New Orleans Oteller

Do you have an interest in supernatural phenomena? What about witchcraft? Moreover, not only that, what if I told you that there is a city famous for its vibrant atmosphere and magnificent architecture? Yes! I'm talking about New Orleans. You will be enchanted by the rich history and lively atmosphere of this city, which is a blend of old-world France and Creole tradition, and fascinated by its supernatural past. 

Attention! I'm not talking about real magic like voodoo. But if you're interested in that, you've come to the right place. Because there is also a Voodoo Museum in New Orleans. Here, you can join a ghost tour, visit the voodoo museum, or explore places believed to be cursed. Don't worry, New Orleans is not only an ideal travel destination for those interested in supernatural powers, but also for party lovers, history and culture enthusiasts, and foodies!

You can explore the artsy atmosphere of Uptown or visit stunning monuments such as The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. If you are a jazz enthusiast, New Orleans nights offer amazing jazz music along with delicious traditional food.

Things To Know Before Going To New Orleans

• Explore New Orleans on foot to enjoy its architecture and charm, as driving can be challenging in touristy areas like the French Quarter.
• Embrace the city's vibrant drinking culture with 24/7 alcohol service and the freedom to carry drinks in public.
• Experience the soulful sounds of jazz, along with funk, hip hop, folk, metal, and Creole zydeco music.
• Enjoy New Orleans' lively atmosphere, which remains active 24 hours a day, perfect for those with unconventional schedules.
• Stay informed about hurricane precautions during your visit to the city.

New Orleans Tips From Locals

• Explore beyond Bourbon Street: New Orleans has much more to offer, so venture out and discover its hidden treasures.
• Get a to-go cup: Enjoy drinks on the go by transferring them to plastic cups before leaving the bar – glass containers aren't allowed on the streets.
• Connect with locals: Strike up conversations with friendly New Orleanians, known for their welcoming nature and insider tips.
• Taste local delights: Dive into the city's vibrant food scene and try something new and delicious.
• Skip the car: With poor road conditions and pricey parking, it's best to avoid renting a car and explore the city by foot or alternative transportation.

Where is New Orleans?

New Orleans is a city located in the state of Louisiana, USA. It is situated along the Mississippi River in the southeastern region of Louisiana. New Orleans shares borders with Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Texas to the west.

Where To Stay In New Orleans?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in New Orleans are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in New Orleans 

Discover the beauty of Louisiana with hotels in New Orleans here!

Places To Visit In New Orleans

Here are some of the top New Orleans attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit:

• Jackson Square: This historic park is located in the French Quarter, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytère.
• Frenchmen Street: Known for its lively live music scene, featuring a diverse array of bars, clubs, and music venues that highlight jazz, blues, and other genres.
• The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas: Located near the French Quarter, showcases thousands of marine animals from various parts of the world, such as sharks, stingrays, and penguins.
• Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium: Explore the world of insects and butterflies at this unique museum, which offers interactive exhibits, live insect encounters, and a butterfly garden.
• Mardi Gras World: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the elaborate floats and costumes used in New Orleans' famous Mardi Gras celebrations at this operational warehouse and museum.
• The New Orleans Jazz Museum: Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint building, celebrates the rich history of jazz music in New Orleans through exhibits, artifacts, and live performances.
• The Historic New Orleans Collection: This museum and research center that showcases the history and culture of New Orleans through a diverse collection of artifacts, documents, and artwork.
• Louisiana Children's Museum: Ideal for families, this interactive museum provides hands-on exhibits and activities centered on art, science, and cultural exploration.
• The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden: Located within City Park, showcases over 60 works of art by renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, and Louise Bourgeois.
• Oak Alley Plantation: Take a guided tour of this historic plantation located approximately an hour's drive from New Orleans. Admire the stunning antebellum mansion and stroll down the famous oak-lined avenue.

Is New Orleans Safe?

In tourist areas such as the French Quarter, tourists can be relatively safe as long as they exercise common sense precautions like not flashing expensive items and carrying large amounts of cash. Also, visitors should avoid being alone on unlit streets at night, whether they are in a group or alone.

Is New Orleans Expensive To Visit?

New Orleans is considered a moderately priced destination compared to other regions on North America. On average, visitors to New Orleans spend between $106 and $239 per day per person. New Orleans offers a mix of low-cost accommodations, free activities, and affordable food.

New Orleans Currency

The official currency of New Orleans is the US dollar ($, USD, US$). There are numerous ATMs and banks in New Orleans, and it is recommended to get dollars before traveling to the city to get the best rates and avoid paying charges for using your card abroad. 

New Orleans Language

The primary language spoken in New Orleans is English. Nearly 90-95% of the residents speak English natively. However, due to its diverse population, a wide variety of languages are spoken in the city. Other languages spoken in New Orleans are French, Spanish, Vietnamese and other languages such as Italian, German, and some african languages.

How Many Days To Visit New Orleans?

For a first-time visitor, at least 2-3 days are sufficient to adequately explore New Orleans. Spending 5-7 days allows for an immersive experience and a deeper exploration of the city's rich culture and history.

What To Do in New Orleans?

• Explore the French Quarter: Visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, walk along Bourbon Street, and browse shops and art galleries on Royal Street.
• Visit World-Class Museums: National WWII Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, and Mardi Gras World.
• Enjoy the Food and Music Scene: Dine on Creole and Cajun cuisine, listen to live jazz music, and attend festivals like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
• Take a Swamp Tour: See alligators, turtles, and more on a boat tour of the Louisiana swamps.
• Stroll Through Historic Neighborhoods: Garden District, Tremé, and Magazine Street.
• Visit Unique Attractions: Ride the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, tour historic above-ground cemeteries, and explore shops and restaurants along Magazine Street.
• Experience Horror Tourism: Visit haunted locations like the LaLaurie Mansion, the Sultan’s Palace, and the Beauregard-Keyes House, and take part in ghost tours and séances to immerse yourself in New Orleans’ dark history and paranormal culture.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In New Orleans?

The best time to visit New Orleans is generally between late February and late April, as well as mid-October through November. These periods offer comfortable temperatures, below-average rainfall, and numerous festivals showcasing the city at its peak demand. For those who prefer to avoid crowds, late fall or the off-season from late May through early October are quieter times to visit New Orleans, providing a different experience with unique attractions and fewer tourists.

What To Pack For Your Visit To New Orleans?

Here’s the packing list for New Orleans depending on which season you plan to visit the city:

• Spring (March to May): Bring your t-shirts, tank tops and shorts, a light jacket or sweater for mornings or evenings, an umbrella, a raincoat, and rain boots.
• Summer (June to August): Lightweight clothing like tank tops and shorts, comfortable, lightweight shoes, and sunscreen.
• Fall (September to November): Jeans or pants, light sweaters, jacket for layering, and comfortable shoes.
• Winter (December to February): Jeans or pants, light sweaters, long-sleeve tops, vests or jackets, comfortable shoes or boots, and a scarf.

New Orleans Food

New Orleans has so much traditional food to delight your palate. Here are some of the most famous foods:

• Gumbo: A hearty stew typically made with a strong-flavored stock, meat or shellfish, various vegetables, and a thickener like okra or roux.
• Crawfish Étouffée: A flavorful Cajun and Creole dish made with crawfish tails smothered in a rich and spicy roux-based sauce, served over rice.
• Jambalaya: A one-pot dish consisting of rice, meat such as sausage, chicken, or shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings.
• Red Beans and Rice: A traditional Creole dish made with red beans cooked with seasonings, served over rice, often accompanied by smoked sausage or ham.
• Praline: A sweet confection made from sugar, butter, cream, and pecans, cooked to a caramel-like consistency and often flavored with vanilla.
• The New Orleans Muffaletta: A signature sandwich featuring a round loaf of Italian bread filled with layers of cured meats, cheeses, and olive salad.
• Beignet: A French-style pastry made from deep-fried choux pastry dough, typically served hot and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Po-boys: A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread and filled with various ingredients such as fried seafood (shrimp, oysters, or catfish), roast beef, or sausage.
• Bananas Foster: A dessert made with bananas cooked in a caramel sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur, often served over vanilla ice cream.
• King Cake: A traditional Mardi Gras pastry, typically a braided cinnamon-filled dough topped with icing and colored sugar, and sometimes containing a hidden figurine or bean.

New Orleans Nightlife

New Orleans' nightlife offers a wide range of options to suit every taste. From lively rooftop bars and nightclubs to after-hours spots, the city's nightlife is renowned worldwide. Some popular areas for nightlife in the city include the French Quarter and Marigny, where venues like Snug Harbor and Tipitina's offer live music and vibrant nightlife. Furthermore, the lively bars and jazz clubs lining the French and Spanish streets offer visitors unforgettable experiences. Ghost tours and cemetery tours are also popular nighttime activities, providing an intriguing option for those interested in discovering the city's mysterious and spooky sides.