New Orleans is famous for never-ending parties, delicious Cajun and Creole food, and a laid-back atmosphere, which means that everyone can enjoy themselves when visiting. If you’re planning to visit the “Big Easy”, then we have some top tips to help you have the best holiday possible, whilst saving time and money.
Get the New Orleans Pass
If you’re planning to visit a lot of attractions in NOLA (and why wouldn’t you?), then you can save a bunch of money on entrance fees by using this card. Not only will it give you free entry in over 25 of New Orleans’ most popular attractions, but you also get a free bus tour of the city and fast-track entry to skip long lines outside of the attractions.
Best of all, you can even great discounts online so buy the card before you go.
Get your US ESTA
Every visitor to the US needs a visa, except for those from the 38 countries, including the UK, who are able to apply for the cheaper and easier ESTA visa. To see if you qualify, click here.
Bring your walking shoes
There’s really no reason to rent a car in the city because it’s exceptionally accessible by public transit, bikes, or even on foot. However, you might want to invest in some good walking shoes before travelling. Your feet will thank you.
Explore outside of the touristy areas
While the French Quarter, and Bourbon Street, in particular, are definitely places you should visit whilst in NOLA, but don’t afraid to go off the beaten track. You’ll have a great time and find cheaper things to do.
Neighbourhoods like Faubourg Marigny, Garden District, and Bywater are lovely places to walk around in and offer you plenty of exciting activities that you can’t do anywhere else in the city. Our top suggestions include:
- A swamp tour
- A plantation visit
- A riverboat cruise
Although, when you are in the French Quarter, make sure to check out Frenchman Street, which has, in our opinion, some of the most authentic jazz clubs in the city. Head for the Blue Nile or The Spotted Cat Music Club.
Eat where the locals eat
If you’re looking for authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, then do a little research online to find out which restaurants are the real deal and which are tourist traps. Our top pick is Café Du Monde in the French Quarter, where you have to try their hot chocolate and beignets.
Alternatively, you can always take a food walking tour of the French quarter to learn which restaurants are recommended by experts and inspire you to save your money for the good stuff.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the whole family
No need to hire a sitter at your hotel because this party is a family-friendly event. This means that there’s no nudity along the parade route and plenty of areas are reserved for families only.
The only advice we can give on keeping little ones safe and happy in Mardi Gras are things that you’d likely be doing anyway, i.e. hold their hands to make sure they don’t get lost in the crowd.
Hopefully, this has helped you find plenty of ways to maximise on your NOLA holiday, but our last tip is to have fun.
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