New Orleans
United States
- Safety rating
- 6.6/10
- Best time to visit
- February to May, including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, brings ideal weather and big events. Summers are hot, humid, and hurricane-prone.
- Population
- 1.3M
Overview
The birthplace of jazz, New Orleans intoxicates with French Quarter balconies, Creole cuisine, and round-the-clock music. Its mix of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean roots makes it utterly unique.
Top attractions
Wander the French Quarter and Jackson Square, ride the St. Charles streetcar past Garden District mansions, and catch live jazz on Frenchmen Street.
Getting around
Historic streetcars and the RTA bus network use a Jazzy Pass, and the French Quarter is highly walkable. Ride-shares fill the gaps elsewhere.