New Orleans is one of the largest cities in the United States and a very attractive travel destination. Its geographic features and vibrant mix of cultures have resulted in its distinctive style, combining French, Spanish, Caribbean, African, and American influences. Moreover, even a long stay in this city implies more and more discoveries, especially if you rent a car.
Indeed, a car rental is a great way to explore New Orleans with your entire family. So, it would be a great idea to pick up van rental New Orleans Airport immediately upon arrival and start your exciting journey right away. You will be happy to plunge into history, and at the same time enjoy the unique architecture, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, amazing music, and the festive atmosphere of the city. Start planning your trip now as we tell you the most important things you need to know before you go to New Orleans…
When to go to New Orleans?
The humid subtropical climate is what has a great influence on the weather conditions in New Orleans. Usually, summers are hot, with hurricane winds and downpours. At the same time, the winter is rather mild. The average temperature in July is +28°С, in January – +12°С.
The weather forecast for New Orleans proves that the best time for your trip to the city is from the end of November to June. Whether you have a business or leisure trip to New Orleans, the weather is unlikely to present you with any unpleasant surprises at this time.
The high season in New Orleans is from early January to late March. This period features a variety of noisy carnivals, the famous Mardi Gras, picnics, and concerts. The city itself turns into a stage for incredible costume performances.
In April-May, New Orleans hosts jazz music festivals, which, since 1970, have attracted the best musicians and thousands of fans to the region.
Should you go to New Orleans for Christmas and New Year? Yes, you should! Stars over the Mississippi, a glowing tree in Jackson Square, and the French Quarter – what could be more romantic! Add to this mild weather with minimal rainfall, and you have excellent conditions for an unforgettable vacation.
How to get around New Orleans?
The most popular kind of public transport in New Orleans is trams, which cover all of the city’s attractions. There are 4 lines operating today:
- The Canal Streetcar Line, leading to the New Orleans Museum of Art.
- The St. Charles Streetcar Line, the oldest line connecting the heart of New Orleans via St. Charles Avenue to the Carrollton suburb.
- The Riverfront Streetcar Line, going around the French Quarter.
- The Rampart – St. Claude Streetcar Line, running between New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal and Canal Street.
Alternative public transport in New Orleans is buses, which are available almost around the clock on weekdays. Tickets start at $1.7, and you can purchase them at special kiosks.
If you have a family trip, then public transport may not be the most suitable idea for getting around the area. Therefore, consider taking advantage of a rental car. Passenger van rental is best suited for family travel because it has a lot of interior space and enough baggage capacity. Plus, you won’t spend a lot of money on such a vehicle if you know how to save on passenger van rental.
What amazing places to visit in New Orleans?
First of all, New Orleans will amaze you with an abundance of all kinds of museums, exhibition galleries, and halls. For example, the Contemporary Arts Center regularly hosts excellent exhibitions from various well-known artists. Also, very exciting and original exhibitions are available for you in the Museum of Religion and the Museum of Nature.
In addition to museums and historical sites in New Orleans, you will have a great time walking through the city’s picturesque parks. Be sure to visit the City Park, which is perfect for leisurely walks in the fresh air under the foliage of age-old trees.
But that’s not all you should explore. Here are some more sightseeing ideas in New Orleans:
Take a stroll through the French Quarter. Apart from the sights, the entire area is considered to be a National Historic Landmark. The most famous street in the quarter is Bourbon Street, where you can find expensive hotels, chic restaurants, and most of the popular nightclubs.
Visit the St. Louis Cathedral. Admire the beauty of the stained glass windows, the gilded Rococo altar, and the paintings inside the temple.
Head to Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Covering more than two thousand square meters, this is a very unique place fully dedicated to insects. The museum’s collection includes over 50 live exhibits and a variety of multimedia elements.
Walk along Frenchmen Street. This is one more amazing place located in the Marigny area on the outskirts of the French Quarter. The street is famous for live music and entertainment venues. Find an evening show at one of the clubs on Frenchman Street – you will have the opportunity to enjoy jazz or blues right during your dinner. If you want to dance and listen to DJs, there are several nightclubs open on weekends.
Explore Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. It’s a great place to relax with the whole family. The Aquarium has a large collection of fish, including sea turtles and several species of sharks. You can also watch the penguins and feed the stingray.
Take a guided tour of the National World War II Museum. For the most part, the museum is dedicated to the involvement of the United States in World War II. It consists of several buildings with all exhibits collected in thematic groups. A feature of the museum is a combat submarine simulator – you seem to be onboard a submarine and personally participate in a military operation.
