Live music on every street, spicy Creole food, and non-stop soul – there’s nowhere like it.

Welcome to New Orleans, a city that marches to the beat of its own (very funky) drum. From jazz echoing through the streets to food that bursts with flavour, this is a place that grabs you by the heart – and doesn’t let go. Whether you’re fresh off your summer camp experience or starting a USA adventure, New Orleans is the perfect place to let loose, dive into rich culture, and dance like nobody’s watching.

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Get a taste of the local culture

Start your adventure in Jackson Square, the beating heart of the French Quarter. With its cobbled streets, wrought iron balconies and the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, this is the New Orleans of every film, photo, and fantasy. Wander through local art displays, street performers, fortune tellers and brass bands playing everything from jazz standards to Beyoncé.

The city’s French, Spanish, Caribbean, and African influences are impossible to miss – especially in the architecture. Stroll past pastel-coloured Creole cottages, crooked balconies draped in beads, and colourful shutters that tell centuries of stories.

And yes, it’s true – New Orleans does the afterlife differently. Its elaborate cemeteries, with above-ground tombs and ornate statues, are unlike anywhere else. Spooky? A little. Fascinating? Absolutely. Join a walking tour to hear tales of voodoo queens, ghost legends, and the city’s deep-rooted connection with life, death and celebration.

Feeling peckish?

New Orleans is where your taste buds come to party. This is the home of Creole and Cajun cuisine, and no trip is complete without trying:

  • Po’Boys – Crusty French bread stuffed with crispy fried shrimp or oysters, dripping in sauce. Head to Parkway Bakery & Tavern, where locals swear it’s the best in town.
  • Beignets – Delicious French doughnuts piled with powdered sugar. Grab some from Café du Monde, and don’t wear black.
  • Gumbo & Jambalaya – Spicy, soulful, and satisfying. You’ll find both on nearly every menu – and every grandma in New Orleans has a secret recipe.

Oh, and if you’re into hot sauce, you’ll find yourself in heaven. Don’t be surprised if every table has a dozen bottles to choose from.

Relax and recharge

Take a break from the buzz with a stroll through City Park – a 1,300-acre green paradise bigger than Central Park. It’s perfect for:

  • Chilling under the oaks with a coffee
  • Visiting the New Orleans Museum of Art
  • Taking a dreamy gondola ride through the bayou
  • Riding the antique carousel
  • Exploring the stunning Botanical Garden

Whether you want to go for a jog or just kick back with some beignets on a bench, City Park is a lush, leafy slice of calm in this ever-lively city.

After dark

New Orleans really comes alive when the sun goes down.

First stop: Bourbon Street. Neon lights, rooftop bars, and live music pouring from every doorway. It’s loud, lively, and legendary.

But if you want something more local, head to Frenchmen Street – less touristy, more authentic, and buzzing with incredible jazz, funk, and soul. Stop in at:

  • Snug Harbor – An iconic jazz bar with 30+ years of history and some of the best live acts in town.
  • The Spotted Cat Music Club – Tiny venue, massive energy.
  • Blue Nile – Great sound, good drinks, and regular big-name performances.

For a more chilled experience, sip a cocktail at French 75, a vintage Creole bar that feels like stepping back in time. The drinks are top-notch, the food is incredible, and the atmosphere is effortlessly classy.

Bonus tip: Festival time?

If you’re travelling in late summer or early autumn, check the festival calendar! New Orleans hosts events like:

  • Bayou Boogaloo – Music, food and kayaks on the bayou!
  • Satchmo SummerFest – A tribute to Louis Armstrong
  • Southern Decadence – A colourful celebration of LGBTQ+ culture