Where to start with a town as historic, storied, and famous as New Orleans? Known for its colourful traditions, delicious food, and jazz music, New Orleans offers a rich melting pot of cultures and has developed into a hugely popular holiday destination. Package holidays in New Orleans give you the opportunity to explore the Creole history and scenery of this singular location.
New Orleans is served by Louis Armstrong International Airport. It is only 17km to the west of New Orleans, so you won’t have far to travel after your flight from London or Manchester. The city is 6 hours behind the UK. The currency of New Orleans is, of course, the dollar (USD). You will find plenty of cash machines throughout New Orleans, and many places also accept cards. New Orleans has always boasted a vibrant mix of cultures, from diverse backgrounds, but not to worry, the official language is still English. Good luck with that thick 'N’awleanz' accent!
Unlike in most of the U.S., one can drink openly on the streets in New Orleans. Many bars in the city centre serve alcoholic beverages in to-go cups, so you can stroll and take in the sights with your cocktail in hand. After you get off your flight to New Orleans, however, don't just stick to hotspots Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. There's an awful lot of New Orleans to explore.
The big month on the New Orleans calendar is February, when the city celebrates Mardi Gras. A huge carnival of music, dancing, food, parades, and general revelry, New Orleans is a non-stop party for two weeks in February (or for the Jazz Festival in April). In fact, the city becomes so popular during this period that if you’re intending to visit during Mardi Gras, you are advised to take care of booking your flight and hotel for New Orleans well in advance.
The summer months in New Orleans can get fairly hot and humid, and it's also the season that sees the most rain. However, if you don't mind packing an umbrella, because the summers are bit too steamy for many visitors, you'll have the opportunity to find some great deals for a weekend in New Orleans at this time.
The Aquarium of the Americas offers a great day out for families. This collection of sea life from waters around the U.S. is home to over 500 species, and features tunnels through undersea kingdoms and a Caribbean reef. The aquarium is also next door to a zoo, butterfly garden, and insect park, all of which make for the perfect day for nature lovers on package holidays in New Orleans.
Sports fans should definitely check out the Superdome, home to the New Orleans Saints NFL team. A truly awe-inspiring space, this magnificent stadium is the perfect place to catch an American football game during city breaks in New Orleans. The season runs from September to December (or even longer, if the team makes it to the play-offs) when the weather is cool enough to break into a run.
You’ve seen them in the movies, but now’s your chance to try out a fan boat! These flat bottomed boats are powered by huge fans at their rear and are a fun way to explore New Orleans' many waterways. Big Easy Swamp Adventures offer a range of boat trips from the Marina that are fun, educational, and offer a new perspective of the city.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in New-Orleans.
Enjoy traditional Creole seafood in a charming old world setting at the Commander’s Palace. A famous New Orleans eatery since 1893, this is the place to go for fresh seafood prepared with Creole flourish. You can also enjoy an elegant late breakfast, set to the strains of some of the city’s best music, during one of the restaurant's regular jazz brunches.
If you’re looking for something a little less salubrious, cool jazz and local beers and liquors are to be found at Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub on Bourbon Street. For a signature New Orleans po-boy (a fried seafood sandwich, something not to be missed during city breaks in New Orleans), head to Domilise's. And for the classic combination of beignets and a coffee, the French Quarter's iconic Cafe du Monde can't be beat.
If one could boil down the New Orleans experience to its essence, it might look like a bottle of hot, spicy sauce in a jazzy bottle. Louisiana Crystal Hot Sauce has been giving New Orleans cuisine a zing for almost 100 years and makes for an ideal gift or souvenir. For something decorative and non-edible, speciality shops sell beautiful Carnival masks all year round.
Planning on flying to United States? If a city break in New Orleans doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in United States ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!