New Orleans, United States - Travel Guide

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its unique culture, jazz music, delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine, and historic architecture. Its lively atmosphere, festive traditions, and Southern charm make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$250/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

The Big EasyCrescent CityNOLALouisianaMississippi RiverFrench QuarterMardi Gras

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Jun
Sep
Hurricane Season: Jun
Nov

Getting There

Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Amtrak train service available
Greyhound bus service available
Cruise lines offer port calls

Getting Around

Streetcars (trams), RTA city buses, taxis, and ride
sharing apps (Uber, Lyft) are widely available

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude or malaria concerns
Consider probiotics for digestive comfort due to rich cuisine

Staying Connected

eSIMs available from major US carriers (Verizon, AT\&T, T
Mobile)
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Jambalaya regional_speciality

A classic Creole or Cajun dish of Spanish and French influence, this rice dish is mixed with various meats and seafood, like sausage and shrimp, and v

Gumbo regional_speciality

A soup-like stew that begins with a roux and is typically made with stock, meat or seafood (such as shrimp or crab), and vegetables like celery, bell

Beignets breakfast

Square pieces of deep-fried dough covered generously with powdered sugar. These fluffy, French-style doughnuts are traditionally served for breakfast

Po' Boy street_food

A traditional Louisiana submarine sandwich served on New Orleans French bread, known for its crisp crust and soft interior. It is often filled with fr

Muffuletta street_food

A sandwich of Sicilian origin, served on a round loaf of bread and piled high with cured meats, cheese, and a distinctive olive salad. This sandwich i

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Mardi Gras Krewes Parades Grandstand Tickets Attraction

Book 6+ months in advance

Mardi Gras is a massively popular event, and grandstand seats for the major parades (especially on the final weekend/Tuesday) sell out quickly.

High-Demand Fine Dining Reservations (e.g., Commander's Palace, Galatoire's) Dining

Book 2-3 months in advance

New Orleans has iconic, world-renowned restaurants with limited seating that are booked out weeks or months ahead, especially for prime dinner times.

French Quarter and Garden District Hotels/Accommodation Accommodation

Book 3+ months in advance (longer for major events)

Accommodation in the most desirable areas is limited and prices inflate rapidly, particularly during peak seasons, holidays, and city-wide events.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Popular Jazz/Dinner Cruises on the Mississippi River tour_or_activity

Book 2–8 weeks in advance

Dinner cruises, especially those on weekends or during high season, often sell out their limited capacity due to high demand.

Fun Facts

1. While its famous neighborhood is called the French Quarter, the majority of the buildings there were actually influenced by Spanish architecture, as Spanish rule was prominent during the city's development.
2. New Orleans is known as the Opera Capital of North America because it was the first city in the United States to host an opera performance, documented in 1796.
3. The city's famous Bourbon Street was named after the French Bourbon dynasty, not after Bourbon whiskey.
4. The game of craps was first brought to New Orleans, and its name comes from the French word "crapaud," meaning "frog."

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