The best things to do in New Orleans: a sustainable travel guide
If you’re wondering what to do in New Orleans, rest assured you’ll have plenty of options. This captivating American city in Louisiana enchants visitors worldwide with its rich history, vibrant traditions, and delicious Creole cuisine. It’s also renowned for festivals like Mardi Gras and its legendary jazz scene.
Nicknamed “The Crescent City” for its crescent shape along the Mississippi River, and also known as NOLA, short for New Orleans, Louisiana, this city surprised me with its cultural depth and unique gastronomy, becoming one of my favorite cities in the United States.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
In this article, you’ll learn how to get to New Orleans, the best times to visit, and explore must-see tourist attractions. You’ll also find tips for guided tours and places to enjoy great music at any time of the day. This comprehensive guide is based on my personal experiences and offers advice for a more sustainable journey—one that is environmentally friendly, respectful of the culture, and supportive of the local community.
Join us and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans. You’re sure to fall in love with this incredible city!
About New Orleans
Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, New Orleans has a rich and complex history, having passed through the hands of both French and Spanish colonizers.
The city often reminds me of Salvador in Bahia, due to its strong African influence. Similar to Salvador, New Orleans was a significant port of arrival for African slaves. The intense presence of Black culture in the city reveals stories of pain, love, and, above all, the resilience of a people.
This complex multicultural history has inevitably shaped the city’s architecture, gastronomy, and music.
A significant landmark in New Orleans is Congo Square, where enslaved people were allowed to access musical instruments, giving rise to jazz. Legends such as Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet popularized New Orleans music around the world. Today, Frenchmen Street keeps the rich traditions of jazz, blues, and soul alive.
The local cuisine, featuring dishes like gumbo, beignets, and po’boys, vividly reflects the diverse influences of African, Native American, French, and Spanish cultures.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
Where is it
New Orleans is located in the state of Louisiana, in the southern United States, in the Mississippi River Delta region. In fact, when you look closely at the map of New Orleans, you’ll understand why it’s nicknamed “The Crescent City.”
How to get to and around New Orleans
Flights to New Orleans
This is the most popular option. For those flying internationally, there are direct flights to New Orleans from London (England), Toronto and Montréal (Canada), San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa (Honduras), and Cancún (Mexico). However, most travelers will need to connect through major U.S. airport hubs such as Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta and others.
Train to New Orleans
Amtrak provides multiple routes to New Orleans, including the City of New Orleans from Chicago, the Crescent from New York City, and the Sunset Limited from Los Angeles, all offering various amenities like baggage service, lounges, and dining options.
Driving to New Orleans
Driving to New Orleans can be conveniently done via Interstate 10, crossing east-west from Florida to California, and Interstate 55, connecting the city to Chicago through the central U.S. Additionally, Interstate 65 provides access from the northeast, merging indirectly with I-10 via connecting highways to reach New Orleans.
Getting around the city
The city is very flat, making walking and cycling excellent alternatives for minimizing your carbon footprint. NOLA also offers public transportation and ride-sharing apps like Uber.
An essential tip for your trip is to choose hotels in convenient locations. We split our stay between the Windsor Court and the Hotel Peter and Paul, both providing great access to the city.
Best time to visit
New Orleans’ climate features hot, humid summers and milder winters. During the summer months in the United States, particularly from June to August, temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F), with humidity intensifying the heat. Our trip took place in early July; while it was hot, it was still manageable. This period also coincides with hurricane season, which sees the highest number of storms and hurricanes in August, September, and October.
Autumn and spring offer more pleasant weather conditions, with milder temperatures and less humidity. However, given the increased possibility of hurricanes in the fall, spring might be the best time to visit New Orleans for its favorable weather.
Weather in New Orleans
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Temp. | 12.4°C 54.4°F | 14.4°C 57.8°F | 17.2°C 63°F | 20.8°C 69.4°F | 24.4°C 75.9°F | 27.2°C 80.9°F | 27.8°C 82°F | 27.8°C 82.1°F | 26.1°C 79°F | 22.1°C 71.7°F | 17.1°C 62.8°F | 13.8°C 56.9°F |
| Min. Temp. | 9.3°C 48.8°F | 11.2°C 52.1°F | 14°C 57.1°F | 17.6°C 63.6°F | 21.3°C 70.3°F | 24.4°C 76°F | 25.3°C 77.5°F | 25.4°C 77.8°F | 23.7°C 74.6°F | 19.1°C 66.4°F | 14°C 57.2°F | 10.8°C 51.5°F |
| Max. Temp. | 16.7°C 62°F | 18.7°C 65.6°F | 21.4°C 70.5°F | 24.7°C 76.5°F | 28.1°C 82.6°F | 30.5°C 86.9°F | 31°C 87.7°F | 30.9°C 87.7°F | 29.2°C 84.5°F | 25.7°C 78.3°F | 21.1°C 70°F | 17.8°C 64.1°F |
| Prec. Rain | 116 | 112 | 123 | 102 | 94 | 133 | 144 | 163 | 123 | 86 | 84 | 101 |
| Rainy Days | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 7 |
Weather in New Orleans
Source: climate-data.org
Thing to do in New Orleans
When we describe a city as vibrant, New Orleans truly embodies the meaning. In this lively city, you’ll discover an array of fascinating activities that will greatly enrich your itinerary and provide unforgettable experiences!
Enjoy one of the festivals
If you love a good party, New Orleans is the place to be! The city hosts events all year round, and here are some you shouldn’t miss:
Mardi Gras is the most famous Carnival celebration in the United States. The festivities include parades organized by “krewes,” which are private groups that plan these events. Celebrations begin weeks in advance during the “Carnival season,” featuring parades, parties, and music filling the streets.
- Mardi Gras is the most famous Carnival celebration in the United States. The festivities include parades organized by “krewes,” which are private groups that plan these events. The celebrations begin weeks in advance during the “Carnival season,” featuring parties and music filling the streets.
Responsible Tourism 🌱: During parades, it’s common to distribute disposable gifts to spectators, resulting in tons of plastic waste on the streets. Unfortunately, much is not recycled and ends up in the city’s sewage system. Initiatives like those from the NGO Grounds Krewe aim to mitigate environmental impact by promoting alternative gifts and conscientious waste management. Neighborhoods like Marigny and Bywater offer smaller, more eco-friendly parades.
- San Fermin is a playful take on the Pamplona bullfight, where costumed people take the place of the animals, featuring celebrations that conclude with the “El Pobre de Mí” brunch. This event is known for its music and burlesque performances. I happened to arrive on the last day, experiencing the lively “hangover brunch,” as it’s affectionately called.
- Jazz Fest is one of the largest festivals in the U.S., held over two weekends, typically between April and May. The festival features artists across diverse genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and gospel, along with a showcase of local cuisine and culture.
Black Heritage Tour
Experiencing New Orleans through the perspectives of its Black community is crucial, as historical erasure is a reality here. That’s why I highly recommend taking the Black Heritage Tour offered by All Bout Dat Tours.
This tour takes you to significant historical landmarks, such as Congo Square, and through neighborhoods that preserve the heritage of the Black community. Additionally, founder and guide Mikhala covers essential topics such as slavery, the struggle for civil rights, and the profound impact of Black culture on the identity of New Orleans.
Note: I found myself deeply moved during this trip, even experiencing a beautiful moment of spirituality.
Prices*: US$ 60 per person
Gastronomic Tour
Doctor Gumbo offers entertaining gastronomic tours that take visitors on an immersive journey through the city’s diverse flavors. These tours delve into the history and cultural influences behind iconic dishes and famous local drinks.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
Our guide, Ben, led us on a delightful experience that included stops at traditional restaurants and tastings—truly delicious!
Price*: US$ 75 per person
Cooking classes
I believe that bringing home the flavors of a place you visit is the best souvenir—don’t you agree? That’s why I recommend enrolling in classes at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking with Chef Raymond Signal. Here, you can learn to prepare classic New Orleans dishes, such as gumbo and étouffée.
During the classes, participants are taught the tips and tricks of Creole and Cajun cuisine, as well as the rich history behind these dishes. Oh, and it’s worth mentioning that this is where I enjoyed the best gumbo in New Orleans! 😋
Price*: US$ 150 per person
Find out what are the best places to eat in New Orleans!
Kayaking tour
Kayaking is one of the most ethical and responsible ways to explore the swamps surrounding New Orleans.
We chose New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, which offers guided excursions led by locals, providing a clean and quiet means of transportation through these beautiful ecosystems.
Price*: US$ 59 per person
Responsible Tourism 🌱: While many agencies offer airboat tours, we do not recommend this type of vessel due to its noise, which can disturb local wildlife. Additionally, be wary of agencies using promotional materials that feature people feeding or holding wild animals. Such behavior is harmful to both the animals and the environment, and it can also put you in an unsafe situation.
Other tours
Explore more of New Orleans with these tours:
- Ghost Tours: New Orleans is often considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States. The tour with New Orleans Secret Tours was very interesting, offering intriguing historical facts along with ghostly tales!
- Plantation Tours: Plantations are old colonial farms that relied on monoculture and slave labor, preserving the historic architecture and the region’s history of slavery. While we didn’t visit, these tours frequently appear on lists of the best things to do in New Orleans. The most visited plantations include Whitney Plantation, Houmas House, Laura Plantation, and Oak Alley Plantation.
- Boat Tour on the Mississippi River: A boat tour on the Mississippi River can be incredibly captivating, combining stunning landscapes with rich historical narratives. For an even more distinctive experience, consider night cruises that feature live jazz shows, adding a touch of local culture to the adventure.
Top tourist attractions in New Orleans
In addition to the attractions mentioned above, be sure to include these must-visit locations in your New Orleans itinerary:
Must-see neighborhoods & streets
Explore the charm and character of New Orleans through its most famous neighborhoods and streets:
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
The French Quarter
New Orleans’ oldest and most famous neighborhood, the French Quarter, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Jackson Square is particularly impressive, featuring St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. The French Market is a popular tourist attraction with shops, restaurants, and crafts. However, it also carries the unfortunate history of having served as an indigenous market before colonization and later as a center for the slave trade. Situated here is Bourbon Street, the epicenter of New Orleans’ nightlife, ideal for those who love to party, especially on weekends.
Faubourg Marigny
Adjacent to the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny is a historic and bohemian neighborhood known as one of New Orleans’ first suburbs. It was developed from the division of a former plantation and retains a strong local identity. Frenchmen Street, a key attraction, emerged in the 1980s and offers a perfect blend of jazz bars and a lively atmosphere, but with a more relaxed vibe compared to the intensity of Bourbon Street.
The Garden District
Ideal for leisurely walks, this district features boasts charming streets, historic mansions, and beautiful university campuses. Additionally, it is home to the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the United States, offering a vintage travel experience. Magazine Street, located here, is a delightful stretch filled with quaint shops and enticing restaurants.
Parks
New Orleans boasts a variety of green spaces for those seeking a connection with nature. Highlights include Armstrong Park, which honors the legendary artist Louis Armstrong and serves as a significant landmark in the history and struggle of the Black community in the city. Notably, the Black Heritage Tour includes a visit to this important site.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
Other parks worth visiting are:
- City Park
- Lafitte Greenway
- Crescent Park
- Audubon Park
Museums and exhibitions
There is a wide variety. Here are some suggestions:
JAMNOLA
JAMNOLA is a must-see attraction for those seeking conscious tourism in New Orleans. With immersive exhibits and abundant creativity, the space celebrates local culture, jazz, gastronomy, and Mardi Gras, all crafted from recycled materials and featuring the talent of more than 30 local artists. Plus, their gift shop is the coolest I’ve found in the city!
Prices*:
- US$ 35 for adults
- US$ 25 for children
Opening hours:
- Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Fridays and Saturdays: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Please note that timed tickets must be purchased in advance.
Responsible Tourism 🌱: JAMNOLA is one of the most sustainable attractions in New Orleans. It offers fun for the whole family while providing an immersive journey into the city’s culture through exhibits made with recycled and reused materials.
New Orleans Jazz Museum
The Jazz Museum is a must-visit in the birthplace of this iconic musical genre. Here, you can dive into the rich history of jazz and discover fascinating details about the artists who revolutionized it.
Prices*:
- Adults: $11
- Seniors, Active Military, and Students (with ID): $9
- Children (6 and under): Free
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Other museums to enjoy in New Orleans:
- Mardi Gras World
- National WWII Museum
- Voodoo Museum
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
- Backstreet Cultural Museum
- Southern Food & Beverage Museum
Live music venues
Mahogany Jazz Hall
Located on Frenchmen Street, Mahogany Jazz Hall is one of those places that you can’t miss on your list of things to do in New Orleans. It offers live jazz shows and an excellent selection of drinks.
For the latest schedule, follow their Instagram profile at @mahoganyjazz_hall.
Preservation Hall
For an authentic jazz experience, Preservation Hall is the ultimate destination. As one of the most traditional jazz stages in the USA, it hosts renowned musicians and functions as a collective featuring over 50 artists.
Cemeteries
While I may not be a big fan of cemetery tours, New Orleans offers some fascinating tales related to its burial sites. The most intriguing aspect is that all cemeteries feature above-ground tombs due to the city’s below-sea-level geography. Here are some of the most famous cemeteries in New Orleans:
- Saint Louis Cemetery
- Lafayette Cemetery
- Saint Roch Cemetery
- Metairie Cemetery
Other attractions in New Orleans
Experience a unique blend of art, music, and architecture in this innovative space. Music Box Village features structures that produce sound when interacted with, offering an immersive and interactive sound experience.
- Music Box Village: Discover a remarkable fusion of art, music, and architecture. This innovative space houses structures that generate sound when engaged with, creating an immersive and interactive auditory journey.
- Vue Orleans Observation Deck: If you’re in search of a panoramic view, head to Vue Orleans. This observation deck offers stunning vistas of the city and the Mississippi River. It’s a great place to visit early in your trip, as it also features an interactive museum with fascinating facts about New Orleans.
Sustainable Tourism
Making conscious choices while traveling helps protect the environment and fosters respect for local residents. Here’s a guide on what NOT to do in New Orleans to ensure sustainable tourism:
What NOT to do in New Orleans
- Steer clear of activities that exploit animals, like mule rides and horse races, as these practices can cause harm and are ultimately unnecessary.
- Refrain from taking airboat rides through the swamps, as they are noisy and disruptive to local wildlife.
- Avoid agencies that allow interactions like holding or feeding wild animals in the swamps.
- During Mardi Gras, be mindful of waste. Instead of relying on disposable cups and gifts from the floats, aim to responsibly dispose of and recycle your waste.
What to do in New Orleans for a sustainable visit
- Explore on foot: Walk around the city to minimize your carbon footprint while enjoying daily exercise.
- Support local businesses: Invest in the community by supporting black-owned businesses, which are integral to the city’s cultural identity. Also, choose local businesses that prioritize sustainable practices to help preserve New Orleans’ unique charm.
- Mindful waste management: Be conscious of the waste you generate and make an effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- Appreciate local art: Show your appreciation by tipping musicians and artists who contribute to your memorable experiences.
- Sustainable Mardi Gras celebrations: Consider participating in alternative parades in neighborhoods like Marigny and Bywater, which offer smaller, more eco-friendly celebrations.
Sustainability 🌱: One of the many reasons you’ll deepen your affection for New Orleans is its commitment to recycling services for residents. Most rental homes provide a blue bin for your clean recyclable materials. If your accommodation lacks this feature, you can conveniently drop off recyclables every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm at 2829 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122.
What to bring to New Orleans
1) Packing essentials for New Orleans
As a warm destination, New Orleans calls for lightweight and versatile clothing along with comfortable shoes. Here’s your packing checklist:
- Natural sunscreen;
- Natural mosquito repellent;
- Sunglasses;
- Cap or hat;
- Comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or walking sandals;
- Waterproof windbreaker jacket;
- Always carry a kit of reusable utensils with you, such as a cup, bottle, cutlery and bag.
2) Airalo Chip
Access to the internet is crucial for navigating maps and ordering transportation through apps. With an Airalo eSIM, you can connect to the internet as soon as you arrive in New Orleans.
Not familiar with eSIM technology? In this article, we explain what an eSIM is and how it works.
3) Travel Insurance
Always remember to take out travel insurance. We recommend SafetyWing travel insurance due to its competitive pricing for long-term stays in the United States and its comprehensive coverage, which includes adventure sports and theft of electronic equipment.
For more details on the policy, visit their website.
The savvy fox alerts 🦊: Be sure to read the insurance policy thoroughly to prevent any surprises. Tailor your coverage to meet your individual needs for a worry-free journey.
4) Personalized itinerary
Looking for assistance in crafting the perfect itinerary? New Orleans is among the select destinations where I, Elaine, offer a personalized itinerary service. If you’re interested, please reach out via email at [email protected] to request a quote.
In your email, kindly include:
- Your name
- WhatsApp contact number
- Expected travel date
- Number of travelers
- A brief summary of your desired experiences and attractions in New Orleans
This information will help me tailor a memorable and unique itinerary just for you.
FAQ
Mardi Gras in New Orleans takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, between February and March. Celebrations begin weeks in advance, during the “Carnival season,” with parades, parties, and music in the streets.
The New Orleans Jazz Festival, also known as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, usually takes place in late April or early May. The full schedule, including artist listings and times, is available on the festival’s official website.
Officially, hurricane season in New Orleans runs from early June to late November. However, the months of August, September, and October are when most storms and hurricanes occur.
Yes, there are casinos in New Orleans. Harrah’s Casino is the city’s main gambling venue, offering a lively and energetic atmosphere. For a more laid-back experience, you can check out Boomtown New Orleans. Keep in mind that the minimum age to gamble in casinos or on video poker machines in the US is 21.
The city is generally safe in major tourist areas such as the French Quarter, Garden District, and the areas around Bourbon Street. However, as with many urban destinations, it’s important to remain cautious, particularly at night.
Just writing this makes me miss New Orleans, and I’m sure it’s a destination I’ll visit often. Get ready for incredible shows, excellent cuisine, wonderful hotels, captivating museums, and unforgettable tours. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, friends, or family, this trip is bound to be special.
I hope this guide helps you decide what to do in New Orleans and conveys how incredible this destination truly is.
If you have any questions or additional tours or tourist attractions you’d like to recommend to other foxes around the world, feel free to leave a comment.
🦊 Sincere fox informs:
* All values reported in this article were collected in March 2025 and may be subject to additional taxes and changes at any time.
** Our trip took place in July 2024 at the invitation of New Orleans & Company, the organization responsible for promoting the destination. Rest assured, our reports and recommendations are always genuine.
*** This post contains affiliate links, meaning that when you purchase a product or service after clicking on our links, LMTM earns a commission. This helps us maintain free content for all the traveling foxes in the world ✌🏽🦊.
