Louisiana

From the party-filled streets of New Orleans to the tranquil bayous of Cajun Country, it’s no wonder Louisiana is high on many travelers’ lists. Come here and discover the state’s rich Creole heritage, delicious food (crawfish boil, anyone?), stunning architecture, natural wonders, and—of course—world-renowned music.

New Orleans Bans Airbnb-Style Rentals From Garden District, Most of French Quarter

Hotel Peter & Paul, New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo by Shutterstock

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip in Louisiana.

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Resources to help plan your trip
New Orleanians are finding socially distant ways to celebrate the Carnival season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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If you only have a day in New Orleans, here’s how to make it perfect. Explore New Orleans’ architecturally rich French Quarter and take in the spontaneous sounds of street music. Take a mid-day stop in at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, feast on a po’ boy at Killer PoBoys, and tour Mardi Gras World. Then, take a break in your perfect day to relax at the Sazerac Bar. Complete your day in the Big Easy with a sublime dinner at Brennan’s.
Whether you’re headed to the Big Easy for its Southern food, serious cocktails, or special events like Mardi Gras, you can find a stay to suit your needs. New Orleans has everything from pet-friendly properties and luxury hotels with swimming pools, to spots with iron balconies or views of the Mississippi River. Choose something in the Central Business District, near Bourbon Street, or within walking distance of Jackson Square and be prepared to let the good times roll.
With options ranging from fine French cuisine served in white-cloth dining rooms to local joints dishing out classic muffulettas or po’boys, and pouring perfect Sazeracs, New Orleans offers your mouth the makings of a great vacation.
New Orleans takes its sandwiches as seriously as it takes its festivals (which is to say, very seriously). And a trip to the Big Easy isn’t complete without a muffuletta from Central Grocery, a debris sandwich from Mother’s, and a po’ boy from Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a banh mi from St. Roch Market, or maybe one of the tasty meat concoctions from Cochon Butcher, like maybe a duck pastrami slider. In short, make room for sandwiches.
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During quarantine, use this itinerary with tips from locals to recreate the best parts of a day in New Orleans from the safety and comfort of your own home.
The free festival, held annually in April, is one of the finest ways to experience NOLA musical history—and makes for a glorious long-weekend trip.
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