Cheap Flights To New Orleans

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Cheap Flights To New Orleans

Overview
When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around

Overview
New Orleans' centuries-long history of Native Americans, Europeans and Africans intermingling traditions, food and languages offers travelers a wealth of culture in the French Quarter and beyond. Influenced by Greek Revival architectural, grand estates and parks, canals and showy gardens that give the neighborhood its name, the exquisite Garden District Is populated with shops and boutiques along Magazine Street, the historic Columns Hotel and Audubon Park & Zoo. The revitalized Arts District, once an industrial wasteland, now thrives and is home to the Contemporary Arts Center and an eclectic array of over 25 art galleries, museums and restaurants. With restoration since Hurricane Katrina in 2006, the city remains one of America’s favorite travel destinations.

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When to Go
High Season
Several popular events and festivals make certain times of the year particularly popular for travel to New Orleans. The world seems to descend upon New Orleans during Mardi Gras in February and March, with massive celebrations which involve bead-throwing and general revelry. The holiday season is a great time to visit, and New Year’s Eve is only slightly less wild than Mardi Gras. The Jazz and Heritage Festival make April and May peak travel times as well. 

Low Season
High temperatures and extreme humidity in July and August make New Orleans quite uncomfortable for visitors, and often the best prices on flights and hotels can be found during the height of summer.

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Airport Information
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Distance: 11 miles from the Central Business District
Drive time: 20-40 minutes

The airport was originally named after daredevil aviator John Moisant, and was renamed in 2001 to honor the renowned jazz musician on the centennial of his birth.

The airport’s Ground Transportation Department provides information about taxis, shuttles, rental cars, buses and limousine services from the airport; the Jefferson Transit website can help with public transportation.

Alternative Airports
New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW) - Four miles from New Orleans
Gulfport Biloxi International Airport (GBT) - 67 miles from New Orleans

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Weather
Its southern coastal location gives New Orleans mild temperatures year-round. Gulf of Mexico air streams mean that the city rarely gets cold, staying in the mid-40s and 60s during the winter. New Orleans’s highest rainfall occurs June through September, falling in short bursts and giving way to sunny skies. Extreme weather such as hurricanes do strike, as evidenced by devastating conditions in 2006.

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Things to Do
Literary New Orleans
The city has a fascination with the written word. Take a literary tour and walk the haunts of William Faulkner, O. Henry, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams. Visit in March for a festival dedicated to Williams, or during summertime for the Shakespeare Festival.

New Orleans Cuisine
Reflecting its mix of cultures, New Orleans cooks up some of the most unique, inventive and delicious cuisine in the world. Dine at world-class restaurants including The Commander’s Palace, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen and Brennan’s.

Haunted New Orleans Tours
The city has a long and mysterious past that includes voodoo, and many sites are said to be haunted. Visit the creepy home of Madame LaLaurie on Royal Street—she hid and tortured slaves in her attic—or the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau at St. Louis Cemetery, if you dare.

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Local Attractions
Julia Street
Julia Street in the Arts District is eclectic and lively. On the first Saturday of each month, a gallery hop is held, featuring music, food, dance and theatre performances.

Preservation Hall
Built in 1750, Preservation Hall is one of the best-known jazz venues anywhere. Originally a private residence, the hall became a sanctuary to preserve New Orleans jazz in 1961. Bring your own food and drink and see the photo history of legendary jazz musicians who have played here.

Plantation Home Tours
Plan a day trip to New Orleans’ magnificent Plantation homes. These bastions of a genteel time offer a glimpse into the past, notable locations including Houma House, Oak Alley and Beauregard House. Several companies offer organized tours.

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Must See Sights
Bourbon Street
World famous Bourbon Street is busy with a parade of bars, burlesque cabarets, drag queens and street con artists. Many historic sites are located here; don’t miss Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (actually a bar and restaurant), the Old Absinthe House or Lafitte-In-Exile, the oldest gay bar in the U.S.

Jackson Square
Surrounded by historic buildings and an open-air artist colony, Jackson Square is the heart of the French Quarter. You can’t leave New Orleans without a visit to Café du Monde for rich chicory coffee and beignets (French doughnuts). Tour the Saint Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic church, or take a romantic carriage ride around the square.

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Insider Tips

• Many celebrity chefs call New Orleans home, including Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme. Chefs from top kitchens have opened affordable restaurants where you can eat like royalty without going broke. A husband-and-wife team—formerly of Brennan’s—own Lola in Covington; chef Justin Devillier serves half-pound burgers at La Petite Grocery; delicious muffalettas and small plates can be found at Cochon Butcher, next door to the original Cochon restaurant.
• A 19th century pharmacist created the first cocktail, the Sazerac, in New Orleans. In July, mixologists from around the country revisit our love affair with this concoction at Taste of the Cocktail.
• Frenchmen Street is more charming and less touristy than Bourbon Street in terms of nightlife and true New Orleans music. Frenchmen is steps away from the French Quarter, where serious local musicians go to perform. Plain wooden signs designate some of the best musical venues where admission is usually free.

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Getting Around
New Orleans has an extensive public transportation system, but walking or taxis are preferred in older parts of the city. Outside the historic areas, buses and streetcars cover much of the rest of the area. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) website gives schedules and information.

Renting a car is wise for trips outside the city. Parking is difficult in the historic and business quarters and can be pricey. Waterways are a fun way to get around and see a different side of New Orleans. Several riverboats and paddle boats ply the Mississippi from area ports.

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