New Orleans Vacation Deals

Lashed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans continues to rebuild. Meanwhile, in true Southern style, the city embraces the mantra “let the good times roll.” You’ll find the locals relaxed, and unhurried, always ready for a chat, and embodying the spirit of the city’s nickname, “The Big Easy.”

New Orleans sits on the  Mississippi River in southern Louisiana. It was founded in 1718 by Phillippe d’Orleans, then the Regent of France. The city was under Spanish control for decades before it passed back into French hands, and then was sold to the United States in 1803. 

A magnet for immigrants, the city attracted sugar and cotton workers from France, Ireland, Germany and Africa. Today you’ll find it a multicultural blend of Creoles, African Americans and French-speaking locals. 

Go to the French Quarter to see the rattling streetcars made famous in Tennessee Williams’ play A Streetcar Named Desire. This lively area is known for its ornate, Spanish Colonial architecture. Each year, leading up to Lent, the French Quarter hosts the colorful Mardi Gras festivities, said to have started as early as 1743.  

While in the quarter, stop by the famous Café du Monde, beloved for chicory-laced cafe au lait and French-style beignets. From here, cross the road to  Jackson Square. This beautiful park has been a popular hangout for artists since the early 1920s. Today, it’s home to painters, tarot readers, musicians, street performers and classic Creole cuisine. Sample traditional food, including po’boy sandwiches, fresh Louisiana crawfish, spicy gumbo, jambalaya stews and sugary pralines.

Don't miss a night out on iconic  Bourbon Street , known for its nightspots, cafes, strip joints and jazz clubs. Venues here have hosted many famous musicians, including Louis Armstrong, a New Orleans native. 

New Orleans also has strong ties to a strain of Voodoo religion that is still practiced by a handful of locals. You can take a  voodoo-themed tours of the infamous St. Louis Cemetery, while Lafayette Cemetery is a popular location for movie shoots. 

Getting around is easy, though, as the city is flat and ideal for walking. Alternatively, jump on a streetcar for an inexpensive bit of fun. Several lines originate in Downtown and cover most of the areas you will want to visit. At night, find a cab at a cab-stands and hotels, or telephone one and it will generally arrive fairly quickly. Driving in New Orleans is not recommended. Parking spaces are scarce and expensive, and finding your way is sometimes difficult with many one-way streets and a rather complicated layout.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our  things to do in New Orleans page .

Accommodation in New Orleans

If you are wondering where to stay in New Orleans, visit our New Orleans hotel options. There are 197 hotels to choose from in this beloved destination.

Visitors who appreciate life's finer things can choose from the Windsor Court Hotel, at 300 Gravier St, and the W New Orleans - French Quarter, at 316 Chartres St. Alternatively, The Garden District B&B, at 2418 Magazine Street, and the La Quinta Inn New Orleans Causeway, at 3100 S I 10 Service Rd E, are some listings that might be preferable if you're traveling on the cheap.

Popular Activities in New Orleans

The world is alive with adventure, and there are lots of wonderful experiences to be had when we dig out our passports and head off on vacation.

New Orleans has plenty of activities. Here are some ideas to get you going:

• New Orleans Brewery Bus Tour
• Downtown New Orleans Segway Tour
• Guided Destrehan Plantation & Barataria Swamp Tour
• Dead Sexy Tour
• Heart of the City Bike Tour
• Laura Plantation Tour

Head to our New Orleans things to do page for a full list.

*Savings based on all vacation package bookings with Flight + Hotel on Expedia.com from January through December 2017, as compared to price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages. For Free Flight or 100% Off Flight deals, package savings is greater than or equal to the current cost of one component, when both are priced separately.