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 Festivity carries in the air as much as the sounds of saxophones and trumpets in New Orleans. Despite the damage inflicted by Katrina in 2005, NOLA hasn't lost any of its charm, spark, magic, and its people's inextinguishable joie-de-vivre–none of what makes it a unique city in the U.S. and the world. From the ever-lively Mardi Gras to the eclectic mix of cultures to the rich cuisine reflecting its Cajun, Creole, and French roots, New Orleans is a constant celebration of the human spirit.

currency

$1 (USD) = 100 cents

phone

911

newspaper

Times Picayune & The New Orleans Advocate — www.nola.com
Gambit — www.nola.com/gambit
New Orleans Tribune — theneworleanstribune.com
The Louisiana Weekly — www.louisianaweekly.com
Tulane Hullabaloo — tulanehullabaloo.com

hours

General opening hours for shops are Monday through Saturday 10am–9pm, and Sunday noon–6pm.

population

391,495

info

New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
2020 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
+1 800 672 6124

website

www.neworleans.com

New Orleans castle New Orleans CVB

The City

History leaks from every corner, brick, and building in New Orleans. The Crescent City has undergone transformation upon transformation to become the hub of tourism and culture it is today.

With a history of Spanish and French dominance, European influence is still seen along most of the architecture in the French Quarter, from the courtyards to the multi-storied buildings. Historically, thousands of Americans, Germans, Sicilians, Irish and Haitians have made New Orleans their home, and this melting pot of cultural differences often reached boiling points. The Americans therefore settled in what is now known as the Central Business District, seeking reprieve from the tense proximity to the Creoles of the French Quarter. Interestingly, city medians are still referred to as "neutral grounds," referencing the Canal Street median that was used as a neutral business point for Americans and Creoles. It seems natural that "New Orleans" and "culture" are uttered in the same breath, as the city is awash with passion, verve, and history.

Nicknamed "The Big Easy" possibly to contrast life in New Orleans against that of the hustle and bustle of "The Big Apple," New Orleans has not strayed from its tranquil persona. The multitudes of parks, preserves, bayous, and waterways make New Orleans a natural, relaxing escape for both locals and visitors. Cozy cafés and restaurants are always ready to serve a friendly beignet and café au lait, and live jazz is always the theme of the night.

Jazz musician Todd Coleman / Saveur Magazine

Events

Immerse yourself in Louisiana’s musical, culinary and cultural heritage at one of more than 400 festivals celebrating everything from crawfish to cotton and Blues to barbecue. Don’t miss the biggest festival of all, Mardi Gras, with its spectacle of parades, music and food events, held in nearly every community in the state.

New Orleans CVB

Mardi Gras (January–February)

New Orleans CVB

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April–May)

New Orleans CVB

French Quarter Festival (April)

New Orleans CVB

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (June)

New Orleans CVB

COOLinary New Orleans Restaurant Month (August)

New Orleans CVB

Satchmo SummerFest (August)

New Orleans CVB

VooDoo Music + Arts Experience (October)

New Orleans CVB

Christmas New Orleans Style (December)

Streetcar Cheryl Gerber / New Orleans CVB

Do & See

New Orleans has the uncanny ability to combine fun and excitement with its endless historical elements. Mardi Gras attracts millions of people each year, and the city's famed streets and districts will fill your itinerary. The sounds of jazz seem to follow you everywhere, and so do the welcoming, wide smiles of the New Orleanians.

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Mardi Gras Carnival

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New Orleans Premier Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire & Mystery Tour

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French Quarter

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Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter

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New Orleans Streetcars

New Orleans CVB

St. Louis Cathedral

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New Orleans Museum Of Art (NOMA)

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Jackson Square

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City Park

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Canal Street

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Garden District

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National WWII Museum

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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

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New Orleans School of Cooking

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Mercedes-Benz Superdome

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Louisiana Children's Museum

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Audubon Zoo

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Audubon Aquarium Of The Americas

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Cabildo

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New Orleans Ferries

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Ogden Museum of Southern Art

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Backstreet Cultural Museum

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Excursions

In Louisiana, you’ll find a lively and unforgettable melting pot of cultures and cuisines. People around the world are drawn to Louisiana to enjoy flavorful Cajun and Creole dishes and then dance the night away in the birthplace of American Jazz, Cajun and Zydeco music. With countless opportunities for fishing, biking, birding, paddling and golfing, Louisiana is the ultimate playground for all who love the outdoors.

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Bayou Lafourche

Jamie Orillion / Lafayette Travel

Lafayette

Bayou Adventure / St. Tammany Tourist Commission

New Orleans Northshore

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Lake Charles

Visit Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge

Matthew Noel / Houma Area CVB

Houma

Jambalaya New Orleans CVB

Dining

Much of Crescent City's appeal lies in its fantastic cuisine. Southern, Cajun, Creole, and French fares are the most common, and each restaurant puts its own spin on these traditional favourites, making the dining experience from one venue to another completely unique.

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Boucherie

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Acme Oyster House

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Antoine's Restaurant

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Company Burger

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GW Fins

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Commander’s Palace

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Restaurant August

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Zea Rotisserie & Grill

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Clancy’s Restaurant

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Bennachin Restaurant

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Hoshun Restaurant

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Mr. John’s Steakhouse

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Cochon

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Bayona

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Ancora

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Bourbon House

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Broussard's

Beignets Carl Purcell / New Orleans CVB

Cafes

Boasting of style, character, quality, and history, the cafes of New Orleans never cease to satiate even the most distinguished palates. Traditional French beignets are freshly baked at the famous Café du Monde, and chicory coffee is brewed daily. No matter where you go, you'll find delicious food around every corner.

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Café Du Monde

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Napoleon House

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Jacques-Imo's Café

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Café Amelie

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Ernst Café

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Atchafalaya

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Mr. B’s Bistro

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Avenue Café

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Hivolt

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Elizabeth’s

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Mammoth Espresso

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Tout de Suite Café

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Café Envie

Barman making cocktail New Orleans CVB

Bars & Nightlife

Standing boldly against the vivacity of New Orleans' world-famous streets are its nightclubs and bars. New Orleans holds its own amongst the nation's most popular vacation destinations, and its nightlife venues are no different. The king of New Orleans nightlife, however, is undoubtedly jazz, which is heard it seems from every bar, cafe, restaurant or hole-in-the-wall. From grand orchestras to new young trios, jazz is the air this city breathes, so indulge and take a deep breath.

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The Elysian Bar

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The Bombay Club

New Orleans CVB

The Spotted Cat Music Club

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Preservation Hall

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Fritzel’s European Jazz Club

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NOLA Brewing

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Carousel Bar & Lounge

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d.b.a.

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The Sazerac Bar

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Tropical Isle

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Rock 'n' Bowl

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Jimani Lounge & Restaurant

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Crescent City Brewhouse

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Parasol's Restaurant & Bar

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The Metropolitan

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Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

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Arnaud's & the French 75 Bar

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Maple Leaf

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Cure

Couple Shopping Outdoors Store Lifestyle Concept Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

Whether seeking familiar retail brands or hoping to browse through authentic New Orleans galleries, shopping options never fall short in this city. Independent boutiques, antique stores, souvenir shops, and outlet malls offer visitors a vast mix of selections. Some areas feature original artwork from local artists.

New Orleans CVB

Royal Street

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Jackson Square

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The Shops at Canal Place

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The Shops at Jax Brewery

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Oakwood Center

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Louisiana Music Factory

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Lakeside Mall

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Aidan Gill for Men

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Fifi Mahony's

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Vieux Carré Wine & Spirits

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New Orleans School of Glassworks

French Quarter New Orleans CVB

Tourist Information

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

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Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

The airport is 19km west of the New Orleans central business district.

The New Orleans metropolitan area is serviced by LANO International Airport (airport code MSY). It serves the following airlines: Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, AirTran, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Vacation Express, and Air Canada. There is nonstop service to 39 destinations, with approximately 136 daily departures.

Ground transportation is available via the Jefferson Transit bus service between downtown New Orleans and the airport (The Airport-Downtown Express - E-2 Bus). The bus journey is approximately fifty minutes and runs seven days a week. You will find the E2 Airport bus stop on the upper level of the airport. There is also the Airport Express bus 202 that runs from the airport to Elk Place at Cleveland and the Union Passenger Terminal Bus Bay 2.

Another option is to use shuttle service from the airport to your hotel or various other locations in New Orleans. Tickets can be bought at the Airport Shuttle ticket booths placed on the first level throughout the Baggage Claim area at the airport.

The taxi booths are situated on the first level of the Terminal, outside the Baggage Claim Belts 1 and 14.

If you want to rent a car, there is a rental car facility (CONRAC) situated only a short walk away from the main terminal.

Address: 1 Terminal Drive, Kenner, LA

Email: customer.service@flymsy.com

Phone: +1 504 303 7500

Website: flymsy.com

More Information:

New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW)

Lakefront Airport is located 7km from the central business district. It is a general aviation airport with charter and private flights to Destin, Gulf Shores, Memphis, Oxford, Mississippi and Panama City Beach. Cabs may be hired outside the baggage claim area. There is a public transit bus stop not too far outside the airport.

Address: 6001 Stars & Stripes Boulevard, New Orleans

Email: bmorris@orleanslevee.com

Phone: +1 504 243 4010

Website: www.lakefrontairport.com

More Information:

Best Time to Visit

New Orleans is a happening city, which means there is something going on regardless of the time of year. That being said, the months from February through May are when the city is at its busiest, and many arrive for Mardi Gras as early as January. Temperatures rise throughout the summer (June through September), while October through January are moderate in temperature and less crowded than spring.

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Public Transport

Bus:

NORTA (New Orleans Regional Transit Authority) operates 40 bus routes throughout New Orleans. The new, bio-diesel buses have great windows for a scenic ride. Learn more about routes and maps at the website below.

The Regional Transit Authority Bus Lines (RTA) offers different ticket types such as: One-Way Fares, 1-day, 3-day and 31-day Jazzy Passes. Theses tickets can also be used on the Streetcar.

You can buy one-way tickets and one-day pass directly from the bus driver with cash (use exact change). You can also buy your tickets with GoMobile App, just download the app and buy the right pass on your smartphone and ride instantly. The third option is to get your pass online with MyRTA and have them delivered to your doorstep. There also numbers of stores across the city that sells 1-day, 3- day and 31-day Jazzy passes. The last option where to buy tickets are from the Ticket Vending Machines (TVM). There are four TVMs along the Canal Streetcar Line.

Streetcar:

Streetcars are the marquee method of transportation in New Orleans. There are four lines in operation - St. Charles, Canal Street, the Riverfront and the newest line, the N. Rampart line - each originating downtown.

Streetcar fares (one-way tickets and one-day pass) may be paid with exact change upon boarding. There is also 3-day and 31-day Jazzy Passes which can be bought on the GoMobile App, online with MyRTA, from numbers of stores across the city and from Ticket Vending Machines.

Alternatively, bike rentals are available throughout the city.

Address: 2817 Canal Street, New Orleans

Email: comments@norta.com

Phone: +1 504 248 3900

Website: www.norta.com/routes

More Information:

Taxi

The following are a selection of the taxi companies serving the New Orleans area:

Alliance: +1 504 872 0221
American Taxi: +1 504 299 0386
Checker Cab: +1 504 207 7777
New Orleans Carriage Cab: +1 504 207 7777
United Cabs, Inc.: +1 504 522 9771
White Fleet: +1 504 822 3800

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Post

Sending parcels and letters in the US is a relatively straightforward process. The most common method is through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS offers a variety of services for sending mail, including First-Class Mail for letters and postcards, Priority Mail for packages, and Priority Mail Express for overnight delivery. To send a parcel or letter, you will need to take it to a USPS post office or use a USPS blue collection box. If you are in New Orleans, you can use the USPS website to find the nearest post office or collection box to your location. Additionally, you can also use private couriers such as FedEx and UPS, which often provide a wider range of services and faster delivery times, but generally at a higher cost.

Address: US Post Office, 701 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans

Email:

Phone: +1 504 589 1706

Website: www.usps.com

More Information:

Pharmacy

In New Orleans, the primary pharmacies are national chains Walgreens and CVS, but there are also independent retail stores such as Castellon Pharmacy, Carr Drugs, and Esplanade Pharmacy.

CVS Pharmacy
4901 Prytania Street, New Orleans
Open 24/7
+1 504 891 6307

Walgreens Pharmacy
4110 General De Gaulle Drive, New Orleans
Open 24/7
+1 504 433 3297

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Website: www.walgreens.com

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Telephone

Country Code: +1
Area Codes in New Orleans: 504, 225, 985

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Electricity

All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.

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