Time Your Visit to Coincide with Mardi Gras
No visit to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the spectacle of Mardi Gras, a yearly carnival celebrated with parades, masquerade balls, and lively street parties. Join the revelry, don your favorite costume, and immerse yourself in the infectious energy of the event, which takes place annually in February or March.
Jazz Fest and Music Festivals
Indulge your senses in the soul-stirring rhythms of jazz, blues, and gospel music at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, held every spring. In addition to Jazz Fest, the city hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres and attracting talented artists from around the world.
Arts & Culture
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans by exploring its thriving arts scene. From the historic architecture of the French Quarter to the vibrant murals adorning its streets, the city serves as a canvas for artistic expression. Be sure to visit the city's museums, galleries, and theaters to experience the depth of its cultural heritage. A few of our favorites are the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail, and the National WWII Museum.
Explore Outdoor Spaces
Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic Mississippi River at Crescent Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline. Or become one with nature at Audubon Park and City Park, two sprawling green spaces offering picturesque landscapes, walking trails, and recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Another great trail for a stroll is the 2.6-mile Lafitte Greenway, which extends from Louis Armstrong Park to Bayou St. John and beyond.
Wanting to explore the outdoors in a different way? Experience the charm of New Orleans aboard the historic streetcars of Carrollton and St. Charles lines, which traverse some of the city’s most well-known neighborhoods and historic districts.
Discover Cultural Landmarks
Step back in time at Jackson Square, a 2.5-acre historic landmark in the heart of the French Quarter. You may recognize it from movies or TV shows and you’re sure to run into street performers, local artists, and maybe even a wedding party as you explore the area.
Go shopping on Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch of stores, galleries, restaurants, bakeries, and more parallel to the Mississippi River. From Uptown New Orleans to the Lower Garden District and even into downtown, this thoroughfare is teeming with local culture and cuisine.
Trip Extras
Are you an IHG One Rewards member? Book tours, activities, and things to do in NOLA and earn points toward future travels. A few fun ones include a New Orleans 2-Hour Swamp Tour by Boat with a Guide, a New Orleans Cemetery Bus Tour After Dark, and a New Orleans French Quarter Food Adventure.
