Why You Should Plan a Trip to New Orleans
Did you know that the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, also known as the longest bridge to cross water, is located in New Orleans? It is 23.86 miles long, spanning the entirety of Lake Pontchartrain. This fact, while fun, is far from the only reason you should check out this bustling city! New Orleans is rich in distinctive music, delicious Creole cuisine, and lively celebrations that are sure to keep you on your toes. Add to that the well-renowned Mardi Gras celebration that New Orleans hosts every year, for which people travel from near and far to enjoy. If these reasons aren’t enough to convince you to visit the “Big Easy,” keep reading for some more inspiration.
- Hang out in the French Quarter-
The French Quarter in New Orleans is a hotspot and home for all good vibes. You can walk down the streets and pop in and out of popular bars for a cool drink to quench your thirst. If bars aren’t your scene, there are plenty of restaurants too! When visiting this city, going to the French Quarter is a rite of passage!
- Use a streetcar-
Not every city utilizes streetcars, so what could be more fun than taking advantage of this city’s luxury? Hop on a streetcar for $1.25, or better yet, buy a pass to ride as many times as you’d like. A multi-day pass is perfect when you are spending a few days in the Big Easy!
- Enjoy luxurious delicacies-
In addition to the creative Creole and Cajun cuisine that can be found in the city, New Orleans is the home of numerous famous chefs, such as Emeril Lagasse and Stephen Stryjewski. The options are endless and there are plenty of highly-rated places to choose from. You will have a hard time deciding!
- Vibe to live music-
Alongside its reputation for delectable dishes, New Orleans is well-renowned for its jazz music. Especially while strolling in the French Quarter, you will hear music of all different kinds livening up the streets.
- Experience the fun of Mardi Gras-
New Orleans’ version of Mardi Gras draws people from all over the world to celebrate. While visiting during Mardi Gras, you can expect daily parades and people wearing green, gold, and purple to represent the holiday. Also known as “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is a great excuse to enjoy everything in excess before Lent and is the perfect time to let loose!
- Stop and smell the roses-
Away from the city’s vibrancy, The Garden District is a more serene location where you can find distinctive types of housing and businesses. The streets are elegantly lined with oak trees, and the buildings don the iconic Mardi Gras colors. This neighborhood is the perfect spot to check out unique boutiques or grab a bite to eat, for example at the highly-rated restaurant Commander’s Palace.
- Watch a show in the street-
Unlike other cities, you can catch a show simply by walking down the streets of New Orleans. Performers are constantly putting on a performance for people passing by to experience. So if you aren’t in a hurry to get to your next stop, enjoy the show!
- Get your spook on-
Something you may not know about New Orleans is that the city is well-known for its spooky atmosphere. You can go on haunted tours, visit voodoo shops, and visit cemeteries. These tours go year-round and will continue rain or shine.
- Roll the dice-
Another favorite pastime of residents and tourists alike is visiting the casino. The largest in the area is Harrah’s, although many bars host slot machines for you to enjoy. New Orleans is the perfect spot to dip your toes into gambling if the thought of going to Las Vegas is too overwhelming.
- Learn about history-
New Orleans is home to the World War II museum, which is considered one of the most impressive museums in the nation. This museum offers important information and artifacts that will keep you busy for hours, if not days!
What Time of Year Should You Visit?
While you can visit at any time of the year, there are specific months that you should go to benefit the most from your trip. Arguably, the best time to visit New Orleans is between February and May. Not only are these comfortable spring months, but they are also the time that the city’s festivities are ramping up! As previously mentioned, Mardi Gras is one of the biggest festivals that New Orleans hosts.
If you plan a visit outside these months, December and January are another great time. The temperatures may be cooler, but there are far fewer tourists crowding the streets, which will allow you to soak up the atmosphere without too much disruption. Another perk of visiting during these winter months is that you may be able to negotiate lower hotel room prices because of the off-season!
Once you decide to visit New Orleans you’ll also want to figure out transportation. Why rely on multiple rideshares when you can ride in luxury with a personal chauffeur? Use a chauffeur service New Orleans to transport you all over the city as much as your heart desires. You won’t have to worry about driving in traffic as you will be sitting in the back and relaxing until you reach your next fun destination.
Regardless of what you choose to do, New Orleans is sure to keep you entertained. The Big Easy is vibrant and offers something for everyone.
