New Orleans

Eco-friendly travel guide to New Orleans advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America.

New Orleans skyline at night

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 5 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4.5 / 5

Public transportation: 4.6 / 5

Parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.7 / 5

Locals' English level: 5 / 5

Safety: 3.65 / 5

Accommodation: US$20 - $1,200

Budget per day: US$100 - $1,500

Responsible Travel

New Orleans is one of the most unique and fascinating cities in the United States of America and it's popular for its spicy Cajun and Creole cuisine, buzzing live-music scene, and round-the-clock nightlife. Fondly called the “Big Easy”, New Orleans is a popular travel destination for many and it's quite easy to see that with the recorded visitors of almost 11 million in 2017. Expect to have a life-affirming visit when you're in this Crescent City because New Orleans has the tendency of turning out to be one of the best places you've ever visited because it's a haven for culture, art, music, and it's one of the most European cities in the United States of America.

As earlier noted, millions of visitors are drawn to the city every year because of its diverse heritage which is reflected by its food, music, and architecture. And, being an incredible melting pot with the Creole, Spanish, French, and African coming together, it boasts a unique and rich culture that adds to its flavor. Without doubts, New Orleans is a city unlike any other in the country and as you're hoping to travel responsibly in the city, you can use these few helpful tips to travel around;

Ready your walking shoes. New Orleans has neighborhoods that can be easily accessed by foot and this tends to grossly reduce the need for you to rent a car. New Orleans is one of the most walkable cities in the United States and coming with your nice walking shoes will make going around easier and more enjoyable for you. However, there are still other options you can always employ if you don't fancy the idea of walking. Biking is a great alternative, and that aside, you can enjoy a scenic ride with less than $2 by hopping on the streetcar.
Don’t walk alone in New Orleans after midnight. Walking is undoubtedly an easily enjoyable activity in this city but make sure you have at least one other person with you if you do decide to stay out late and explore on foot. And, as you take a walk when it's late at night, do well to take proper precautions and use common sense by not walking alone in the French Quarter after midnight and keep your wallet in your front pocket to prevent theft.
Stick to well-lit streets. If you’re going out at night, it's better to use rideshare services or cabs rather than walking. Stick to well-lit streets and don't forget that walking around alone at night could be dangerous. Keep your wits about you and don't venture away off the beaten path.
You have transportation options to explore. There's a couple of transportation options you can explore to your advantage in this city and do well to opt-in to one that serves you well.
Take the streetcar (not trolley!). Planning at least a couple of rides on this old favorite is more like a must. It's not just efficient and cheap, it's fun and worth experiencing! The lines down to Canal Street and up to Uptown and the Garden District are taken by both the tourists and locals.
You have taxis to take you around and you can as well oblige to Uber or Lyft. If you're in a rush or you feel tired, it's pretty easy to access transportation in this city. From your phone, you can always access Uber and Lyft, and thankfully, Taxis are plentiful in the Quarter. However you should avoid this option as much as you can because it will increase the amount of pollution and traffic on the streets so keep it as a last resort.
Renting a car isn't really necessary. Unless you’re planning on taking a day trip from the city, you won’t need a car because New Orleans is very walkable and another thing is that parking can be a hassle and expensive. If you know you'll be spending all of your time in the city, renting a car is not necessary. You can always ride on the world's oldest continuously operating streetcar by hopping on one of the three streetcar lines that offer a $1.25 ride.
Hire a bike and cycle the city. In this beautiful city of New Orleans, signs are plentiful, people are generally helpful, and getting lost is half the fun because the city layout is pretty straightforward. If you fancy the idea of exploring the city, hire a bike and a map, and start exploring. Taking a cycle tour will help you cover a lot of ground in a shorter time and this is why cycle tours are more preferable to walking tours. You can rent from American-made Cruiser bikes. They offer maps and guidance for those who desire to cruise the city on bike and things do look pretty cool with their chrome fenders and bells, and negotiating the bumpy roads of the city has been made easier with their puncture-resistant tyres.
You can drink on the streets but don't be carried away to carry glass bottles outside of bars. Carrying around a beer bottle on the streets is something you shouldn't do. No, don't make such a tourist mistake. Consuming alcoholic beverages from a plastic to-go cup is the deal if you know you'll be drinking in the streets as it's legal to drink in public areas like the French Quarter/'. It's up to you; if you prefer a margarita to go with your eggs in the morning or a boozy iced coffee because alcoholic beverages are available around the clock in this city and there's no problem if you crave an alcoholic beverage before midnight or even after 2 am. And at daytime, you can always enjoy strolling and sipping at your leisure for most NOLA bars offer plastic to-go cups.
Stay hydrated. In this beautiful city, there's so much to be seen and done and the idea or thought of spending one's vacation stuck inside a hotel room doesn't sound appealing. If you don't want to experience headache or excessive tiredness as you go about your adventures in the city and be able to sleep well and wake up the next day without feeling somehow, you need to drink enough water. Fighting off those pesky and almost-inevitable hangovers warrant that you drink lots of water for you're likely to get dehydrated if you're walking a lot around outside, imbibing more than usual, and eating lots of salty, spicy food; looking at the fact that it’s generally pretty hot and humid in New Orleans.
Enjoy the live music and the parties; they're almost never-ending. One of the beautiful things about New Orleans is the constant celebrations here and there and you'll need to embrace this because once you're in this city, you'll will find a reason to celebrate around every corner. People hold Sunday brunch, funerals, birthdays, and parades for weddings, and the over-the-top celebrations that pop up in the city is one thing New Orleans is famous for. The party never stops and once you're in this city, you need to be prepared for this. The city comes alive with street musicians littered at the French Quarter and you'll likely find a second-line parade complete with a marching band during your visit. There are tons of festivals that mark a variety of occasions and this city is home to several intimate concert venues; no wonder it's called “the birthplace of jazz.” Well put, New Orleans is not a quiet city, and you shouldn't be disturbed by its bustling character as you plan to move around. Just immerse yourself in the beauty of these joyful environs and enjoy yourself.

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in New Orleans is rated "good" and moderate. However, it should be noted that there are some pollution hotspots in the city, and these places should be avoided by those who are very sensitive. Speaking of the climatic condition in New Orleans, the city has a warm sea climate with warm summer and mild winter. The winter is short, cool, and windy; and the summer is long, hot, and oppressive. The weather in the city is comfortably cool from February to May and the best time to visit the city would be in spring or autumn.

Respect the Culture

The locals in this city are very friendly and you should expect to receive a warm and friendly reception from them. In fact, it's almost impossible not to be called "baby" in the city by some of the locals who habitually speak in a unique, slow, melodic accent. Nevertheless, take note that New Orleans has a very strong and unique sense of self with its renowned Carnivals in the world, Voodoo traditions, feisty beats, spicy jambalaya, and it does display a wide variety of tastes and habits. New Orleans is Influenced by several cultures which include Cuban, African, French, and it points to why some people who are from this city don't associate themselves with the South. New Orleans exudes the essence of both Cajun and Creole customs and having a firm grasp of these traditions have a tendency of helping you have a better understanding of respecting the city's culture.

Another thing you should take note of is that just as it is in the Caribbean, music is a major part of life in New Orleans, and it has infiltrated different parts of life in this city. Live music is the norm in this city and you'll have no choice but to be up for the constant festivities that fly around; if you want to experience the city authentically. More so, the city's motto "Laissez les bon temps rouler" which is translated as "Let the good times roll" also dots its influence in the promotion of celebrations and gaiety in the city. Nevertheless, you shouldn't misuse, insult, or abuse the laid-back attitude of this city.

Top 10 Places to Visit

From sightseeing ferries and food establishments to sounds around the city, tastes, and several pleasing sights, New Orleans offers lots of things for visitors to marvel at. Its jazz music, exquisite cuisine, and architectural richness promote its rank as one of the best in the United States of America as it exudes old-world charm with an antiquated uniqueness. Packed with both new, experimental spots, and attractions that have lived up to the hype for decades, It’s difficult to go in the wrong direction upon your arrival in this city as there are loads of fun activities awaiting you.

Popular for its fantastic cuisine, family activities, free attractions, music, shopping, unique inns, and nightlife, New Orleans is a vibrant city on the Mississippi River offering endless options of activities for people to do from going on a Mardi Gras World Tour and listening to jazz at one of the local music clubs, visiting the New Orleans Museum of Art, exploring the historic French Quarter, and lots more!

Frenchman Street: You'll find lots of authentic ways to get a taste of the city here. There are lots of genres of music to be found, heard, and enjoyed here but the standard is blues and jazz. There's something good offered at almost all the live music locations on this New Orleans road and without the crowded state of Bourbon Street, you'll enjoy all the fun of a standard tourist location as you gaze at charming old-fashioned cottages of a Creole-style and be treated to the sight of delightfully cultural shops as you stroll through the street. It's regarded to be the greatest location in the city for live music and it has a reputation for being a must-do for music lovers. Situated in the famous Faubourg Marigny in New Orleans, it's a stretch of road spanning three blocks, and it isn't really just one street.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): It's one of the best places to visit in New Orleans and you’ll have a lot of fun here if you appreciate art. Recent works from Carlos Rolón, Bob Dylan, and others are on display here and there are exhibits of ceramics from Japan, an Americas collection, and an impressive collection of African American art you'll find here. There are over 40,000 artworks on display; from the present-day contemporary works all the way back to the period of the Italian Renaissance. NOMA boasts huge collections of art and it first began its journey in 1912. It shows off some of the truly beautiful and historically rich art, it's situated in City Park, and it's known simply as NOMA for short.
French Quarter: It's home to several fascinating locations, galleries, shops, nightlife, excitement, food, and it has a mix of just about everything. It was first built on the Mississippi River banks three centuries ago, it's essentially the heart of the city, and it's also known as Vieux Carré. It's the oldest and the most famous neighborhood in New Orleans. It's rich in history and if you’re a tourist in this Louisiana city, it's one of the most fun and enticing places you can visit. The French Quarter in downtown New Orleans is worth exploring and experiencing.
Audubon Nature Institute: You can bird-watch, play some sports or golf, or have a picnic when you stop by at the Riverview Park here. It has lots of informative sessions, daily feedings, and environmental films and lectures, of which its events are applauded to be great for all ages. It's home to an insectarium, a zoo with an exciting Jaguar Jungle showcase, a butterfly garden, a large aquarium that holds a huge 400,000-gallon tank, and the massive Entergy Giant Screen Theater.
City Park: The 36-hole City Putt and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are some of the many great places within the park grounds you shouldn't forget to check out. The trees here serve as a natural canopy for cyclers, picnickers, and others, and they're draped with stunning Spanish moss. It has the biggest mature oak tree collection in the whole wide world and it isn’t just good for strolling. This land received some care and proper scaping in the 1850s and back then, it used to be known by the apt name Dueling Oaks as it was a place where people come to settle similar disputes and disagreements. It's a great place to have a little fun, go site seeing, and unwind. It's the sixth-largest of an urban variety, it's one of the biggest parks in the United States of America, and it's situated in downtown New Orleans.
Woldenberg Park: It's famous for being the host venue of the French Quarter Festival which holds in the early weeks of April and whenever you come here, you'll have an interesting live music performance to enjoy. This park has you covered if you prefer a little more liveliness to your visits and there are various public artworks scattered throughout the space for art lovers to enjoy. Anyone who desires to enjoy nature while in the middle of this city will find this spot to be a beautiful place. This place became a park when it was retooled in the 1980s and 1990s for it used to be the location of warehouses and wharves on the east bank of the Mississippi. Woldenberg Park is one of the best riverside parks in the city and it fronts the French Quarter.
Audubon Zoo: If you want to check out some of what this place has to offer, explore the zoo on the Swamp. It's home to the award-winning Louisiana Swamp which houses alligators, the Cool Zoo splash park, Gator Run, and Jaguar Jungle. You'll find a wide array of animals here which include orangutans, rhinos, Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, gorillas, and lions but its special environments are the biggest draws of the location. It has environments perfectly tailored to the residents as it forms a surprisingly realistic array of exhibit spaces - further thanks to the city's climate. Audubon Zoo is certainly one of the places to visit in the city if you're a nature fan or an animal lover.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: There are beautiful flowers to appreciate, multiple different historical areas to observe, and guided walks to enjoy here - amidst the plentiful activities that one can take part in. There's the Battle of New Orleans site within park grounds and you'll also find several distinct biomes like bayous, prairies, and swamps here. There are loads of interesting spots at this place that covers six different spots in New Orleans and spans 22,241 acres. Check out the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve if you're into nature and sightseeing.
Louis Armstrong Park: The shining beacon and favorite spot of this park is where African Americans celebrate their heritage as they dance, sing, and have fun, and it's the Congo Square which lies at the very center of the park. This particular spot was once used for slaves before it was reclaimed and this park, in particular, used to be a huge player in the world of the African American music scene when it first began its life in the 1960s in Tremé. This park is beautifully landscaped and it's grown to be the home of events and festivals with its huge 32-acre space and it is not far displaced from the cultural aspects of New Orleans for it's close to the teeming French Quarter. It enjoys the reputation of being one of the top green tourist attractions that this city has to offer.
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden: It houses sculptures by modern artists like Katharina Fritsch, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Henry Moore, and many more. You can view many different pieces of art and there are magnolias, camellias, pines, oaks, and all sorts of flora here. Walking through here can be a lot of fun and the gardens first opened in 2003. Decorated with over 90 different sculptures, it's an 11-acre expanse of garden stretching out, and it's situated right near the main NOMA building. This place is technically a part of the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Entrance to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans

Explore

New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures and it's famous all over the world for its outrageous Mardi Gras celebrations, Cajun cuisine, and jazz music. It's renowned for its special kind of vibe which you simply can't find anywhere else and it takes pride in being one of the most unique cities in the United States of America. The infamous Bourbon Street at the heart of the district and the French Quarter are where most of the action for tourists is centered around. You'll see tourists lining up to buy beignets at the Steamboat Natchez docked along the shore to go on a tour on horse-drawn carriages.

From the posh Garden District to the trendy Warehouse District, New Orleans has many quaint areas worth exploring, and it does offer more beyond the French Quarter. Exploring this city is pretty easy because New Orleans is a great walking city and if you want to take a break walking, you'll find buses available to take you around, and you can as well hop on a historic street car. New Orleans is a city of shaded courtyards, elegant iron balconies, palatial townhouses, and Creole cottages. When it comes to day-to-day living, architecture, and dining, New Orleans is a little out of step with the United States. It's the cradle of jazz music, a unique place where you can turn a corner and be swept along in a street parade and order a cocktail to-go. This irrepressible, charmingly dissolute city has a joie de vivre you can barely resist and you'll definitely enjoy your time in the city.

City Parks

New Orleans is home to some of the most stunning parks in the United States of America and the fun it offers extends way beyond the pavement. There's always something exciting happening in the streets of this city from festivals to the Mardi Gras parades and the outdoor affairs of this city is one major thing that louds its popularity. Nevertheless, you'll find a number of green spaces for a picturesque adventure in this city as there are public squares, commons, and plazas all over the city. Here are some of the best parks you'll find in New Orleans;

Woldenberg Park: It runs along the water to St. Philip Street and it begins at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. It's situated where the Quarter meets the mighty Mississippi and this park is an essential stop for those who want to explore the French Quarter. There's an outdoor amphitheater where you can enjoy listening to live music, you can explore the park’s beautiful 16 acres, or perhaps, sit and watch the steamboats float by. More so, some of the city's best views of the river are provided by the waterfront benches, gazebos, and picnic spots.
Crescent Park: This park has it all along the Mississippi waterline; should you desire to enjoy breathtaking views with a historic atmosphere. Perfect for friendly gatherings, sightseeing spots, and family visits, it has a multi-use pavilions that are recently restructured, and you can enjoy exploring the Piety Wharf and the Mandeville Wharf. Memorializing the robust history of the wharves of the city, this riverfront stretch of green space has a landscape design that's steeped in New Orleans’ past and Crescent Park is one of the city’s newest parks.
City Park: The 36-hole City Putt and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are some of the many great places within the park grounds you shouldn't forget to check out. The trees here serve as a natural canopy for cyclers, picnickers, and others, and they're draped with stunning Spanish moss. It has the biggest mature oak tree collection in the whole wide world and it isn’t just good for strolling. This land received some care and proper scaping in the 1850s and back then, it used to be known by the apt name Dueling Oaks as it was a place where people come to settle similar disputes and disagreements. It's a great place to have a little fun, go site seeing, and unwind. It's the sixth-largest of an urban variety, it's one of the biggest parks in the United States of America, and it's situated in downtown New Orleans.

The stairs going down to the Crescent Park

National Parks

There are five national parks in Louisiana and New Orleans is home to two of them;

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: It boasts a concert venue, an office space, a visitor center, and the Louis Armstrong Park. Dedicated to the preservation of this musical tradition, the entire 4-acre area of the park plays a great role in the development of jazz music in this city. It's a unique national park service sites in the state of Louisiana and the country at large. The purpose of its establishment is to celebrate the evolution and history of jazz music in the region and it was established in 1994. It's situated close to the famous French Quarter and as it's all understood that music is a huge part of the culture and history of New Orleans, this historical park is a very special icon in the city.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: The Charlotte Monument and Grounds, National Cemetery, Chalmette Battlefield, Barataria Preserve, Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, and the Acadian Cultural Center are some of the properties included in this site listing, and you'll find six different parks included within this property. This park was named after Jean Lafitte and it encompasses the area within the Mississippi River Delta region. There are beautiful flowers to appreciate, multiple different historical areas to observe, and guided walks to enjoy here - amidst the plentiful activities that one can take part in. There's the Battle of New Orleans site within park grounds and you'll also find several distinct biomes like bayous, prairies, and swamps here. There are loads of interesting spots at this place that covers six different spots in New Orleans and spans 22,241 acres.

Inside the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Beaches

New Orleans has grown to be a popular destination for tourists and thankfully, it's surrounded by some amazing beach towns — a juicy compensation for those who would love to add a fun beach time to their itinerary. Situated on the banks of Mississippi River, facing the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans exudes a special kind of vibe and visitors in this city have the opportunity of enjoying sandy shores and sunny days whenever they visit because there are tons of nice beaches within driving distance away. Truly, nothing feels more refreshing than escaping to a beach during the heat of summer in New Orleans, and these nearby beaches do provide succor for an escape;

Biloxi/Gulfport Beach
Holly Beach, aka the Cajun Riviera
Lake Pontchartrain Beach
Bogue Chitto State Park
Ship Island
Grand Isle
Dauphin Island
Panama City Beach
Navarre Beach
Coconut Beach

Panama City Beach

Landmarks

Here are some of the best landmarks in New Orleans;

Mardi Gras World: You can try on costumes and view works in progress as you experience the traditions of Mardi Gras when you go through a 90-minute tour via the warehouse. You have the opportunity of seeing some of the floats being prepared for the next event in Mardi Gras World. A lot of time and effort were put in by about a hundred employed artists and workers who ensured that this place was open and running in 1984. Before it grew into a big company, it all started with Kern’s first-ever float which was founded in 1932 by Roy Kern and owned by Kern Studios. Mardi Gras World does have a fairly straightforward history and it's situated around the port area of the city.
Jackson Square: You've got no reason not to check out this place if you’re in the city this weekend. It houses eateries, shops, many galleries, a statue of the late president, and formal gardens. This area was renamed to honor General Andrew Jackson once the Battle of New Orleans drew to a close in 1815 and it shares a bit similarity with Paris’ Place des Vosges as it used to be a ground for military parades back in the 1720s. Tourists gravitate towards this place like it's nobody’s business and it's pretty famous in New Orleans.
Honey Island Swamp: Airboats are a popular way to explore swamps like Honey Island Swamp and you can as well oblige to a custom swamp boat led by an experienced guide by going on a Honey Island Swamp Tour. You'll have a great time visiting this ancient landmark which is one of the top attractions in Louisiana and the New Orleans region. It's a stunning sight to behold and it's packed with rare flora and fauna. A mythological big foot-like creature; the illusive Honey Island Swamp Monster, once used this place as a hideout and the same goes for moonshiners and pirates. There are black bears, turtles, snakes, nutria, wild boars, owls, bald eagles, alligators, and few other animals here, and the lands here stretch 140-square miles. Honey Island Swamp is regarded to be one of the country's least altered river swamps.

Jackson Square, New Orleans

Museums

New Orleans is a place filled with life, friendly people, attractions, culture, and it's definitely more than a celebration and Mardi Gras city. Those who desire to have a grasp of knowledge and insights about local and global culture will find the city's museums to be a worthy place to visit and here are some of the best ones in the city;

New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): It's one of the best places to visit in New Orleans and you’ll have a lot of fun here if you appreciate art. Recent works from Carlos Rolón, Bob Dylan, and others are on display here and there are exhibits of ceramics from Japan, an Americas collection, and an impressive collection of African American art you'll find here. There are over 40,000 artworks on display; from the present-day contemporary works all the way back to the period of the Italian Renaissance. NOMA boasts huge collections of art and it first began its journey in 1912. It shows off some of the truly beautiful and historically rich art and it's situated in City Park.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum: There are potions, books, candles, snake skins, and many other items that can be purchased at the museum. There are fascinating items of all kinds on display within the walls of this museum and local voodoo brought via the slave trade in the 1700s is what this museum focuses very heavily on. Founded in the year 1972, it’s one of New Orleans's most popular tourist attractions, and those who have interests in the lengthy history, and the intricacies of the mysterious will find this place captivating.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art: You'll love it here whether you're an aficionado of fine arts or not. Taking in the cultural history, techniques, and the sheer diversity of art styles of the works here is so much fun. Will Henry Stevens (a modernist painter), Hunt Slonem (a neo-Expressionist), George Ohr (a ceramicist), and Clementine Hunter (a folk artist) are some of the artists whose works are exhibited. From abstract art and sculptures to landscapes and lots more, you'll see all kinds of different genres and influences of art style here. Works and pieces dating back to 1733 are shown off at this museum which was built in 1999, and it's renowned for hosting one of the largest collections of art in the entire south.

Inside the sculpture garden of New Orleans Museum of Art

Eat

New Orleans is most famous for its unique Creole and Cajun cuisines and traditional southern flavors abound in this city. There's a rich trifecta of butter, cream, and oil for all to enjoy and this is a city where you'll have no choice but to forget about your diet. New Orleans is a culinary delight and while Creole is its main culinary tradition, there are other specialties in the city like the Seafood, Oysters, Crawfish, Po-boys (don't say "poor boys"), the Muffaletta, Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Red Beans and Rice to enjoy in the city.

Po Boys in New Orleans

Traditional Local Restaurants

Traditional local restaurants are plentiful in New Orleans:

Antoine's Restaurant
Tujague's
Dooky Chase Restaurant
Elizabeth's
Clancy's Restaurant
August
Cochon Restaurant

Tujague's restaurant in New Orleans

Vegetarian and Vegan

You won’t have any issues finding meat-free fare whether you're residing permanently or just staying for the weekend. Do well to take advantage of this city’s burgeoning green scene and ditch the meat-inspired itinerary to enjoy delicious non-meat meals at any of these places;

Breads on Oak
Good Karma Prasad Café
1000 Figs
Green Goddess
The Daily Beet
Carmo
Satsuma Café
Sneaky Pickle
Bao & Noodle
Seed

Breads on Oak in New Orleans is a great option for vegetarians and vegans

Street Food

New Orleans is relatively new to the food truck scene compared to other American cities. However, food trucks like Food Drunk, Fat Falafel, La Cocinita, and Empanada Intifada give you an opportunity to enjoy nice street eats in the city.

A fat falafel truck in New Orleans

Drink

Coffee in New Orleans differs from any other coffee in the world and the café au lait which is is a coffee served half brewed coffee and half hot milk is well-enjoyed by the locals here. However, beer lovers will be glad to find themselves in a place like New Orleans where it's legal to drink in public within a plastic container and there are several invented cocktails to try out.

Tap-water

Visitors should not hesitate to drink the city's tap water freely as its considered to be safe to drink.

Organic Cafés

Green to Go and Max Well, New Orleans are some of the finest organic cafés you'll find in New Orleans.

Breweries

New Orleans offers some breweries that are perfect for beer drinkers!

New Orleans Lager And Ale Brewing
Crescent City Brewhouse
Gordon Biersch
Abita Brewing Company
Second Line Brewing

Activities

In New Orleans, every season has something for outdoor lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy everything from golfing and fishing to boating, biking, hiking, jogging, and lots more in this city.

Yoga and Retreats

Balance Yoga and Wellness New Orleans, Wild Lotus Yoga - Uptown, and Live Oak Yoga are some of the places you can trust for your yoga and retreats in New Orleans.

Accommodation

The places you can stay in New Orleans are as diverse as the city itself. Sounds funny right? Well, that's the simple truth. When deciding where to stay in New Orleans, there's a profusion of delightful options you'll have to choose from for accommodation choices are plentiful in the city.

Jung Hotel in New Orleans

Green Hotels

There are lots of green, eco-friendly hotels in New Orleans:

Green House Inn
Hotel Monteleone
Aloft New Orleans Downtown
Blake Hotel-Best Western Premier
Bluegreen Club La Pension
Hampton Inn New Orleans-St. Charles

Hostels and Guest Houses

Some of the best hostels and guest houses in New Orleans are:

India House Hostel
The Quisby
Auberge NOLA Hostel
IHSP French Quarter House
HI New Orleans Hostel

Apartments

Apartments are not difficult to find in New Orleans. You can check websites for listings, ask some of the locals around you, or get a room via Airbnb.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing seems to be a bit popular in New Orleans and there's a good chance of you finding a host in this city because the locals are very friendly and welcoming.

Camping

You can enjoy camping in New Orleans at any of these places:

Jude Travel Park
Riverboat Travel Park
Three Oaks & a Pine RV Park
French Quarter RV Resort
Golden Dragon Campground Inc

How to Get There

Depending on your proximity to the city, there are lots of options you can explore to get into New Orleans.

Air

Louis Armstrong International Airport is the primary airport in New Orleans and there's the Lakefront Airport serving the city too.

Inside the Louis Armstrong International Airport

Bus

Both Greyhound and Megabus has services from Orlando, Gainesville, Tallahassee, San Antonio, Houston, Baton Rouge, Mobile, Montgomery, and Atlanta.

Bus in the French Quarter, New Orleans

Train

New Orleans is served by several long-distance Amtrak routes.

Trains in New Orleans

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking on the Interstate in New Orleans is illegal.

Others

The main artery into and out of town is Interstate 10, for those who will be driving in to the city.

Moving Around

The best ways to get around New Orleans are on foot and by public transportation.

Walk

New Orleans is easily navigated on foot with its small, compact neighborhoods but make sure you hydrate properly.

Bicycle

New Orleans has a flat terrain which makes cycling around a real pleasure.

bikes for rent at Lafitte Greenway

Electronic Vehicles

Car rentals are available at the airport and throughout the city and you should be able to pick up an electronic vehicle at any of these places.

Public Bus

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority runs streetcars and buses in the city. One-way fares on streetcars and buses cost $1.25.

Tram, Train and Subway

Getting around by train, tram, or subway isn't common in New Orleans.

Sustainable Shopping

Shopping sustainably isn't a herculean thing to do in New Orleans as there are several eco-friendly shops in the city like Queork, Goods that Matter, and UP where green shoppers can shop from.

Food Markets

If you want to contribute your quota in reducing transportation emissions and promote healthy living, shop at food markets:

ReFresh Market
Covington Farmers Market
Marketplace at Armstrong Park
Crescent City Farmers Market
Camellia City Market

Covington Farmers Market

Flea Markets

Algiers Mini Mart Flea Market, the French Market, Palace Art Market, and Freret Market are some of the best flea markets in New Orleans.

French Market New Orleans

Second Hand Stores

New Orleans is a hotbed for unique thrift shops as it's a city where creativity and originality flourish. You need not shop for mass-produced souvenirs if you crave to take a little piece of New Orleans home with you, and whether you seek a hand-made piece of art, a one-of-a-kind accessory, or a re-purposed or vintage clothing item, these thrift stores are readily accessible to satisfy your needs;

Bridge House Thrift Store
St Claude Second Hand Store Thrift resale
Junk’s Above
YEP Thrift Works
Restoration Thrift
Bloomin' Deals Thrift Shop

Eco-Fashion

Passion Lilie is a popular eco-friendly clothing brand in New Orleans and there are as well other places in the city where you can shop for fashion ethically.

Recycling

New Orleans offers free weekly curbside recycling to eligible properties.

Waste

There's bi-weekly curbside trash collection offered to small businesses and eligible residents in the city.

Work and Study Abroad

New Orleans is home to popular universities like Southern University--New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans, Tulane University, and many more, and it's a fine place for work and study abroad.

Exchange Student

Virtually all the colleges and universities in New Orleans offer the student exchange program.

Au Pair

Au Pairs are likely to find opportunities in New Orleans and their best bet is to talk to the locals around or search online for possibilities.

Volunteering

Volunteering opportunities abound in New Orleans and there are tons of organizations one can volunteer for in this city. A simple research online will expose you to many offers.