New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS OVERVIEW

Languages: English
Airport:Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Population:343,829
Time Zone: Central Time Zone

WHERE TO STAY

The New Orleans Marriott Hotel is located on Canal Street and located very close to the National WWII Museum and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. The famous French Quarter and Bourbon Street are also located within walking distance from the property. Enjoy American fare at the 5 Fifty 5 Restaurant or a cocktail at 55 Fahrenheit on the premises. At the W French Quarter, relax in a luxurious room with custom décor or hang out at the Wet Outdoor Courtyard Pool. You can even bring your furry friends along, because at the W, pets are welcome! Take a stroll to Jackson Square and then check out the boutiques, bistros, and trendy art galleries. You can book a room at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside located right on Poydras Street if you’re looking for a great location right along the Mississippi. This property is located near the Morial New Orleans Convention Center, Harrah’s Casino, the French Quarter, and Riverwalk Marketplace. At the hotel’s own Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of delicious Southern dishes.

POPULAR CUISINES

Louisiana is known for its Creole and Cajun cuisine. Creole cooking combines elements of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Native American, and African cuisine. Many of the foods incorporate hot peppers, citrus marinades, rice, and beans. Some famous Creole dishes include jambalaya which is similar to paella and includes meat, vegetables, stock, and rice; crawfish etouffee, a thick crawfish stew which is seasoned and served over rice; and dirty rice which is made with white rice, leftover pieces of chicken, and the “holy trinity” (bell pepper, celery, and onion). A popular Creole dessert is beignets, which are deep-fried pastries similar to donuts that are usually served with powdered sugar on top. Cajun cuisine, on the other hand, is a more rustic style of cooking introduced by the Acadians of Canada when they came to Louisiana. Some traditional dishes include boudin, a sausage made from pork, pork liver, rice, garlic, green onion, and other spices; gumbo, a thick stew traditionally made from chicken, Andouille sausage, and okra; and crawfish boiled with potatoes, onions, corn, and spices.

CLIMATE

Louisiana’s climate is considered humid subtropical with short, mostly mild winters and hot, humid summers. During the winter, lows average around 43*F and highs can reach 62*F. In the summer, temperatures can range between the low 70s and mid-90s. Additionally, since New Orleans is at such a low elevation, hurricanes pose a severe threat to the city. The city is surrounded by water from the north, east, and south which makes it very vulnerable. Hurricane season usually lasts from June 1 to November 30.

INSIDER TIPS FROM OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS

First off, be sure to mind your manners when visiting New Orleans. Etiquette is a big deal in the Big Easy, so don’t skimp on the “sirs” and “ma’ams.” If someone says “where y’at,” they don’t want to know where you’re going; they’re just asking you how you’re doing. Public buses and streetcars are a convenient way to get around town and the fare is reasonable at $1.25 exact change plus 25 cents for each transfer. Additionally, buses run between the hours of 6AM and 6PM and streetcars run from 7AM to 10:30PM. If it’s famous eats you’re looking for, definitely go to Café du Monde on Decatur Street. If you’re craving beignets, there’s no better place to go for these sweet treats. Better yet, it’s open 24/7 and only closed on Christmas and during holidays. Now, if seafood is what you desire, no trip to NOLA is complete without stopping in at the Acme Oyster House on Iberville Street. Right in the heart of the French Quarter, you can get your oysters raw or chargrilled and try a variety of other classic menu items like hush puppies, gumbo, and jambalaya.