7. June 2026

New Orleans Travel Guide: The Queen of the Mississippi & A Carnival for the Senses

By Caroline Preston | The Travel Edit by Caroline

Why New Orleans Should Be On Your Travel List

New Orleans, affectionately known as NOLA, The Big Easy, or N’Awlins, is a destination like no other. Bursting with history, culture, world-class food, and unforgettable music, this vibrant Louisiana city delivers a true feast for the senses.

For me, returning after 23 years felt like reuniting with an old friend—familiar, soulful, and just as exciting as I remembered.

A Personal Journey Back to NOLA

My connection to New Orleans goes back to my early days working at sea for Airtours Sun Cruises. That’s where I met Nicole, a talented onboard photographer who would later invite me to experience her home city.

Back then, our adventures included:

• Bourbon Street nightlife
• Jazz Fest energy
• Mississippi paddle steamer cruises
• Plenty of frozen daiquiris and unforgettable memories

Fast forward two decades, and I couldn’t wait to relive it all again—with a little more appreciation (and slightly less chaos).

A City Shaped by History and Culture

Founded in 1718 by the French, New Orleans has a rich, layered past shaped by French, Spanish, and American influences.

At the heart of the city:

• The French Quarter – iconic and atmospheric
• Jackson Square – full of artists and performers
• St. Louis Cathedral – a symbol of the city’s heritage

This blend of cultures gives New Orleans its distinctive charm and character, unlike anywhere else in the USA.

New Orleans Food Guide: A Culinary Paradise

If you travel for food, New Orleans is a dream destination.

Creole vs Cajun – What’s the Difference?

• Creole cuisine blends European, African and Caribbean flavours, often using tomatoes
• Cajun cuisine is bold and rustic, traditionally without tomatoes

Must-Try Foods in New Orleans

• Fried chicken and soul food classics
• Mac and cheese, collard greens, peach cobbler
• Fresh seafood including oysters, shrimp, crawfish and crab

One of the highlights is a traditional Louisiana seafood boil—messy, hands-on, and absolutely delicious. Just peel, eat, and enjoy.

Where to Eat: From Street Food to Iconic Spots

French Market

A vibrant open-air market along the riverfront with food, crafts, music and local culture—perfect for sampling a variety of dishes.

Café du Monde

A New Orleans institution. Don’t leave without trying:

• A beignet covered in icing sugar
• The city’s famous coffee

Where to Stay in New Orleans: From Luxury to Budget

New Orleans offers an impressive range of accommodation options to suit every type of traveller, from luxury hotels and boutique stays to budget-friendly options, all within easy reach of the city’s top attractions.

During our visit, we stayed at the InterContinental New Orleans, a large, centrally located hotel just minutes from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. Its location made it the perfect base for exploring the city, whether heading out for live music, dining experiences, or leisurely strolls through historic streets.

The hotel offers a great balance of comfort, service and convenience, making it ideal for both relaxing and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Across New Orleans, you’ll also find:

• Luxury hotels in the French Quarter and Garden District and top luxury such as the Four Seasons Hotel
• Boutique properties full of charm and character
• Well-known mid-range hotels offering excellent value
• Budget-friendly stays ideal for experience-focused travellers

Travel tip: Staying centrally allows you to experience the true energy of New Orleans—many of the best sights, restaurants and music venues are within walking distance.

Music, Festivals and Mardi Gras Magic

New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz, and music is everywhere.

Best Times to Visit

• Mardi Gras (February) – vibrant, busy and iconic
• Jazz Fest (Spring) – world-famous music event
• Carnival season (January onwards) – a hidden gem

Travel tip: Visiting in January means incredible parades without peak crowds or prices. BeNewOrleans has a good list of all the walking parades in the city.

Understanding the Famous New Orleans Parades

Carnival parades are organised by Krewes—community groups that bring the city to life through music, costume and creativity.

During our visit, we experienced:

• Krewe of Chewbacchus – quirky and entertaining
• Krewe of Nefertiti – an inspiring all-female organisation
• Krewe Boheme – artistic and unforgettable

Watching from a French Quarter balcony made the experience even more special.

Best Areas for Nightlife in New Orleans

Bourbon Street

Lively, high-energy and iconic. A must-see for first-time visitors.

Frenchmen Street

More authentic and music-led, known for live jazz and a vibrant local atmosphere. Best enjoyed from midweek onwards.

Cocktails & The Birthplace of the Sazerac

New Orleans is often credited as the birthplace of cocktails. Walking around the city you'll find some fabulously quirky bars amongst the streets of New Orleans.

The famous Sazerac combines:

• Cognac or whiskey
• Absinthe

Bold, rich and definitely memorable.

Top Things to Do in New Orleans

• Mississippi River paddle steamer cruise with live jazz
• National WWII Museum – immersive and powerful
• Walking tours of the French Quarter and Garden District
• Exploring historic streets and hidden neighbourhoods

Why New Orleans Feels So Special

What makes New Orleans unforgettable is its unique blend of:

• Cultural fusion and history
• Incredible food
• Live music everywhere
• A vibrant, creative energy

It’s a city that stays with you long after you leave.

Plan Your Own New Orleans Escape

If New Orleans has captured your imagination, I can help you plan a tailored trip to suit your style—whether that’s a luxury escape, cultural city break or music-filled adventure.

Let’s start planning your next escape. From handpicked hotels to unforgettable experiences, I’ll take care of every detail so you can simply enjoy the journey. Make an enquiry or contact us.