New Orleans Holidays
During your New Orleans holidays, it’s time to enjoy yourself, so let us help you. Indulge in mouth-watering Southern fare, dance the night away to hip music and explore the cobbled streets of the fascinating French quarter.
While we recommend taking a walking tour of the famous French Quarter to discover every nook and cranny of the fascinating centre, another great way to explore the city is by hopping on the historic St. Charles streetcar. You’ll cruise through pretty garden districts and can enjoy sublime views of the sprawling city.
Discover the vibrant atmosphere on your New Orleans holidays
Famous for its buzzy culture, a holiday in New Orleans offers plenty of after dark fun. It wouldn’t be a visit to New Orleans without listening to some classic jazz, so for an evening of upbeat jazz music, we recommend you head to Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. Or, for the ultimate jazz experience, you can’t go wrong with a sophisticated jazz dinner aboard a genuine Mississippi paddle steamer boat.
For all night drinks and dancing, head to the centre of the bustling French Quarter where the music always flows and the bars never close. Whatever your style, there will be a jaunt to suit your taste. A visit to the lively Bourbon Street is an experience in itself, and the famous haunt embodies the life of New Orleans as a party town.
Culture lovers should explore the city on a tram, which will take you to the beautiful French Quarter. Here you’ll find stunning buildings and tree lined streets, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants serving up delicious New Orleans dishes with a side of Southern charm.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
For holidays to New Orleans and Memphis, get inspired by our New Orleans holiday itineraries. We’ll help you make the most of your time in the Deep South.

Birmingham and New Orleans Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,599 pp
Combine Alabama's traditional 'down home' cooking with the Creole flavours of New Orleans on this seven day journey. With its rich history, eclectic arts scene and world famous BBQ Birmingham is the perfect place to start your journey through the...
Fly drive holidays

Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans Multi Centre Holiday
Guide Price £1,899 pp
Rated as one of the top 20 most fun cities in America, Atlanta is a haven for eclectic dining, good food and artistic culture. Start your adventures in Atlanta, then journey towards Nashville, the home of country music, before ending...
USA road trips

American Queen River Cruise - Memphis to New Orleans
Guide Price £4,399 pp
Immerse yourself in the essence of America’s Deep South as you journey down the Mississippi aboard the luxurious American Queen paddle steamer. Sit back, relax and unwind as you enjoy award winning cuisine, beautiful staterooms, outstanding Broadway style entertainment and...
Cruise holidays

New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville Multi Centre Holiday
Guide Price £2,299 pp
Discover the musical roots of the deep South with a visit to the iconic cities of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville. Our Deep South USA multi-centre holidays takes you to some of the area’s top destinations. The three cities combine...
Multi centre holidays
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You know the scene: the saxophonist playing jazz on the street, the ornate balconies and the pastel-coloured architecture – you’re going to love New Orleans. Known for its colonial French Quarter, the Big Easy is a melting pot of French, American and Creole cultures. It abounds with lively clubs, a mysterious voodoo history and a gritty Southern vibe. Let’s not forget the annual Mardi Gras celebrations. When you watch the parades of masked dancers, you’ll be hooked on this city.
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Food
Trying Creole and Cajun food is a must but don’t miss Antoine’s Restaurant either. Dating back to 1840, it’s the oldest continuously running eatery in Louisiana. Try the gumbo, a stew that originates from Choctaw Native Americans.
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River Cruise
We highly recommend you take a tour on the Mississippi River on a traditional paddlewheeler. As you sip on a Sazerac, there’ll be live jazz bands and historic sites such as the location of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans.
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Jessica
Destination Manager
“Try a cooking class and learn about the colourful history of New Orleans cuisine from the experts. Choose an open demonstration class or try a hands-on interactive lesson to learn from some highly entertaining chefs. Then tuck into some delicious classic Cajun and Creole dishes.”
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Charlotte
Destination Specialist
“New Orleans is full of amazing attractions. Don’t just spend your time on Bourbon Street – there’s so much to see. A great way to get around is by bike.”
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Isla
Destination Executive
“You must try a beignet from Café du Monde in the French Quarter. Delicious donut-like creations smothered in icing sugar, these sweet treats are iconic in New Orleans and perfect with a coffee for breakfast.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your New Orleans holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Mardi Gras
A huge spectacle of colour and celebratory parades, Mardi Gras attracts a whopping 1.4 million visitors each year, welcoming them into the bosom of a gigantic street party. Hit the streets of the French Quarter, including the famous Bourbon Street, and feast your eyes on some spectacular displays. Don’t forget to dress up to fully immerse yourself into the festivities. Keep to tradition with one of the three bold colours of Mardi Gras – purple, green or gold.
Local Cuisine
Get a flavour of the local culture through your palate during your Mardi Gras holiday. Here are a few of our favourite dishes.
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Gumbo
During your New Orleans holiday, make sure you sample some of the city’s most iconic foods. Gumbo is a Creole classic and is a hearty stew packed full of okra, chicken, cured pork or seafood, and is usually served with a healthy portion of rice.
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BBQ Shrimp
Another favourite is New Orlean’s delightful take on BBQ shrimp. The dish gets its name from the Creole-style flavour, which is made from plenty of spices and black pepper. Feast on the shrimp with lots of crusty bread to soak up the delicious spicy juices.
Types of New Orleans holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Mardi Gras 2018, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is on Tuesday 13 February 2018. However, all of the famous festivities and parades in New Orleans start from the long weekend preceding (Friday 9 February–Tuesday 13 February). So, make sure to visit then for the true Mardi Gras experience.
Yes, you can get a river cruise in New Orleans along the legendary Mississippi River. Travel all the way from New Orleans to Memphis in the world’s largest riverboat with American Queen, and enjoy nine days of iconic sites, fine-dining, and sensational on-board entertainment.