New Orleans is one of our favorite weekend getaways. From walking through the beautiful garden district, bar hopping on Bourbon Street, or eating your way through the French Quarter, there is so much to see and do in the Crescent City. As soon as you arrive, you are met with bright colors, beautiful architecture, and live music on every corner. A city with so much history, charm and amazing food, you are sure to always leave with fun memories and full bellies. We can't wait to help you plan an amazing NOLA getaway with this perfect weekend guide to New Orleans!
How to Get to New Orleans
If you're flying into New Orleans, your destination will be Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located just a short 20-minute drive from the French Quarter. Once you land, you have multiple transportation options with taxis, ride share services, and airport shuttles ready to take you to your final destination.
How to Get Around New Orleans
Getting around the French Quarter is easy and walkable. To venture to other neighborhoods like the Garden District, New Orleans’ streetcar system is a charming way to explore the city. Plus, there are plenty of ride share options available, or you can easily rent bikes, hop on a bus, take a ferry, or call a pedicab, taxi, or a limo service whenever you need to.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
There are many unique boutique hotels and rentals throughout the neighborhoods in New Orleans. Choose the best neighborhood for you based on where you plan to spend most of your time.
French Quarter
If you want to be in the middle of it all, the French Quarter is perfect for you. The French Quarter is the oldest and most well-known neighborhood in New Orleans, home to Bourbon Street, endless restaurants, and so much more.
This is a great location in the French Quarter with riverfront views
Photo Credit: The Westin New Orleans via Marriott.com
Garden District
The Garden District is great if you want to be in a quieter and more quaint area. Located upriver from the French Quarter, you will find historic mansions, Tulane and Loyola Universities, and the Audubon Park and Zoo.
This 18-room boutique hotel is in a restored 1860s townhouse
Photo Credit: Henry Howard Hotel Henryhowardhotel.com
Warehouse District
Also known as the Arts District, the Warehouse District is full of art galleries, cocktail lounges, and delicious food. This neighborhood is located near the Lower Garden District and where you can find the National WWII Museum.
This historic warehouse turned hotel is located near Magazine St. and the National WWII Museum
Photo Credit: Renaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District Hotel via Marriott.com
Things to do in New Orleans
There are endless sights, tours, and excursions to experience in New Orleans. Below you can find some of our top recommendations from our previous trips!
Learn to Make Cajun Classics at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking
This hands-on cooking class in the French Quarter was one of our favorite experiences in New Orleans. We learned how to make gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and bananas foster. Classes are $150/person, and you can add a champagne bar or bloody Mary bar to any class. We really couldn’t recommend this class enough and want to take another one next time we visit!
