The Big Easy’s vibrant music scene; rich history; and blend of African, French and American cultures make New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the liveliest cities in the South. New Orleans doesn’t just transform into a place of lights and color during Mardi Gras, however. This Mississippi River-adjacent city features many neighborhoods and squares adorned with colorful facades, intricate balconies and bright lights year-round.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, named after the world-famous jazz musician hailing from the city, sits 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. The terminal is served by Interstate 10, with bus service between the airport and downtown New Orleans also available. Rental car facilities and airport shuttle services also provide passengers with connections to hotels within the Central Business District of New Orleans.
LODGING
The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Situated in a 19th-century building, within walking distance of attractions including Bourbon Street, this luxury property offers elegant accommodations and access to a rooftop pool, fitness center, spa, bar and Italian restaurant. Some rooms feature bay windows and clawfoot tubs.
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 648 1200
hilton.com
Maison de la Luz
Enjoy original artwork within contemporary rooms at this 5-star property. Located a few minutes from Lafayette Square, Maison de la Luz boasts a chic lounge offering nightly wine and cheese events. Rooms feature complimentary WiFi, some with freestanding soaking tubs.
546 Carondelet St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 814 7720
maisondelaluz.com
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Indulge in the utmost luxury. Sitting within the French Quarter, the hotel embraces the history of the city with Neoclassical interiors and a farm-to-table restaurant serving Southern cuisine. Enjoy a high-end spa, lounge and bar, club- level spaces, and room and suite options.
921 Canal St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 524 1331
ritzcarlton.com
DINING
Galatoire’s
Where better to enjoy authentic Creole cuisine than Galatoire’s, a staple eatery in New Orleans? Dine within a century-old building and savor upscale French-Creole dishes like chicken Creole and crawfish etouffée.
209 Bourbon St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 525 2021
galatoires.com
August
This contemporary Louisiana restaurant allows diners to enjoy fine French fare beneath a chandelier-draped ceiling. Within this 19th-century space try Duck Three Ways, pan-seared grouper or, for an all-en- compassing experience, the chef’s tasting menu.
301 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 299 9777
restaurantaugust.com
Doris Metropolitan
Drawing from Middle Eastern culture, this upscale restaurant and butchery offers the finest cuts of steaks. The award-winning institution elevates classic cuts of meat, all complemented by savory sides.
620 Chartres St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 267 3500
dorismetropolitan.com
ATTRACTIONS
Bayou Swamp Tours
Various companies offer round-trip swamp tours of the nearby bayous of New Orleans. Wildlife parks and preserves like Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge and Jean Lafite National Historic Park and Preserve invite visitors to venture through swamps and spot gators in their natural habitats. Book a trip with popular tour operators like Cajun Encounters Tour Co.
55325 US-90, Slidell, Louisiana
tel 504 834 1770
cajunencounters.com
French Quarter
No visit to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the heart of the city with colorful buildings, energetic nightlife, and restaurants and bars serving Cajun fare and strong cocktails. Street performers often grace the Quarter, and St. Louis Cathedral towers over the crowded streets. The neighborhood especially buzzes with life during Mardi Gras.
frenchquarter.com
National WWII Museum
Part of the Smithsonian Institution’s outreach program, this museum delves into the American experience in World War II. Within you’ll see an enigma machine, Sherman tank, Higgins boat, fighter planes and other artifacts on display.
945 Magazine St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 528 1944
nationalww2museum.org
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
It's time to shake things up and inject some serious excitement into your next gathering. Whether planning a corporate conference, black-tie gala or milestone celebration, choosing the right venue can make all the difference. City Winery shares some tips to make your next gathering a rockin' success.
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Sail to the Tropical Splendors of Tahiti and The Tuamotu Islands with Windstar Cruises
This November, Windstar Cruises celebrates more than 36 years in Tahiti with an itinerary taking guests to the clear waters of Tahiti and The Tuamotu Islands on a journey exploring Tahitian culture, the ecosystems of Fakarava, and the sunsets of Raiatea and Bora Bora. The 10-day sailing aboard Star Breeze, Nov. 18–28, departs from Papeete and ends in Papeete.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis