New Orleans holidays

How to reach New Orleans

• Flight time: Flights to New Orleans from Dublin usually take around 13 to 14 hours with one stopover, commonly in cities like New York or Atlanta. There are currently no direct flights from Ireland.

• Transfer time: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located about 26km west of downtown. The Airport-Downtown Express (E2) Bus runs every 15–20 minutes and takes about 50 minutes. A taxi or rideshare typically takes around 30 minutes outside peak hours.

• Price: The bus is the most budget-friendly option at $2. Taxis cost approximately $45–$50, while Uber or Lyft fares range from $30 to $40 depending on the time of day and traffic.

Weather and best time to visit New Orleans

The best time to plan your New Orleans holidays depends on whether you're drawn to the city's famous festivals or prefer quieter moments soaking up the atmosphere.

• February to May is the ideal window for most travellers. The weather is pleasantly warm, with average temperatures rising from 17°C to 25°C. It’s also when iconic events like Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival take over the city. Expect moderate rainfall and around 6 to 7 hours of sunshine daily.

• June to August is hot and humid, with highs regularly above 30°C. Showers are common, but there’s also plenty of sunshine. This season is better for those who enjoy vibrant nightlife, air-conditioned museums and fewer crowds during the day.

• September to November is a great time for cultural experiences, with temperatures gradually falling from 28°C to 22°C. While it’s still hurricane season, it’s generally quieter and more affordable. You’ll get 7 to 8 hours of sunshine a day with occasional rain.

• December to January offers mild weather (around 12°C to 17°C) and a more peaceful version of the city. There’s less rainfall and fewer tourists, making it a lovely time to explore at a relaxed pace and enjoy the festive decorations.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the main language, though French and Creole influences can still be seen and heard across the city.

• Local habits and customs: New Orleans is casual and welcoming. Tipping is expected, especially in restaurants where 15–20% is standard. Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a friendly "how y’all doing?"

• Health and safety: The city is generally safe for visitors, but take usual precautions, particularly during busy festivals and at night in less populated areas.

• Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is the local currency. Card payments are widely accepted, but carrying a small amount of cash is helpful for tips and smaller purchases.

• Getting around: New Orleans’ public transport system includes streetcars and buses, with fares starting at $1.25. For unlimited daily use, grab a Jazzy Pass. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.

• Electricity and plug types: The voltage is 120V and plug types A and B are used. Irish visitors will need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: New Orleans runs on Central Standard Time (CST), which is 6 hours behind Irish time. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

Things to do in New Orleans

The city is bursting with energy and character, so you can look forward to an eclectic range of experiences during your holidays to New Orleans.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Jackson Square: Take some time here to enjoy iconic views of the Mississippi River, flanked by historic buildings, including the stunning St. Louis Cathedral.

• Algiers Ferry: Enjoy sweeping views of the New Orleans skyline and the mighty Mississippi as you take a short ride across the river.

The best districts

• French Quarter: The heart of New Orleans' culture and nightlife, known for its vibrant street life, jazz clubs and historic architecture.

• Warehouse District: With a mind-boggling mix of Federal, Neoclassical and Greek Revival

architecture, the Warehouse District is a prime photo opportunity spot.

• Garden District: Admire antebellum homes, lush gardens and the scenic beauty of one of the city's most charming and affluent areas.

• Bywater: This neighbourhood blends artistic flair with rustic charm, offering a quieter, bohemian alternative to the French Quarter.

Parks and gardens

• City Park: One of the oldest and largest urban parks, featuring beautiful oak trees, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the enchanting Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

• Audubon Park: Located in the Uptown neighbourhood, this park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic under the ancient oak trees.

Museums

• New Orleans Museum of Art: Arguably the best museum in the city, NOMA is on the must-see list for many.

• Ogden Museum of Southern Art: New Orleans' classiest museum, offering a cornucopia of work that defines this evocative, distinctive and other-worldly region.

• Backstreet Cultural Museum: Tremé's love letter to New Orleans street culture, from its Second Line parades to its Mardi Gras Indians.

Historical monuments

• St. Louis Cathedral: This iconic symbol of New Orleans provides both spiritual solace and a glimpse into the city's rich religious heritage.

• The Cabildo: A museum located next to St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square, rich with history as the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies.

• Preservation Hall: Established to preserve, perpetuate and protect traditional New Orleans Jazz, with concerts performed nightly.

Day trips in the area

• Swamp Tours: Venture into the bayous and swamps surrounding New Orleans to see alligators, birds and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Gulf Coast Beaches: Spend a day on the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast, accessible with a short drive.

Activities for families in New Orleans

New Orleans is a playground for families, with a sizeable offering of fun and educational activities.

• Parks and gardens: Within City Park, families can enjoy Storyland – a fairytale playground with 25 giant storybook sculptures that children can interact with and play on. There's also the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, which includes a historic carousel.

• Interactive museums: The Louisiana Children's Museum is a must-visit, with exhibits that engage kids with hands-on learning.

• Aquariums and zoos: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas on the riverfront gives children a close-up view of marine life, while the Audubon Zoo offers exotic animals in themed settings such as the Louisiana Swamp.

• Historical monuments and sites: One way families can see the sights a little differently is to explore the historic French Quarter in a horse-drawn carriage or take a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River.

• Theme parks and adventure: Adventure Quest Laser Tag in nearby Harahan invites families to enjoy laser tag, bumper cars and arcade games. It's perfect for an energy-burning day out.

Free things to do in New Orleans

Exploring New Orleans doesn't have to cost a fortune; there are plenty of free or low-cost activities that capture the city's spirit.

• Free events: Enjoy free seasonal festivals such as the French Quarter Festival in April and Satchmo SummerFest in August. Both serve up live music, food trucks and local craft stalls.

• Free museums: The New Orleans Museum of Art offers free admission on Wednesdays. Better still, the Sculpture Garden here is free to visit year-round.

• Free guided tours: Look out for volunteer-led tours of historic neighbourhoods like the Garden District and the French Quarter, which often just ask for tips.

• Explore New Orleans by public transport: Hop aboard the historic streetcars along St. Charles Avenue, Canal Street and the riverfront to see the city. Each ride costs just $1.25.

• Lafayette Square concerts: Catch free live music performances at Lafayette Square during the spring and autumn months, showcasing local bands and artists.

Local dishes in New Orleans

One of the great delights of holidays to New Orleans is the chance to sample the city's famed cuisine. From spicy Creole dishes to sweet Southern treats, here's what to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Gumbo: A hearty, flavourful stew with a mixture of meats, seafood, okra and Creole spices.

• Jambalaya: Similar to Spanish paella, this Creole dish combines rice with chicken, sausage, seafood and a mix of fragrant seasonings.

Tapas dishes

While not traditionally known for tapas, New Orleans offers small plate dining in many restaurants, featuring bites like Cajun devilled eggs or mini muffuletta sandwiches.

Meat dishes

• Crawfish Atouffée: A rich, spicy stew of crawfish served over rice.

• Po'boys: Iconic New Orleans sandwiches on French bread, filled with fried seafood like shrimp and oysters, or roast beef with gravy.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Blackened Redfish: A Cajun creation featuring a fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, cooked in a very hot skillet.

• Oysters Bienville: Baked oysters topped with shrimp, mushrooms, green peppers, sherry and breadcrumbs.

Street food

Beignet stands and po'boy stalls dominate the street food scene, offering quick, delicious eats that are easy to carry as you explore the city.

Sweets and desserts

Sweet treats like beignets, dusted with confectioner's sugar and served hot, are a must. Pralines, made from nuts and sugar syrup, are another.

Local drinks

• Sazerac: Considered America's first cocktail, this New Orleans invention consists of rye whiskey, absinthe, a sugar cube and bitters.

• Hurricane: A sweet alcoholic concoction made of rum, lemon juice and passion fruit syrup, often associated with the raucous celebrations of Mardi Gras.