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New Orleans Is Great For
Rowdy bars and classy cocktail joints
Heating up your visit with cool local jazz
Stepping back in Southern history
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing New Orleans



In the words of those who've been there before ...



What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the city’s main airport, where you can keep the good times rolling by catching some live entertainment while you wait for your flight.
Train:
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is a major Amtrak hub, with three train lines offering service to Memphis and Chicago; Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York; and Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, and Los Angeles.
Bus:
Greyhound, FlixBus, and MegaBus all offer service to the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
For more info on getting to New Orleans, see here.
Do I need a visa?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you may need a visa to visit New Orleans, unless your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The program allows citizens of certain countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
For more info on visas and the VWP, see here.
When is the best time to visit?
New Orleans’ best weather makes its debut in February and lasts until May, coinciding with carnival season and the world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations. The average daily temperatures this time of year typically hit highs of 71 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius) with lows dipping to 45 Fahrenheit (7 Celsius).
If you’re looking to skip the madness, and the inflated prices, opt to visit in winter when hotels are cheaper, and you won’t melt from summer’s heat or worry about fall’s possible hurricanes.
Bus/streetcar
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) operates nearly 40 bus routes and four streetcar lines, as well as paratransit and ferry crossings on the Mississippi River. Some buses and streetcars run 24 hours.
For info on schedules, routes, and fares, see here.
Taxis
New Orleans has more than 1,200 taxis you can grab on the street and at major hotels.
For info on fares and companies, see here.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing: Both Uber and Lyft operate in New Orleans, and you can book via their smartphone apps.
Bikes
Since it’s a flat city, biking is a great way to navigate New Orleans, and there are several companies that offer bike rentals.
For more info on renting a bike, see here.
Are there local customs I should know?
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in New Orleans, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans include:
- New Orleans is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in New Orleans:
- New Orleans Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire and Mystery Tour
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
- New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option
- Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans
- Adults Only New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to New Orleans between June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between March and May.