and butter. Po-Boys, big sandwiches served over French bread, are a must-have for any visitor.
New Orleans boasts plenty of world-class restaurants, including famous Commander’s Palace, which offers traditional Cajun & Creole dishes; Brennan’s Restaurant, which is known for its distinctive seasonal offerings; Galatoire’s, which serves French-Creole fare; and Tujague’s, which offers traditional fixed-price Creole delicacies.
New Orleans offers visitors an eclectic mix of souvenirs and gifts to keep memories of your trip alive. The region's various hot sauces can bring the flavours of Louisiana to your dishes back home. Beignets, which are sweet or savoury doughnuts, can't be found anywhere else, so make sure to grab a box or some beignet mix. Other great souvenirs include voodoo dolls, Mardi Gras beads, alligator-skin wallets and Cajun-inspired spices.