With an incredible history, all the fun of Vegas combined with family-friendly attractions, and plenty of things to see and do, New Orleans is a destination for everyone. Once you’ve flown into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, pick up your rental car — having your own vehicle gives you ample opportunities to explore. Check our Louisiana travel guide for more ideas.
Hotels
Look up New Orleans neighborhoods and figure out where you want to spend the most time. Here are some recommendations:
- Hotel Provincial in the French Quarter — history and modern amenities combine with a large courtyard, two pools and beautiful tropical patios.
- Melrose Mansion in the French Quarter — a renovated Victorian mansion with 14 luxurious rooms, perfect for a romantic visit. Treat yourselves to a luxury rental car to make the trip memorable.
- Hotel Indigo in the Garden District — an upscale boutique hotel close to the French Quarter and uptown attractions like Audubon Zoo.
- Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter — dating back to 1886, it’s still breathtakingly beautiful with an actual rotating carousel bar onsite.
- Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street — a four-star hotel in the heart of the action with Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse onsite.
- The Prytania Park Hotel in the Garden District — a small hotel with a variety of room types, great for families with WiFi and modern amenities.
Restaurants
Come hungry to New Orleans, and bring your stretchy pants. Here are some of NOLA’s best spots:
- Emeril’s at 800 Tchoupitoulas St for Creole food in a fancy setting. Chef Emeril Lagasse doesn’t disappoint.
- N7 at 1117 Montegut St for bistro fare and wine, with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Revel at 133 N Carrollton Ave for casual food and delicious cocktails, run by local bar legends.
- Cake Cafe at 2440 Chartres St for an unforgettable breakfast in a laid-back setting.
- Atchafalaya at 901 Louisiana Ave for a boozy brunch — make a reservation ahead of time.
- La Petite Grocery at 4238 Magazine St for fine dining quality in a laid-back setting with local made-from-scratch fare.
Sights and Tours
There are so many things to do in New Orleans, you’ll need several trips to see it all. Here are a few highlights:
- Steamboat Natchez — choose between a standard cruise, dinner cruise or Sunday brunch jazz cruise while taking in the sights from the ship.
- Audubon Zoo — one of the largest and most impressive zoos in the country, with exotic animals, lush gardens and hands-on encounters.
- 2 Chicks Walking Tours — private tours and boutique public experiences covering the Garden District, French Quarter, cemeteries and more.
- Evergreen Plantation — head to Edgard for daily tours (except Sunday) that last 90 minutes and cover a lot of history.
- Mardi Gras World — if you can’t make it for Mardi Gras, this wonderful behind-the-scenes look is a lot more family-friendly.
From jazz clubs and Creole cuisine to historic mansions and riverboat cruises, New Orleans is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Enjoy the Big Easy!
Compare affordable rental cars at Louis Armstrong Airport.