Book New Orleans hotels

New Orleans, Louisiana, is the epitome of a “melting pot.” With tons of Creole and French influence, the city’s Caribbean flair lends it a personality all its own. So where is New Orleans, anyway? It’s on the southern Gulf Coast of the United States—and it’s ready to party! Hotels in New Orleans offer all you need to turn up the fête (celebration).

Things to Do in New Orleans

Parlez-vous Francais? You’re sure to pick up on some phrases in the French Quarter. Once you’ve dropped your bags at your New Orleans accommodation, you could head right to the appropriately named Bourbon Street to get your drink on—but first, check out some of the city’s history and architecture. In Jackson Square, you can see the colonial-style old City Hall, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed; the stately Presbytere; and the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the U.S. OK, now that you’ve dropped some knowledge on your brain cells, it’s time to sacrifice a few of them. Toast to the historical theme with a Sazerac or a Ramos gin fizz, which are locked in an epic competition for the title of America’s Oldest Cocktail.

Got the munchies? Just head to the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, where chefs cook up bug-fried dishes daily that you can sample. Time for your protein! Just kidding…you can stay in the French Quarter. Chow down on some down-home Creole cookin’ and save the bugs for another day. You’ll have plenty of chances for weird and wonderful dishes on your New Orleans holiday.

Getting To & Around New Orleans

Flights to New Orleans will arrive at New Orleans International Airport (MSY), 20 km west of the city centre. Hop on the Airport-Downtown Express Bus and you’ll get dropped near accommodation in New Orleans for the price of a tall coffee. For door-to-door service, you can book an airport shuttle ahead of time, but if you don’t have that kind of foresight, roll out in a taxi or one of lastminute.com.au’s sweet car hire options. Once you’re settled, your own two feet can get you to many attractions, and taxis take care of the rest.

Best Time to Travel

Mardi Gras!!! Need we say more? New Orleans hotels near the French Quarter will put you front and centre to all the action (usually in February or March). Not into the Mardi Gras madness? Visit in the summer to groove to a Zydeco music festival, Louisiana’s home-grown mish-mash of accordion, washboard and fiddle. If food is more your thing, autumn brings celebration of all things seafood, barbecue and po’ boy. (No, not poor children—a po’ boy is a sub sandwich of fried meat, gravy and spices.) Our Louisiana hotels are always a front row seat to delicious food and dancing with strangers in the streets—especially in “The Big Easy”.

Does New Orleans sound like your kind of town? Add a little spice to your life and trade your daily deli lunch for some serious eats. Search accommodation in New Orleans on lastminute.com.au and you’ll find history, food and vibrant nightlife (and day-life!) in one big, delicious-smelling package.