The Go Guide: New Orleans

       data-orig-size="4484,2948" data-comments-opened="0"
       data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}"
       data-image-title="" data-image-description=""
       data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?fit=300%2C197"
       data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?fit=1024%2C673"
       data-lazy-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?w=4484 4484w, https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?resize=300%2C197 300w, https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?resize=768%2C505 768w, https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?resize=1024%2C673 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?w=2400 2400w, https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?w=3600 3600w"
       data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 4484px) 100vw, 4484px"
       data-lazy-src="https://i0.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/victoria-heath-ZofZqMM3UU0-unsplash.jpg?fit=4484%2C2948&is-pending-load=1"

srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" />

Planning a trip to New Orleans? Whether you’re headed there for work, fun, or <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/tailwind/five-tips-first-bleisure-trip/">a little bit of both</a>, here are our tips for making the most of your time in the Crescent City.

Where to fly in

The New Orleans metro area is served by <a href="https://www.flymsy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)</a>, located just 15 miles west of New Orleans in the city of Kenner, Louisiana. In late 2019, MSY airport opened its new terminal, which features three concourses, 35 gates, and <a href="https://www.thenewmsy.com/the-plan/concessions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">more than 40 concessions</a>. All commercial airlines now operate from the new terminal.

Once on the ground at MSY, travelers can catch a city bus to head Downtown via the <a href="https://jeffersontransit.org/route/e1-veterans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jefferson Transit Authority (JeT)</a> or the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). JeT bus fare costs $2.00 and the <a href="https://www.norta.com/Maps-Schedules/System-Map/Line.aspx?ID=202" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RTA Airport Express</a> bus costs $1.50; both serve multiple stops in Downtown New Orleans. Travelers can catch either bus from the outer curb on Level 3.

Alternatively, cabs and ride shares are also available from the airport. If you plan to book via a ride share app, be sure to familiarize yourself with the <a href="https://www.flymsy.com/ride-app-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">specific instructions</a> for matching with an Uber or Lyft at MSY.

<a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/flights" class="medium radius otw-button" style="background-color: #FF8517;" target="_blank">Search Flights to New Orleans</a>

Where to stay

In short, the CBD & Warehouse District. Home to both newcomers, like the <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/hotels#w=New+Orleans,+LA;i=2020-03-10;o=2020-03-12;sid=56cc45b1f6d99b2619368552;is_search_for_business=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ace Hotel New Orleans</a>, and iconic hotels, like <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/hotels?#w=New+Orleans,+LA;i=2020-03-10;o=2020-03-12;sid=525505f67f2c6c6e51000040;is_search_for_business=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Roosevelt New Orleans Waldorf Astoria</a>—and a plethora of others in between—the CBD offers visitors a glimpse of a New Orleans sans Mardi Gras beads. Not that there’s anything wrong with staying in the colorful French Quarter; the CBD simply suits those going beyond the guidebook.

In New Orleans on business? Here are our picks for where to stay:

If you’re attending an event at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, you can’t beat the convenience of the <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/hotels?poi=ChIJf7pJLG6mIIYRLxn6gmxNXRg#w=New+Orleans,+LA;i=2020-03-10;o=2020-03-12;sid=509bfef466edc846610265a5;is_search_for_business=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center</a>. Located just a couple minutes’ walk from the convention center, the business traveler-friendly hotel also offers a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
If a hotel located in the heart of the city is what you’re after, look no further than the <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/hotels?#w=New+Orleans,+LA;i=2020-03-10;o=2020-03-12;sid=509bfdd566edc84661019922;is_search_for_business=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter</a>. Steps away from iconic Bourbon Street, this hotel also offers more than 32,000 square feet of conference space for hosting meetings and events.
Looking to leverage your Concur Hipmunk membership? Book a stay at the <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/hotels#w=New+Orleans,+LA;i=2020-03-10;o=2020-03-12;sid=555c976bc0852e1c2e000030;is_search_for_business=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hyatt House New Orleans/Downtown</a>. You’ll receive special perks such as a discount off your stay and we’ll automatically add your plans to TripIt.

How to get around

Part of New Orleans’ charm is its easy walkability. Plan accordingly by packing comfortable shoes for walking from place to place. When walking isn’t feasible, catch the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) bus. One-way bus fare costs $1.25 and can be purchased from the bus driver. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a 1-day Jazzy Pass for $3.00, a 3-day pass for $9.00, and so on. Download the <a href="http://www.norta.com/Getting-Around/NEW-GoMobile" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GoMobile app</a> to purchase your Jazzy Pass, view maps and schedules, and plan your route.

Your Jazzy Pass also grants you unlimited access to New Orleans’ iconic streetcars. <a href="https://www.norta.com/Maps-Schedules/System-Map" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Four streetcar lines</a> traverse the city, offering local commuters and visitors alike a fun and convenient alternative to the city buses. Didn’t opt for a day pass? One-way streetcar rides also cost just $1.25 and can be paid for upon boarding.

Looking to go the <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/tailwind/6-tips-become-climate-conscious-traveler/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">eco-friendly</a> (and heart-healthy) route? Try New Orleans’ bike share program, aptly named <a href="https://bluebikesnola.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blue Bikes</a>. After a one-time sign-up fee of $5.00, Blue Bike rides cost $.10 per minute. Download the Social Bicycles app to sign up, find and reserve a bike, and more.

Of course, if you need to get to your destination in a jiffy, both Uber and Lyft are available in New Orleans. Plus, if you manage your travel and expenses with Concur or <a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/tailwind/business-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Concur Hipmunk</a>, your Uber trip receipt will automatically populate into your expense report.

Pro tip: Use TripIt’s <a href="https://www.tripit.com/blog/2017/05/announcing-go-now-more-new-tripit-features.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Navigator</a> feature to search transportation options available to you. It will show you the estimated costs and travel times for each option, so you can decide which works best. You can find Navigator within your flight, hotel and rental car details screens. Plus, if you add a restaurant reservation to your itinerary (more on where to eat below), Navigator also helps you find the best transportation options for getting to your table.

Where to eat

If you only have time for one meal during your trip to New Orleans, make it at <a href="https://www.patoisnola.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patois</a>. It’s impossible to go wrong with any dish on this Uptown eatery’s menu, touted as ‘Louisiana cuisine with a French accent.’ But, if you do need a recommendation, opt for the Bone-in Pork Chop Milanese. You’ll never think of pork chops the same way again.

In pursuit of late night bites? <a href="http://www.seaworthynola.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Seaworthy</a>, located just a few doors down from the Ace Hotel, serves food from its late night menu and oyster/raw bar until 1 AM each day.

Have breakfast on the brain? You have plenty of options in New Orleans. Head to the <a href="https://www.courtoftwosisters.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Court of Two Sisters</a> for their Jazz Brunch Buffet, served daily. When you book your reservation, request an outdoor patio table. Then, sit back, sip a mimosa, and listen to live jazz music in this canopied, French Quarter oasis. Prefer to start your day away from the busy French Quarter? <a href="https://www.atchafalayarestaurant.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Atchafalaya</a> in the Irish Channel and <a href="https://willajean.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Willa Jean</a> in the Central Business District serve up classic Cajun and creative contemporary dishes, respectively.

Just need to clear the cobwebs before you think about food? We feel you. Get your caffeine fix at <a href="http://www.heycafe.biz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hey! Cafe</a> on Magazine Street or <a href="http://www.heycoffee.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HEY Coffee Co.</a> on the Lafitte Greenway. Order a cup for now and a freshly-baked pastry to go—and leave knowing you’re not only supporting local, you’re patronizing businesses that <a href="http://www.heycoffee.co/sustainability.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">believe in doing the same</a>.

What to do

Speaking of the Lafitte Greenway, this once-abandoned railroad line has been transformed into a welcoming public space, thanks to a partnership led by Friends of Lafitte Greenway—a community-driven nonprofit—and the City of New Orleans. Opened in 2015, <a href="https://www.lafittegreenway.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lafitte Greenway</a> features a 2.6-mile bike and running trail, recreational fields and playgrounds, 500 newly-planted trees, innovative stormwater management features, and more. Visitors can explore the Greenway via Blue Bikes, with stations conveniently located at several points along the bike path.

Our suggested itinerary for seeing NOLA by bike? After you’ve had your morning joe at HEY Coffee Co., scoop a Blue Bike at the North Galvez Street station. <a href="https://www.lafittegreenway.org/map" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow the bike trail</a> northwest until you reach the Alexander Street Trailhead. Turn right. A handful of city blocks later, you’ll reach <a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Park</a>. Here, you can traverse the park’s grounds by bike or disembark (there are two stations inside the park) and explore on foot. What’s there to see at the park? For starters, the <a href="https://noma.org/sculpture-garden/background/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art</a> doubled in size in 2019; the six-acre addition showcases 27 new works. And best of all? Entry to the sculpture garden is free, and it’s open year-round.

Once you’ve had your fill of art, pop over to the <a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/cafe-du-monde" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Café du Monde</a> located inside City Park. We know what you’re thinking: Avoiding the crowds of the French Quarter and getting your beignet fix? What could be better? Okay, maybe a café au lait to wash all that sugary goodness down.

If your family tagged along on your business trip, there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in City Park, as well. From <a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/carousel-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the carousel</a> to <a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/city-putt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Putt</a>, the park offers endless fun for kids of all ages.

Adults-only? By day, be sure to also visit Magazine Street and pop into its many vintage, antique, and local artisan shops. By night, head to Frenchman Street to experience the local nightlife scene or make your way to the swanky Ace Hotel for a night of DJ-led dancing and libations.

<a href="https://www.hipmunk.com/flights" class="medium radius otw-button" style="background-color: #FF8517;" target="_blank">Let’s Go to New Orleans</a>

<a href="#abh_about">Author</a>
<a href="#abh_posts">Recent Posts</a>

               <section class="vcard abh_about_tab abh_tab" style="display:block">

<a href="/tailwind/author/amanda/" class="url" title="Amanda Wowk"> <img

                               src="https://i1.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/amandawowk_headshot.jpg?w=250"
                               class="photo jetpack-lazy-image" alt="Amanda Wowk" data-recalc-dims="1"
                               data-lazy-src="https://i1.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/amandawowk_headshot.jpg?w=250&is-pending-load=1"
                               srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"><noscript><img
                                   src="https://i1.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/amandawowk_headshot.jpg?w=250"

class="photo" alt="Amanda Wowk" data-recalc-dims="1" /></noscript></a>

Follow Me

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWowkCreative" title="Facebook"

                           class="abh_facebook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/_A_W_C"
                           title="Twitter" class="abh_twitter" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a>

<a href="/tailwind/author/amanda/" class="url">Amanda Wowk</a>

Amanda Wowk is a freelance writer, founder of

                           Amanda Wowk Creative — a content writing services company — and avid traveler. Her
                           experience spans the travel industry, supporting clientele in travel tech, luxury travel,
                           and consumer brands. When she's not helping clients tell their stories, Amanda writes about
                           her own experiences to inspire others to travel as far, wide and frequently as possible.

               </section>
               <section class="abh_posts_tab abh_tab">

<a href="/tailwind/author/amanda/" class="url" title="Amanda Wowk"><img

                               src="https://i1.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/amandawowk_headshot.jpg?w=250"
                               class="photo jetpack-lazy-image" alt="Amanda Wowk" data-recalc-dims="1"
                               data-lazy-src="https://i1.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/amandawowk_headshot.jpg?w=250&is-pending-load=1"
                               srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"><noscript><img
                                   src="https://i1.wp.com/wp-blog.hipmunk.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/amandawowk_headshot.jpg?w=250"

class="photo" alt="Amanda Wowk" data-recalc-dims="1" /></noscript></a>

Follow Me

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWowkCreative" title="Facebook"

                           class="abh_facebook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/_A_W_C"
                           title="Twitter" class="abh_twitter" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a>

Latest posts by Amanda Wowk (<a href="/tailwind/author/amanda/">see all</a>)

<a href="/tailwind/the-go-guide-new-orleans/">The Go Guide: New Orleans</a> - January 7, 2020
<a href="/tailwind/the-go-guide-edinburgh/">The Go Guide: Edinburgh</a> - December 11, 2019
<a href="/tailwind/8-festive-christmas-hotels/">8 Hotels That Go All Out at Christmas</a> - November 22, 2019

               </section>

The Go Guide: New Orleans

Contents

Where to fly in

Where to stay

How to get around

Where to eat

What to do

<a href="/tailwind/author/amanda/" class="url">Amanda Wowk</a>

Latest posts by Amanda Wowk (<a href="/tailwind/author/amanda/">see all</a>)

Navigation menu

Page actions

Page actions

Personal tools

Navigation

Search

Tools