It’s the birthplace of jazz… the home of Zydeco… the muse for many a musical master. From the inspirational historic sites that pay homage to the legends of yesteryear, to the countless live-music venues that showcase the sounds of the now, New Orleans croons sweet melodies for visitors 24 hours a day.
Top Activities
Audubon Nature Institute (Aquarium, Zoo, Insectarium, Entergy IMAX Theatre): Discover the wonders of nature with the Audubon Nature Institute. From their world-class Zoo and Aquarium, to their newly opened Insectarium, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy. There’s also the IMAX Theatre, which features 3D films. See nature UP CLOSE!
National World War II Museum: Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the country’s official World War II Museum, this remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WWII era. Now featured in the Solomon Victory Theatre – “Beyond All Boundaries”, an amazing 4-D theatrical experience.
The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk: The Riverwalk Marketplace is now open as The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, the nation’s first outlet center in the very heart of a downtown. Showcasing many national retailers for the first time in New Orleans, Louisiana and the Gulf region, Riverwalk also is the destination for local shops, dining and entertainment that reflect the unique flavor of the city.
Mardi Gras World: Mardi Gras World is New Orleans’ showcase of Carnival, with thousands of sensational sculptured props breathtaking giant figures on display all year round. Come and take a look behind the magic of Mardi Gras!
Harrah’s New Orleans Casino: In the world’s most exciting city and just steps from the French Quarter, you’ll find over 2,100 of the newest, hottest slots plus plenty of action-packed table games. We’ve got the games you want to play! From slots and roulette to baccarat and poker, you’ll find all the action at Harrah’s New Orleans.
Ideas for First Time Visitors:
- Cafe Du Monde – Experience New Orleans- style cafe au lait and beignets
- City Tour
- City Sightseeing
- BusVision
- Creole and Cajun Cuisine
- French Quarter
- Garden District
- Jazz
- Louisiana Tax Free Shopping
- Riverboat Cruise: Creole Queen
- Riverboat Cruise: Steamboat Natchez
- Plantations
- Swamp
Ideas for Repeat Visitors:
- Cemetery Tour
- Cocktail Tour
- Cooking School: The New Orleans School of Cooking
- Cooking School: Crescent City Cooks!
- Cooking School: Langlois, Culinary Crossroads
- Cooking School: New Orleans Cooking Experience
- Expand your culinary adventure
- Festivals
- French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
- New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
- Haunted History Tours
- Historic Neighborhoods
- Mardi Gras World
- Nightlife
Special Events
Saints and Sinners Literary Festival
This annual LGBT literary festival has merged with the Tennesee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival in 2015 to celebrate the literary arts concurrently. Saints and Sinners brings a variety of LGBT speakers and writers to the city, including Saeed Jones in 2015. Saints and Sinners is a don’t-miss for master classes, panel discussions, workshops, readings and performances of LGBT literary works.
Gay Easter Parade
Easter Sunday kicks off with the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade, and then later in the afternoon the city’s LGBT community hosts the Gay Easter Parade. Participants in horse-drawn carriages or atop floats leisurely parade through the French Quarter, passing gay-owned bars, restaurants and shops. Paraders don their Easter finest, from gowns to bonnets, and have plenty of throws for crowds.
New Orleans Pride Festival
Now in its fifth year, New Orleans Pride is Southern Decadence’s younger sister, celebrating gay history while promoting public awareness and education. Pride weekend begins with a Kick Off Party, and continues with a parade on Saturday and keynote speaker Ryan Sallans on Sunday. New Orleans Pride is known for its community outreach, including anti-bullying and suicide prevention initiatives.
Local Transportation
Louisiana Trailways: Louisiana Trailways is a leading Louisiana coach for hire and tour bus company specializing in escorted group tours, coach charters, and other scenic tours. As one of New Orleans’ largest privately owned bus companies, we have an ample sized fleet with a variety of equipment for all your transportation needs.
Hotard Coaches, Calco Travel: Since the 1960’s, Hotard Coaches, Inc. has continuously provided outstanding service with a focus on safety and hospitality. Calco Travel can assist you in all of your travel and vacation needs and offers the finest amenities available in motorcoach touring. We are very proud of our fleet of late model, well-maintained Motor Coaches, Mini Coaches, and Vans.
Limousine Livery: The Gulf Coast’s largest passenger transportation service for more than 25 years. Providing airport transfers, shuttle services, private tours, dinner charters/transfers, and more. Featuring new sedans, limousines, vans, SUVs, minibuses, and motorcoaches.
New Orleans Tours: New Orleans Tours is a full service transportation company offering services tailored to meet your specifications. Our charters division is a complete ground transportation company offering services tailored to meet your specifications. We feature a fleet of year 2002 motorcoaches equipped with all the amenities you and your group will need to ensure a memorable trip.
Machu Picchu Travel Services: We offer reliable, safe and comfortable transportation services for individuals and groups of all sizes. Our transportation services range from, but are not limited to, tours, airport transfers, dinner transfers, and shuttles. If your group is foreign, let us take care of you. Since 1980, our international specialists have provided services in English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Distance from Major Airports
- Airport (to downtown) – 14 miles
Local Tour Guides
Rey Royal Excursions: Unique experience of New Orleans and Louisiana, assuring a memorable visit. Full-service dmc/receptive operator offering accommodations, transportation, events, tours. Personalized service for small and large groups. English, Spanish, French, and Italian spoken. Contact: Tomas Rey, [email protected]
Livery Tours: Offers a wide range of tour options from ice breaker cocktail tours to haunted houses, city, plantation, walking, swamp and cultural tours. We can customize tours that are a specific interest to your group. French, Chinese and German spoken. Contact: Stevie Garcia [email protected]
Shun Fa Travel (Best Express Inc.): Local travel agency specializing in Chinese groups. contact Allen Chuang: [email protected]
Destination Management Inc.: Experience, knowledge, contacts; hotel and venue selection, logistics, ground transportation, theme events, hospitality staff, unique tours, VIP services, deluxe motorcoaches, Mississippi riverboats, airport shuttle, meet and greet. Contact [email protected]
Le Monde Creole: French Quarter walking tour of courtyards and cemetery. This two-hour tour explores the city’s fascinating history through the true story of a prominent New Orleans’ family. Daily in English/French. Reservations required. Contact Paul Nevski: [email protected]
