Known as the city with soul, New Orleans has an energy like no other destination. Faced with many hardships caused by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ electricity is difficult to compare to any other city in the world. Historic buildings and centuries old architecture, are mixed with vibrant music, mouth-watering food and good-old southern hospitality.
Country: Louisiana, United States
Closest International Airport: New Orleans International Airport (one stopover at either LAX, SFO, or DFW from Sydney, Australia)
Airlines: Qantas, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, Virgin Australia
Traveller Types: The No-Hassle Traveller, the Free-Spirit, the Cultural Explorer, the Authentic Experiencer, The Newbie, The No-Expense Traveller, the Group Traveller, and The Adventurer.
Best Time of Year to Visit: Mid March to May
Maximum Temperature: 28 degrees (Celsius)
Minimum Temperature: 12 degrees (Celsius)
Budget (for five days): $1500.00+ (AUD)
Known as the city with soul, New Orleans has an energy like no other destination. Faced with many hardships caused by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ electricity is difficult to compare to any other city in the world. Historic buildings and centuries old architecture, are mixed with vibrant music, mouth-watering food and good-old southern hospitality.
Living by the notion of “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” (“Let the good times roll!”), the mantra is the exact reason why its outstanding hospitality has continued to entice tourists from all corners of the world continue to experience the best of what ‘The Big Easy’ has to offer. Previously travelled here herself, Travel Beyond’s Luxury Leisure Assistant Manager Suzanne, tells us the five things she likes about New Orleans…
1. Accommodation at The Roosevelt, New Orleans
Known as the landmark hotel of New Orleans, The Roosevelt defines traditional luxury at its finest. As a Waldolf Astoria hotel, the 504 room property’s exquisite early 1900’s decor combined with today’s modern amenities and necessities, allows you to experience southern hospitality like no other.
With Frenchmen Street’s smooth saxophone sounds trembling at your doorstep, The Roosevelt is in prime location to soak in five-star entertainment and New Orleans nightlife along with some of the most mouth-watering restaurants in town.
Photo: The Roosevelt, New Orleans
Photo: The Roosevelt, New Orleans
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Phone: +1 (504) 648 1200
2. A Bowl of Steaming Jambalaya at Coop’s Place
With generous portions of seafood gumbo located in the heart of the town’s centre, you can practically taste the flavours when you step through the door of Coop’s Place. The first second you walk in, you’re met with well-worn timber and brick surfaces, unpolished tables, and a raw and seductive ambience of the smoky aroma from the home-made Tasso cooking in the courtyard…
Famous for its incredible fried chicken and hearty Jambalaya, the local’s swear you will get a taste of the real New Orleans – literally. A wide range of cuisine’s from American, Cajun, Cerelo, Gumbo, and local speciality is on offer and you are bound to find something to satisfy your cravings.
Photo: 2foodtrippers
Photo: penandfork.com
Address: 1109 Decatur St, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70116
Phone: +1 (504) 525 9053
3. A Mouth-Watering Beignet at Cafe du Monde
Not for the faint-hearted or the sugar intolerant, Cafe du Monde is a must visit restaurant in New Orleans. Famous for its piping hot, powdered-sugared pieces of beignets and café au laits since 1862, Cafe du Monde also offers extraordinary views of the Mississippi River as you sit back and consume your steaming delights.
Open 24 hours a day, make sure you order the three delectable beignets with a chicory-blended coffee to wash down these scrumptious calories and watch New Orleans continue on its day…
Address: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70116
Phone: +1 (504) 525 4544
Photo: Lonely Planet
4. Wandering along Frenchmen Street
Known as “The Local’s Bourbon Street”, Frenchmen Street is the true and raw New Orleans with the sounds of jazz bars and blues bands echoing off every wall. Located just outside of the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street is spectacular day or night from detailed and colourful street art to the deep, skin-tingling saxophone sounds on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Rich music is deep within the roots of New Orleans, and the best local entertainment is found down this cobblestone street. The atmosphere is contagious, relaxed, indulgent, and lust-worthy that keeps you going back for more. Leave Bourbon Street behind if you want to experience New Orleans in all its purity and glory.
Photo: Gonola/Katie Sikora
Photo: Expedia
Photo: frenchmanstreetlive.com
5. Exploring the Honey Island Swamps
Soak in the serenity of the bayou amongst the shade of grand oaks and glowing fireflies following you on your journey through the swamps. There is no better way to experience the native New Orleans then booking a much anticipated (and arguably the most informative) Honey Island Swamp Tour.
Knowledgeable tour guides native to Southern Louisiana will attempt to take you to a whole other world amongst the mystery of the shallow waters. Smaller sized boats on the tour allow you to get up-close and personal with alligators, bald eagles, herons, ibis, otters, and turtles to name a few. Make sure you book early as the popular two hour tour is one of the very best in New Orleans…
Photo: Dr Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours
Photo: Dr Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours
Photo: Dr Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours
Photo: Dr Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours
Address: 41490 Crawford Landing Rd, Slidell, Louisiana, 70461
Phone: +1 (504) 242 5877
Want to explore New Orleans like a local? Suzanne is only one call away! Leave a comment for her below or Contact Us
Have you seen our latest blog post? Click here to see the Five Things We Like About Seville, Spain!