The best things to do in New Orleans
French Quarter
The French Quarter in New Orleans is the city’s oldest neighborhood and features many of its most iconic streets. Bourbon Street is arguably its heart, lined with packed jazz clubs, thriving restaurants and endless neon lights. The French Market is one of the Quarter’s most popular areas, welcoming over 200 vendors selling everything from artisan cocktails to baked products.
Jackson Square
Situated at the front of the French Quarter is Jackson Square – perhaps New Orleans’ most recognizable park. Overlooking the Mississippi River, it’s a popular destination for local artists looking to sell their work. The centerpiece is the statue of Andrew Jackson, a general at the Battle of New Orleans, while the impressive 18th century St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest in the US and a sight to behold.
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Simply known as the Superdome, this unusual structure is home to the New Orleans Saints and many important sporting and cultural events throughout the year. If you’re lucky to visit during the NFL season, catch a game among 70,000-plus Saints fans and soak up the atmosphere. There are seven parking lots available for public parking that are adjacent to the stadium.
Preservation Hall
New Orleans is known across the globe for its links to jazz music. Why not experience it for yourself? Visit Preservation Hall, famous for its live performances since it opened back in 1961. Each concert, whether by resident artists or special guests, gives you an authentic flavor of New Orleans’s rich musical history and guarantees a fantastic evening out.
The best New Orleans restaurants
GW Fins
Seafood served at its best is what GW Fins is all about. They use the highest quality produce from the nearby Gulf of Mexico, as well as around the world. Try the Louisiana Yellowfin Tuna or GW Fins Original halibut, sea scallops and Royal Red shrimp risotto.
Olde Nola Cookery
If it’s surf, with a little added turf you’re looking for, Olde Nola Cookery serves up 10oz ribeye steaks, sautéed redfish, as well as New Orleans classics like crawfish etouffee, gumbo, and red beans and rice – served with Cajun sausage.
Where to stay in New Orleans
Hotel Le Marais
A boutique stay in the French Quarter, the Hotel Le Marais lets you stay where all the action is, in ultra-comfortable rooms. Each deluxe, superior and premium room offers all amenities, with the latter two offering courtyard views below.
Hotel Mazarin
Also in the heart of the French Quarter, Hotel Mazarin is just around the corner from Bourbon Street. It offers luxurious marble-floored guestrooms that are the perfect place to unwind after a fulfilling day exploring the city.
Best museums in New Orleans
The National WWII Museum
Head down to the city’s Business District to discover the US’s experience of World War Two. The museum includes exhibits that tell personal stories from those who fought in some of WWII’s most pivotal battles and countless artefacts from crucial moments in the conflict.
New Orleans Museum of Art
City Park is one of the biggest in the US, and is home to a golf course, botanical garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art. It features nearly 40,000 artworks, sculptures and photographs, all combining to create an artistic hub in New Orleans.