Fancy some New Orleans travel tips? Well, on the 125th anniversary of Louis Armstrong’s birth, jazz fans everywhere will be tapping their feet and potentially planning a trip to the city now, increasingly called NOLA. With Europesure’s Travel Insurance clients across Europe being adventurous types, we’ve taken a look at what you need to know about New Orleans, if you want to travel there yourself.
Humid, historic and humming with jazz rhythms of jazz at every corner, a visit to New Orleans is a truly unique experience. One of our key New Orleans travel tips is simply that of relaxing, soaking it all up and appreciating the sheer soul of a city like no other.
Delve into the backstory of its venues and you will uncover unique tales and an appreciation of how today’s experience has been formed, whether that is delivered to you through a former speakeasy, a lovingly restored venue, or an eatery serving creole classics for centuries.
This is the city that invented the muffuletta, char-grilled oysters and beignets. It is famed for a Bond movie scene in Live and Let Die, provided backdrops for ‘Easy Rider’ and boasts what is potentially the most famous street in the whole of America. Whatever your plans in NOLA, Bourbon Street is sure to beckon.
Exploring the French Quarter of New Orleans
The moment you enter New Orleans’ French Quarter, it will feel like stepping into another world. Spanish and French colonial buildings cast alluring shadows on the sidewalks, providing colour, decorative architectural fascination and cultural joys. Tour by horse and carriage, pop into antiques shops and art galleries and visit iconic Jackson Square, one of America’s greatest public spaces.
This historic French Quarter park is surrounded by renowned buildings, including the Gothic St Louis Cathedral, with its distinctive spires. Dating back to 1789 and known for its stained glass, this cathedral was named in honour of King Louis of France. The French connection is truly inescapable in NOLA, reinforced by the Joan of Arc statue found off Decatur Street.
You can tour the cathedral between 9.30am and 4pm (last entry 3.45pm) or can book a guided tour online. Also try to view St Louis in the early evening, when it lights up and gives Jackson Square cinematic appeal.
The delights of Jackson Square
In the middle of the 2.5-acre Jackson Square (also known as the Place d’Armes), spend a few minutes appreciating the equestrian-themed statue of US president, Andrew Jackson. Then perhaps head to the Cabildo and the Presbytère, museums; both relate New Orleans’ story.
Don’t miss out on browsing the artwork on the square’s iron fence, to discover a painting, print or photo that will make a great souvenir. Encounter tarot or fortune tellers – part of the culture of NOLA – and hear the strains of jazz numbers on the breeze.
Whilst around this area, it would be rude not to pop into Café du Monde for a sweet treat beignet! And why not check out the retail outlets in Upper Pontalba?
The French Market, New Orleans
Visiting the French Market retail area, with its Flea Market (open 10am to 4pm) and its Farmers Market (10am to 6pm), is a New Orleans must-do. Head to this 1791-founded venue on the atmospheric Riverfront Streetcar line (stops 8, 9 and 10) and it will be even more memorable.
“This is where it’s at”, declares the French Market’s advertising, and with over 200 vendors, cooking demonstrations, live storytelling and an infusion of culture mingled with cuisine, not to mention Sunday jazz sessions, it certainly brings past and present NOLA heritage to life.
Bourbon Street
World-famous Bourbon Street extends 13 blocks, stretching between Canal Street and Esplanade Avenue. Again, it was named after French kings - the house of Bourbon, to be precise. The vibe of Bourbon Street is an electric one, especially by evening, with all of the senses hit at once, be that from neon signs, the noise of voices and music intermingled, the sight of balconies decorated with beads, or the aromas of creole cooking.
Acclaimed venues here include Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Old Absinthe House, home to the celebrated Absinthe House frappe, Fritzel’s European Jazz Club, and the French creole cuisine hotspot that is the long-established Galatoire’s Restaurant. Do check out the Royal Sonesta Hotel too, whose exterior was designed as an 1830s row of houses.
Frenchman Street
If you love live music, Frenchman Street offers that in abundance, whether it is jazz, reggae or blues. Visiting will get you out of the crowds flocking around Bourbon Street, as it is tucked between the French Market and the Marigny neighbourhood. There are numerous music clubs to choose from, including The Spotted Cat and d.b.a, but also the nighttime attraction of the Frenchman Art Bazaar, where local artists showcase art and craft items.
Preservation Hall, 726 Saint Peter Street, French Quarter
No trip to NOLA is complete without a visit to the amazing Preservation Hall, to soak up the atmosphere of a bench and floor seating venue, almost spit and sawdust in a way, that exudes the soul of famous departed jazz musicians like Sweet Emma Barrett. The venue offers music from ensembles selected from over 50 local master practitioners in the jazz world, with nightly performances that fuse African, Caribbean and European music influences.
New Orleans travel tips: other things to do
Treat yourself to a French Quarter Ghost Walk, or a Voodoo History Walking Tour or, if feeling brave, a self-guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour, watching out for alligators as you go!
You could also make a bee line for the Botanic Garden, covering 12 acres within City Park, to view over 1000 varieties of plant. Also in City Park, you can find Storyland, bringing fairy-tales to life, and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. City Park itself offers 1300 acres of recreational space, with picnic areas in which to relax and enjoy some local delicacies.
Want to see some attractions? Why not make that the National World War II Museum with is compelling stories of service and sacrifice, or the Audubon Zoo or Aquarium?
Don’t forget to indulge in one of New Orleans’ great traditions – jazz brunch - and head to world-famous Pat O’Briens to sample its famous Hurricane drink and pick up a souvenir glass. Just don’t tipple too much or you could become an easy target and also invalidate your travel insurance.
New Orleans’ cuisine simply must be sampled, so don’t miss out on Oysters Mosca at Mosca’s, if that’s your thing, Po’boy dishes, gumbo, jambalaya, pralines, and boudin.
New Orleans travel tips for staying safe
All of this sounds wonderful but how do you stay safe in a city long known for having one of the highest crime rates in the USA? Thankfully, crime has been falling in the city, with homicide at its lowest level since 1969. However, there is still a great requirement for sensible behaviour and caution, if you are a tourist.
It is easy to wander into an unsafe area of New Orleans, so stick to well-known areas and take authorised taxis by night, rather than risking walking in areas outside really popular thoroughfares. Always confirm the identity of the driver before getting into a cab.
With many neighbourhoods posing a risk for travellers, it is not advised that you book an Airbnb. Hotels are located in safer areas where things should be more secure. Always check with trusted locals if there are any no-go locations close by.
Be sensible, savvy and alert
Do not put valuables on show, keep jewellery in a hotel safe and don’t flash cash. Wear cross-body bags or wallet pouches and never keep wallets or phones in your back pocket. In restaurants and cafes, keep bags close and not on the back of your chair. Don’t use your smartphone in the street and be extra cautious in the crammed cityscape that accompanies the annual Mardi Gras. It can be a pickpocket’s dream!
Try to blend in as much as possible and, if in the city for a convention, remove your badge before heading outside. Don’t carry a map or look lost. Research your route before you start walking and appear confident with your bearings.
Popular scams in New Orleans relate to shoes – shoe shining and “I can tell where you got your shoes” conversations in the street. Do not fall into the traps that these set. When eating and drinking, do not leave meals or drinks unattended – even take the latter to the toilet with you, if you have to go.
There can be very severe weather incidents in New Orleans so always check on the current warnings that might be in place and note the relevant details of authorities issuing weather updates. Keep an eye on these sources, whilst in the city.
Buy first-class travel insurance protection, wherever you live in Europe
Above all, make sure you have first-class travel insurance protection in place for your trip to New Orleans. Medical costs in the USA are eye-watering, even if you only need a minor treatment, so buy worldwide travel insurance inclusive of coverage for the USA and Canada. This will protect you from having to spend a small fortune on medical bills but also provide the baggage and personal possessions’ coverage that you might need to call upon. Furthermore, if you have bought your policy well in advance, it will give you protection against cancellation costs, should a significant weather event disrupt your trip.
Head to https://www.europesuretravelinsurance.com to purchase either a single trip policy or annual multi-trip policy that will give you all the insurance protection you need in New Orleans. From there, just follow our New Orleans travel tips and enjoy the culture, creole cuisine and, of course, all that jazz.
