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Your Complete Guide to New Orleans Hotels & Activities

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New Orleans, famously dubbed "The Big Easy," is a town known for its fantastic live music scene, mouthwatering and award-winning bars and restaurants, museums, walkability, and spirited celebrations. From the energetic vibes of Bourbon Street to the calming beauty of the more than 300-year-old city’s many parks and green spaces, NOLA offers a diverse array of experiences for every traveler—not to mention its rich melting pot of cultures (from French and African to American, Spanish, Haitian, and more), making this a truly magical city filled with beautiful people, customs, and experiences.

Plan ahead and visit during Mardi Gras, for a fun-filled bash in the streets unlike any other.
Pack comfortable shoes and a novelty item—a hat, feather boa, or another creative accessory you wouldn’t mind swapping with new friends.
New Orleans is a food city, through and through, so make reservations for must-visit bars and restaurants, to ensure availability during your trip.

Travel Tips

New Orleans can be hot and humid, especially in the summer. Pack lightweight clothing and stay hydrated. Embrace the local culture, which is known for its hospitality and love for music, food, and festivities. While the city is generally safe for tourists, be cautious in crowded areas and stick to well-lit streets, especially at night. And always explore more! Venture beyond the French Quarter to experience neighborhoods like the Garden District, Marigny, and Bywater for a more authentic experience

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Tucked away in the historic Garden District, Kimpton Fontenot combines Southern charm with contemporary luxury. With its elegant design and luxurious linens and amenities, this boutique hotel offers a sophisticated haven for guests looking to explore the city's coolest neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Start your day slowly here with free coffee or tea in addition to the yoga flow of your choice (there are complimentary yoga mats in each room for guests to use). With three restaurants on-site, you’ll have your choice of French salon/cocktail bar at the Peacock Room, casual coffee shop at Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats, or Mediterranean flavors at King Brasserie.

Located in the city’s Central Business District, Hotel Indigo is inspired by the culture, customs, and bright colors worn by the locals of New Orleans. Built in the 1800s, the pet-friendly hotel has a few guest rooms with balconies overlooking St. Charles and Common, a real treat for those who like to people watch. And it’s not far from some of the city’s best venues, like the Orpheum Theater, House of Blues, the Fillmore, Caesar’s Superdome, and Smoothie King Center. Dine on Cajun and Creole dishes at the hotel’s restaurant, Common Interest. Brunch can be paired with bottomless mimosas starting at 7 am, but lunch and dinner are where you’ll find those real hearty, traditional dishes like gumbo, grits, and one-pot jambalaya.

Experience luxury at its finest at the InterContinental New Orleans, just two blocks from the French Quarter. Voted “one of the best hotels in the world” by Conde Nast Traveler, this InterCon features spacious rooms, award-winning dining options, and panoramic views of the city skyline, in addition to an unparalleled level of comfort and convenience for discerning travelers. Take a dip in the hotel’s outdoor pool (open seasonally) or get a quick workout in at the fully-equipped fitness center. Delight in Cajun-Creole dishes at Trenasse or grab breakfast at the Pan American Carnival-themed Pete’s Pub—both restaurants pay homage to NOLA’S globally-recognized gastronomy

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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.

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French for “Brother Rabbit,” Compere Lapin is the brainchild of former Top Chef contestant Nina Compton. Originally from St. Lucia, Compton combines Latin-Caribbean, European, and traditional Southern flavors for a menu that’s creative, fun, and unpretentious. Try cocktails like the CL Daiquiri with guanabana or the frozen Jalousie Beach Punch with guava, aloe, and melon. On the food menu, don’t miss the buttermilk biscuits, the curried goat, and the jerk pork belly. Or you can go for the “Just Feed Me,” a prix fixe menu decided by the chef.

Award-winning Southeast Asian food with a Southern twist, Maypop in the Central Business District is inspired by the Gulf Coast and the diverse culture of the city. Try the chef’s tasting menu, which includes dishes like satsuma glazed octopus and chocolate miso panna cotta. The wine pairing is extra, but worth it for the oenophiles in the group.

Head to Carousel Bar, NOLA’s historic revolving bar, for a nightcap. Enjoy live music Wednesday through Saturday, but the bar is open daily so if you happen to miss the performances, you can still pop in for a classic cocktail any day of the week. A sazerac or Vieux Carre is the move here, but beware of sipping and spinning if you have any sort of motion sensitivity. The slow-moving carousel has been in action for over 60 years and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Experience unparalleled hospitality and craft cocktails at Jewel of the South, a classic New Orleans tavern and recent winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. Located in the French Quarter, this historic bar is inside a renovated 1800’s Creole Cottage—make a reservation for dinner and drinks, especially if you’re a fan of great cocktails. The bar and restaurant is known for riffs on Southern classics like the French 75, the Jewel Sazerac, and the Brandy Milk Punch.

Feast on inventive sandwiches and comfort food classics at Turkey & the Wolf, a quirky eatery in the Garden District known for its playful menu and laid-back ambiance. Voted America’s Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit in 2017, the menu is constantly changing but may include anything from collard green melts to fried pot pie on any given day. Opt for a frozen blue crush, frozen margarita, or a Tennessee smash to wash it all down.

Other favorites in the city include Balcony Bar (a rooftop bar uptown), Anna’s (a local dive in the Marigny neighborhood), Bayou Beer Garden (a beer garden with over 40 beers and 30 wines on tap in Mid City), Neyow’s Creole Cafe (a beloved restaurant in Mid-City known for its flavorful dishes), and Bar Tonique (a cozy craft cocktail bar in the French Quarter).

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There are plenty of ways to get around New Orleans that don’t include driving and in a city that doesn’t have an open container law, it’s definitely smarter and more enjoyable not to. As long as it’s not in a glass container, you can drink alcohol on the streets of New Orleans, so here are some of the best transportation options for those who plan to imbibe:

Experience a nostalgic ride on the historic streetcars, particularly the St. Charles line, which runs through the Garden District. Rideshare services are also readily available and convenient for getting around the city. If you prefer to bike, New Orleans is relatively flat and bike-friendly, with many rental options and bike lanes throughout the city. And, of course, the French Quarter and other central areas are easily navigable on foot, allowing you to soak in the city's unique pedestrian-filled streets.

Nearby Attractions & Destinations
Explore the fascinating wetlands and wildlife of the Louisiana swamps on a guided tour just outside the city. You may also want to experience Cajun culture firsthand with a trip to nearby towns like Lafayette or Baton Rouge, where you can enjoy authentic Louisiana cuisine and live music.

Hop on a Mississippi River Cruises to admire the city skyline and learn about its storied past. Or take a day trip to the Gulf Coast beaches in Mississippi for sun, sand, and seafood. Gulfport and Biloxi are both around an hour and a half away by car.