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Flights to New Orleans: Jazz, culture and Southern charm
If you're looking for a city with soul, energy and culture, plan a holiday in New Orleans. Known for its live jazz, Creole cuisine and historic charm, New Orleans sits along the Mississippi River in Southeastern USA. Stroll through the French Quarter, where every street is alive with music, street performers and the scent of beignets from Cafe du Monde.
History lovers can explore plantation homes, voodoo legends and the National WWII Museum, while foodies can indulge in gumbo, jambalaya and po'boys. Do you want a party? Hit Bourbon Street for non-stop nightlife, or visit during Mardi Gras for a wild celebration. For a more laid-back vibe, take a steamboat cruise down the Mississippi River or wander through the Garden District's stunning mansions.
If you're planning a holiday in New Orleans, check out deals on hotels and flights to New Orleans.
New Orleans at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 10 hours 20 minutes
Main airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Population: 1.03 million
Language: English
Currency: The US dollar
Time zone: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)
Getting to Alaska from the UK
While there are no direct flights from the UK to New Orleans, you can catch a one-stop flight from London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN) or Edinburg (EDI), with airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta and American Airlines. Most routes connect through Atlanta, Dallas or New York, with a total travel time of around 10 to 14 hours. For money-saving deals on New Orleans flights, book in advance and consider flying during off-peak months.
Once you land at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), you're just 20 minutes from the French Quarter. You can get a taxi, Uber or airport shuttle to get to the city centre.
When is the best time for New Orleans holidays?
New Orleans is a year-round party, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of holiday you want. Whether you're after lively festivals, mild weather or fewer crowds, each season has its perks. Spring is, hands down, the best time to visit New Orleans. The city comes alive with Mardi Gras (February/March), Jazz Fest (April/May) and French Quarter Fest (April). Expect amazing parades, live music on every corner and a buzzing atmosphere.
Summer in New Orleans is steamy, sweaty and full of fun. With temperatures soaring above 32°C and humidity levels through the roof, this season is all about indoor attractions, poolside drinks and late-night adventures. You'll find fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rates, so if you don't mind the heat, it's a great time for budget travellers.
If you want pleasant weather and fewer tourists, autumn in New Orleans is fun. You will enjoy cooler temperatures, lively food festivals like the Creole Gumbo Fest and spooky Halloween celebrations. New Orleans doesn't get cold. In fact, even in winter, you'll enjoy mild temperatures.
What to see and do in New Orleans
Get lost in the French Quarter
Explore the French Quarter, which is the heart of the city. Wander down Bourbon Street for live jazz, street performers and legendary cocktails, or take it easy with a coffee and beignets at Café du Monde. Don't miss Jackson Square, where artists paint under the shadow of St Louis Cathedral. If you love ghost stories, join a haunted tour and explore the Quarter's spooky side.
Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi
Ride on the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen. These classic paddlewheel boats let you drift down the Mississippi River with live jazz, Creole food and stunning city views. Whether you take a daytime history tour or a romantic evening cruise, it's a relaxing and scenic way to soak in the magic of New Orleans. The sunset over the river is breathtaking.
Explore the Garden District
Do you need a break from the party scene? Head to the Garden District, a stunning area packed with historic mansions, oak-lined streets and charming cafes. Take a stroll past celebrity homes, grand Southern estates and the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. If you love shopping, Magazine Street is full of antique shops, boutiques and souvenirs.
Visit Voodoo history museums
New Orleans has a spooky past, and there's no better way to explore it than through its voodoo and ghostly history. Visit the Voodoo Museum to learn about real-life voodoo queens like Marie Laveau, or take a haunted tour through the city's most ghost-ridden spots. Stop by St Louis Cemetery No. 1, where eerie above-ground tombs create a truly haunting atmosphere.
FAQs about New Orleans holidays
Q: What is the best area of New Orleans to stay in?
A: The French Quarter is the best area to stay in for the classic New Orleans experience. You'll be within walking distance of Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and incredible restaurants. For a quieter, upscale stay, the Garden District offers historic mansions and charming streets. If you want a trendy, artsy vibe, head to Bywater or Marigny, where you'll find local jazz bars and colourful Creole cottages.
Q: Where to stay for the first time in New Orleans?
A: First-time visitors should stay in the French Quarter or Central Business District (CBD). The French Quarter is where you'll find landmarks, jazz clubs and a lively nightlife, while the CBD is great for easy access to streetcars, museums and top restaurants. Both areas are walkable, vibrant and packed with things to see and do.
Q: Is three days enough for New Orleans?
A: Yes. Three days in New Orleans is enough to experience the city's top attractions, food and culture. Spend the first day in the French Quarter, enjoying Jackson Square, beignets and Bourbon Street. On the second day, explore the Garden District, take a swamp or steamboat tour and visit a voodoo museum. The last day can be for live jazz, a ghost tour and trying more incredible food.
Q: What is the best month to visit New Orleans?
A: The best month to visit New Orleans is April. The weather is warm, and New Orleans comes alive with events like the French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. You'll get festival vibes, outdoor dining and live music without the extreme summer heat or winter crowds. March and October are also great months for mild weather and fun events.
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