Like most major cities, New Orleans is safe for most travelers. Most of the crime that tourists encounter is petty crime (stolen wallets, watches, purses). A few tips for safety: Do not walk alone at night, avoid dark alleys, and hide valuables in your vehicle.

New Orleans is a cultural hub with round-the-clock excitement ranging from eclectic cuisine to world-class attractions.

Featured activities in New Orleans

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French Quarter Ghost & Vampire Storytelling Walking Tour

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2 Hrs.

New Orleans, Louisiana, Visitors Guide

Q: What is the best time of year to visit New Orleans?

February to May is the best time of year to visit New Orleans. The weather is warm, but not too hot and muggy, and there is plenty to do! Mardi Gras takes place during this time, and there is likely to be less traffic and congestion compared to summer.

Q: Where are the best areas to visit in New Orleans?

There are tons of great places to visit in New Orleans. The most popular areas in New Orleans include the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street, the Garden District, Plantation Country, and the Audubon Nature Institute Parks

Q: How much money do you need in New Orleans?

New Orleans is not a very expensive city overall. Many of the popular tourist destinations like Harrah's Casino and French Quarter pubs and restaurants charge "tourist" rates, there are plenty of places to find affordable dining, shops, and souvenirs. Attractions like walking tours, pub crawls, and zoo tickets, range from $20-$40 per person. Between food, drink, activities, and transportation, it's recommended to budget around $100 per person, per day you are in New Orleans.

Known worldwide for its unique spicy cuisine, funky jazz music, and strong historical roots, New Orleans is a destination worth visiting, either for spring break, family fun, or a romantic getaway. New Orleans is full of life at all hours of the day with entertainment ranging from aquariums to casinos. After becoming an official part of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, New Orleans has grown as one of the most desired destinations on the planet.

New Orleans is thick with landmarks from historical to modern. Most travelers make a point to visit historical areas and monuments like Jackson Square, Cafe' du Monde, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the St. Louis Cathedral. Whether into history, dining, entertainment, family-fun activities, or simple relaxation, New Orleans, Louisiana has you covered. With New Orleans being such a diverse city, there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Tours are a hot commodity, allowing travelers to instructively explore the French Quarter, centuries-old Plantations, and ancient "haunted" cemeteries! But New Orleans also brings vacationers to the bayou for original Creole Seafood, eclectic southern-inspired art, and traditional New Orleans Jazz.

Geography

New Orleans is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, approximately 105 miles upriver from the Gulf of Mexico. Major roadways include I-10, I-610, and I-510. New Orleans is 1.5 hours from Baton Rouge, 2 hours from Lafayette, and 5 hours from Shreveport.

Neighborhoods

The Arts/Warehouse District is a diverse neighborhood known for its 21st-century rooftop swimming pools, 19th-century paving stones, and notable landmarks like the National WWII Museum and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Here you will find art galleries, delicious restaurants, and residential lofts.
South Market District is a neighborhood with award-winning chefs and bakers who serve up tasty cuisine at some of the trendiest restaurants. The vibe here is innovative and energetic, and it's close to the Garden District and the French Quarter.
The Uptown/Garden District is a unique blend of historic limestone mansions and cozy, midsized homes situated on world-acclaimed Mardi Gras parade routes. The neighborhood is home to plenty of vibrant bars and restaurants, as well as cozy coffee shops.

Top Places to Visit

New Orleans City Park

New Orleans City Park is one of the largest and most visited urban public parks in the country. With its 1,300 acres, it attracts a lot of visitors who picnic and fish on the bayou. It’s also home to a number of landmarks including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the New Orleans Botanical Garden, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum.

Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World is a one-of-a-kind attraction, giving visitors an up-close look at the design of the world-famous Mardi Gras floats.

Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo is a wonderful place to go and explore with your family. You will see many different kinds of animals from all over the world. Audubon offers educational programs, animal encounters, and lovely gardens for you to explore.

Climate

New Orleans has a moderate climate, with an average daily temperature of 60 degrees from October through March and an average daily temperature of 77 degrees from April through September. The best time to visit is from February to May when you can enjoy a variety of festivals and events.