NEW ORLEANS has long inspired poets, novelists, musicians and travelers alike. It’s easy to understand why people fall for the Big Easy: history, romance and lively celebrations seem to appear around every corner.
The city remains a major tourism destination, drawing crowds for signature events such as Jazz Fest, the Allstate Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras. New Orleans continues to upgrade infrastructure for visitors, including a large airport improvement program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and expanded non-stop service from international carriers.
Major tourism projects are underway across the city. The National World War II Museum is expanding with plans that include a hotel and conference center, and a new Four Seasons is planned for the former World Trade Center building downtown. New Orleans also continues to grow as a cruise homeport, with major lines operating seasonal itineraries to destinations across the Caribbean and Mexico.
River cruising remains an important draw as well. Companies operate paddlewheelers and classic steamboats on the Mississippi, offering multi-day journeys to river towns such as Vicksburg and Memphis. Many passengers spend extra days in New Orleans before or after their cruise to explore the city’s culture, dining and nightlife.
The city’s transit system is part of its charm. The iconic red streetcars rattle along St. Charles Avenue beneath canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and several other streetcar lines complement a broad bus network that serves neighborhoods across the metro area.
Ground transportation to and from the airport is convenient. Taxis and app-based ride services like Uber and Lyft serve the terminal; taxi booths are located on the first level outside of baggage claim, and ride-hail pickups occur at the Ground Transportation Center. Fares to the Central Business District and French Quarter are fixed for short rides, while ride-hail pricing varies by provider and demand.
Beignets at Café Du Monde © NEW ORLEANS TOURISM AND MARKETING
CORPORATION
New Orleans is famed worldwide for its food, making it an excellent city for entertaining clients. Begin the day with café au lait and beignets at the open-air French Quarter institution Café Du Monde, a quintessential local experience. For an early start, neighborhood spots like Wakin’ Bakin’ offer breakfast sandwiches and burritos, while Satsuma Café serves lighter, health-conscious options with strong coffee and fresh juices.
Dining options span historic institutions to celebrated newcomers. Classic restaurants such as Dooky Chase, Cochon, Herbsaint and Commander’s Palace showcase traditional New Orleans cuisine with timeless appeal. Contemporary additions continue to attract national attention, with inventive concepts blending local flavors and global influences.
After dinner, the city provides many ways to extend the evening. Sip a cocktail at a stately hotel bar or try classic New Orleans drinks like the mint julep or the Sazerac. For a memorable experience, take a seat at a revolving lounge or a storied bar where the atmosphere is as much a part of the evening as the drink.
Live music is ever-present in New Orleans. Frenchmen Street is a go-to neighborhood for intimate music clubs and vibrant local performances, while the city’s larger venues host touring acts and major concerts. You can also attend performances by the New Orleans Opera or the New Orleans Ballet, both of which present high-quality productions.
Theater and performing arts thrive here, with historic theaters staging Broadway touring shows and local companies producing fresh work. Venues such as the Saenger Theatre and the Mahalia Jackson Theater host a range of performances, and professional local companies provide consistently strong productions for residents and visitors alike.