New Orleans holidays and city breaks

French Quarter:

Wander historic streets lined with cast-iron balconies, jazz bars, street performers and Creole townhouses. It’s the beating heart of the city.

Bourbon Street:

Neon lights, live music, and endless nightlife – this legendary street offers a party every night of the week.

Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral:

A beautiful historic square surrounded by art, music and street performances – perfect for photos and people-watching.

Garden District:

A charming neighbourhood full of grand mansions, oak-lined streets and boutique shops – ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Swamp & Plantation Tours:

Head out of the city for a boat ride through the bayous or a visit to a traditional Southern plantation.

Mardi Gras World:

Get a behind the scenes look at the floats and costumes that make Mardi Gras magical – fun for all ages.

Mardi Gras (Feb – Mar):

Colourful parades, jazz bands, costumes and beads – experience the party of a lifetime.

French Quarter Festival (April):

A local favourite with live music, food stalls and a laid-back atmosphere – and it’s free!

Jazz & Heritage Festival (Apr – May):

Two weeks of music featuring global music featuring global stars and local legends – plus amazing food and culture.

Halloween (October):

Known as one of the most haunted cities in the USA, New Orleans goes all out for Halloween with ghost tours, costumes, and themed events.

Christmas in the Quarter (December):

Twinkling lights, carol singers, and festive décor give New Orleans a magical Southern Christmas vibe.

Beignets:

Deep-fried pastries dusted in powdered sugar – best at café du Monde.

Banana Foster:

Bananas flambéed in rum, butte.

Jambalaya:

Spiced rice dish with sausage, chicken and shrimp.

Gumbo:

A hearty stew of meat or seafood, served over rice.

Sazerac:

Widely considered the first American cocktail – a bold mix of rye whiskey, bitters, and absinthe. Best tried at the Sazerac Bar.

On Foot:

The French Quarter and downtown are compact and perfect for exploring on foot.

Streetcar:

Ride through history on the city’s classic streetcars – a scenic and affordable way to get around.

Taxi & rideshare:

Uber and Lyft operate citywide and are ideal for reaching further neighbourhoods.

Hop-on Hop-off Tours:

See all the top attractions with guided commentary and flexibility.

Airport Transfers:

The airport is just 25 minutes from the city centre – transfers can be arranged in advance or on arrival.