New Orleans Travel Guide 2025

Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, the Garden District — these are just a few of the things New Orleans is known for. But the Crescent City offers many other incredible things to see and do. Historic houses and cemeteries, exquisite dining options, world-class hotels, exciting events and unique shops are some of the reasons why this southern city is among the top travel destinations in the U.S. Having so many things to enjoy and places to explore has one downside — it’s hard to know what to include in your trip.

AAA has decades of experience assisting members with travel plans around the country, including New Orleans. We’ve put together a New Orleans travel guide to help ensure you make the most of your visit.

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Not sure if you should plan a trip to New Orleans with or without a car? The city’s a highly walkable place, e.g. the French Quarter, where you can easily get around on foot. But what if it’s rainy or you’re just too tired to walk around? New Orleans has some great public transportation options to use to stay comfortable (and dry).

If you’re coming here via car, you may be able to leave it at your hotel. Doing so may be the best option if you’re heading into the heart of the city or visiting at night. Here is what you’ll need to know if you plan on driving around New Orleans during your stay.

Walking can be a delightful way to explore New Orleans, but for added convenience and peace of mind, especially when traveling outside the French Quarter or at night, using a car might be the best way to go.

However, relying on your car to get around might be more of a hassle than walking or taking public transportation. The city is filled with compact streets, especially in the downtown area. The area also has many one-way streets that might make it harder to get to where you’re going. Driving means you also have to deal with the struggle of finding parking — and understanding parking restrictions.

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New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) gives you a couple of options for getting around. Always double-check fares, routes and schedules beforehand. If you’re paying cash, one-way fares are only a couple of dollars per person. Take note that they only take exact change. You also can download RTA’s Le Pass app for cashless purchases. If you’re interested in saving money, check out RTA’s Jazzy Passes for unlimited bus, streetcar and ferry rides.

Streetcars give you a quaint way to travel around the city, but they don’t go everywhere. To use the streetcar, walk to and from the stops, and then ride these charming cars along St. Charles Avenue, Canal Street, the Riverfront, Loyola Avenue and Rampart/St. Claude.

RTA’s buses may not offer the whimsical rides that the streetcars do, but they do have more routes in and around the city for convenience. If you have a full schedule, one option is a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, which may help you move around quickly and see the sights.

Planning to head over to Algiers Point? The Canal Street Ferry takes you across the Mississippi to get there. You can admire the views of New Orleans from the water while heading back to town.

Depending on when you visit, riding a bike might be a pleasant way to get around; hot, humid summer temps may not be the best time for bicycling. However, milder weather the rest of the year makes for great riding weather. You don’t have to lug your bike to the city. Take advantage of Blue Bikes, aka the city’s bike-share program, or rent a bike from another rental place in town.

If you’re bringing your car into the city, plan for parking. Your options include:

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Our guide to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without helping you decide on the ideal time to go. The best time to go to New Orleans ultimately depends on your travel goals and preferences.

If you want to visit during the city’s prime carnival season, plan on going during late winter and early spring. That’s when you’ll be able to enjoy the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras. The city comes alive with parades, concerts, parties, galas and much more. But note that this also tends to be the most expensive — and crowded — time to visit. You’ll need to book your hotel and any other reservations you need early.

Looking for a budget-friendly trip to New Orleans? Head to the city during the summer months. Just be warned that there’s a reason why prices are lower, namely the sweltering heat and humidity, although crowds are more sparse this time of year. If you can handle the weather, you can enjoy fun summer events, such as Beignet Fest and the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival. However, make sure your summer trip itinerary includes plenty of indoor, air-conditioned things to do in order to cool off.

If you prefer to avoid crowds and heat, then going in fall or early winter is your best bet. Temperatures tend to be mild, and it’s not quite as humid during this time of year. You’ll usually have lower rates during this slower season and fewer crowds to deal with. But that doesn’t mean there’s not much to do. Fall is filled with exciting events, like the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival or more haunted/ghost tours than usual due to Halloween.

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This Southern city is one of the top places to go for exciting entertainment, memorable attractions and so much more. What should you add to your trip? We’ll go over some of the best things to do when traveling to New Orleans.

A one-day hop-on, hop-off bus ticket provides access to 18 stops across New Orleans, including the French Quarter, Jackson Square, Canal Street and the Louisiana Superdome. Each stop is conveniently located near landmarks, with an English-speaking guide offering commentary along the way.

Cruise along the Mississippi River while listening to the Steam Calliope’s jazz tunes. Get a glimpse of what life on the river was like during bygone days. Lunch cruises are available Monday through Saturday. Sunday has a brunch cruise available. Consider a sightseeing cruise to make the most of your time on the Mississippi.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is among the oldest cemeteries in the city. Take an official tour through this famous burial ground, where historical figures, including alleged Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, is buried. Visit any time of the year, but make sure you add this to your itinerary if you’ll be visiting around Halloween.

Ride through the streets of the French Quarter in style in a horse-drawn carriage. With so much to see in this part of the city, you won’t have to worry about missing out. Tour guides tell guests all about the area’s points of interest, including historical architecture, museums, entertainment venues and more.

If you fall in love with local cuisine during your trip, you can learn how to make it at home. Take a cooking class focusing on authentic Louisiana dishes under the guidance of an expert chef. Bring your new skills home with you, and stock up on ingredients while you’re in town.

Looking for an adventurous way to experience New Orleans? Take a zipline swamp tour over Maurepas Swamp. Keep an eye out for alligators and turtles while going over this cypress-filled area. The grounds also include a picnic area, an elevated seating area that overlooks the swamp and a gift shop for souvenirs and snacks and beverages.

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New Orleans has many great places to stay, and many of them are AAA Diamond-designated. To help make your choice easier, here are some of our top picks.

Caesar's New Orleans Hotel & Casino features luxurious accommodations with views of the Mississippi River and city skyline. Located just steps from the French Quarter, it offers convenient access to nearby attractions along with amenities like a fitness center and multiple dining options. Among these, the NOBU restaurant stands out with its diverse and flavorful menu.

Planning to travel in style? Four Seasons Hotel is one of the top luxury hotels in the city. Located on Canal Street, you get to enjoy views of the river, while also being close to dining, attractions, shopping and more.

The Four Seasons’ observation deck gives you impressive views of the city, and you can unwind after a long day of sightseeing in the on-site spa or swimming pool. Top it off with fine cuisine and Mississippi River views from Chemin à la Mer on the fifth floor of the hotel. With valet laundry and other guest amenities, you can focus on making the most of your visit instead of handling everyday tasks.

Step into The Higgins Hotel, where history comes alive in a museum-like setting just steps from The National WWII Museum. You’ll feel the charm of the past as you explore the property's thoughtful details that hark back to the era. When it’s time to unwind, head up to Rosie’s on the Roof, a rooftop bar and restaurant where you can sip cocktails and savor bites while enjoying the view. For an inviting, full-service restaurant with French fare, Cafe Normandie at The Higgins offers a delightful menu and even some souvenirs.

This upscale hotel gives you convenient access to Harrah’s Casino, the convention center, the Riverwalk shopping mall and more. You’re also just minutes from the French Quarter and many of the city’s other attractions and amenities.

When it comes to amenities, Hilton New Orleans Riverside has them in spades. Take a swim in the heated outdoor pool, soak in a hot tub or play some tennis. With a full bar and a few dining options on-site, you don’t have to go far for a meal and drink.

This boutique hotel puts you close to Bourbon Street, the St. Charles streetcar line and tons of other amenities and entertainment. It’s not as huge as some of the hotel chain accommodations but unique, giving you a quieter environment to enjoy overall. Enjoy a cup of coffee in your room with in-room refrigerators and coffeemakers. Don’t want to do laundry? St. Charles Coach House has valet laundry services available.

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New Orleans is known for its cuisine — from contemporary French and Southern comfort foods to Cajun and Creole. These are some of the best places to eat in the Crescent City. Choose a AAA Diamond restaurant for the best experience.

Looking for some entertainment with your meal? Arnaud’s offers a jazz brunch with live music on Sundays. Enjoy Creole dishes, such as shrimp Creole, frog legs and crab cakes. Leave room for crème brûlée or strawberries Arnaud for dessert.

Cochon Butcher offers a trendy atmosphere with counter-service where orders are placed and then brought to your table. The menu includes charcuterie boards, sandwiches, small plates and daily specials like fried catfish and red beans and rice. For dessert, don't miss the red velvet cake! Connected to the AAA Three Diamond Cochon Restaurant, where reservations are suggested, the trendy deli shares the same dedication to flavorful dishes.

The Coterie NOLA Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a locally owned café that gives you a chance to try dishes you can’t get elsewhere, like the alligator platter. The menu features traditional Cajun dishes, such as jambalaya and tempting desserts, like bourbon pecan pie.

For a fine-dining experience to enhance your vacation, make reservations at M Bistro. This upscale establishment offers Sunday brunch, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is filled with Southern cuisine, such as tacos made with Gulf fish and bread pudding flavored with apple cinnamon.

This French Quarter restaurant, Napoleon House Bar & Cafe, offers a budget-friendly dining option. Choose from New Orleans menu favorites, like po’boys and Italian muffuletta. Enjoy your meal in the courtyard on mild days or dine inside in this quaint Old World café.

Dine in the Historic District in a building dating back to the 1800s. The Restaurant August's menu features contemporary French dishes with locally sourced ingredients, such as snapper Pontchartrain and pralines.

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Your trip to New Orleans should include lots of photos as you create memories. But where are the best spots for the most scenic or iconic photos? Here are some that we highly recommend.

Snap some memorable pics in front of this wildly designed bar; it looks just like an amusement park carousel. The French Quarter’s historic setting also gives you plenty of other sites for photos.

Stand on this scenic bridge surrounded by towering trees covered in Spanish moss. This is a great site for outdoor shots on either sunny days or on more overcast times for a more moody black and white pic.

As one of the city’s most well-known buildings, St. Louis Cathedral offers a beautiful place to take a few photos. You can also take a self-guided tour of the cathedral while you’re there.

New Orleans has a spooky reputation for many reasons — its historic cemeteries especially. With burial plots dating back to the early 1800s, the cemetery has many spots that make for eerie yet charming pics.

Any Anne Rice fan knows that the famous author’s former home is located here — 1239 First St. to be exact. Take some photos in front of the house that inspired the Mayfair Witch series and Vampire Chronicles.

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Looking for a quick getaway during your New Orleans vacation? The following are a few top spots to consider visiting.

As the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge gives you even more attractions to add to your travel plans. Take a day trip to visit the Louisiana White House, Shaw Center for the Arts and Louisiana Art and Science Museum. There’s also BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, Capitol Park Museum and Knock Knock Children’s Museum.

Hoping for a chance to see alligators and other swamp critters? Take a drive to Honey Island Swamp for guided boat tour or paddling tours of the area. Explore the bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands that black bears, alligators and other wildlife, call home.

Visit the site where the Battle of New Orleans took place way back in 1815. As part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, the site offers many things to see, including living history events and self-guided exhibits. Take a stroll through the cemetery, where more than 15,000 US veterans — from the War of 1812 through the Vietnam War — are buried.

Traveling to New Orleans can be costly if you’re not careful. But there are great ways to enjoy a more budget-friendly trip to the Crescent City.

Take advantage of airline miles and credit card rewards. Go through all of your reward and loyalty programs. Redeem as much as you can to reduce your overall travel costs for flights, hotels and other trip expenses.

New Orleans offers many options that don’t come with an admission price. For example, make self-guided walking tours through historic neighborhoods and cemeteries.

AAA Members can often receive vehicle, tickets and hotel discounts. Make good use of your membership to lower trip costs. You can save on some hotels, rental cars and attractions.

Accommodations, attractions and other amenities often have lower prices in the offseason. For New Orleans, this typically means during summer and fall.

Look for places that include amenities you’ll need or want during your stay, such as free Wi-Fi, parking and even meals.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream New Orleans trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.