azz music. Bourbon Street. Fresh-from-the-fryer
beignets. New Orleans isn’t short of signatures, but it’s the
coming together of cultures and customs that gives the Crescent City so much soul. Founded in 1718 on a curve of the Mississippi River, this famously Francophile city blends European, American and African influences with 300 years of history. No wonder it’s full of joie de vivre.
A city break here is packed with colourful festivals, art and architecture, plus lots of live music and memorable dining. Better still, if you book with British Airways Holidays you benefit from British Airways non-stop flights, many hotel options, car hire packages and a reassuring customer promise that covers your trip in case of major travel disruption.
From Mardi Gras to Mississippi cruising, New Orleans has a lot to blow its own horn about, so start planning your trip to America’s most vibrant city right away
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At the core of the city is its one-of-a-kind French Quarter. Here, colonial architecture sets an elegant scene in which to explore the bars of Bourbon Street, galleries on Royal Street and historic Jackson Square’s landmarks, including three-spired St Louis Cathedral. Take a walking tour to discover what gives this district its strong sense of place.
Or follow your taste buds to find po’ boys, gumbo and jambalaya – the absolute must-trys of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Elsewhere, there are options at every price point, from street food to fine dining. For maximum informality, pack a picnic and take it to lovely City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the southern United States. And if nothing else, make sure to join the queue for beignets at Café du Monde. Delicious and dusted in icing sugar, they’re a New Orleans institution.
French heart and soul food
Events for all seasons
The French Quarter is also the best place to acquaint yourself with jazz. New Orleans is the birthplace of the genre, so enjoy it – along with rock, zydeco and the blues – at intimate venues, festivals or street corners all over town. Follow the locals to Frenchmen Street or, for something really memorable, seek out Preservation Hall on St Peter Street. It maintains the city’s musical heritage and stages performances every day in an auditorium that barely holds 100 people.
Beyond music, the vibrant culture of the Big Easy can be experienced via its arts, cuisine, festivities, museums, theatres and attractions. A noteworthy big hitter is Downtown’s National World War II Museum; and if you have a head for heights, make a beeline for Vue Orleans, an indoor-outdoor 360-degree observation deck that’s the very best viewpoint in town.
For accommodation that won’t break the bank, British Airways Holidays offers every kind of hotel, from budget-friendly to sensational splurge. Take a look at these three for starters.
Bright colours and retro touches give The Troubadour plenty of character. It has added appeal with its edge-of-Downtown location, just two blocks from the French Quarter.
Smarter still is the Eliza Jane, which occupies a former publishing house in the Warehouse District, an easy walk from the French Quarter.
And then there’s NOPSI Hotel, whose CBD setting holds almost as much appeal as its rooftop pool and bar and outsize guest suites.
Staying power
ba.com/neworleans
All that jazz – and more
Think Big Easy: come for the architecture, the food and, of course, Mardi Gras
Spread across two springtime weekends, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival brings music, food and artisans together in a celebration of all things Louisiana. Expect spirited performances that draw on a range of regional genres across multiple stages.
Summer is the time for White Linen Night. This centuries-old tradition, where residents stroll in pale linen outfits to keep cool, has become an annual cultural event. On the first Saturday in August, linen-clad locals enjoy music, food and art while meandering around the Warehouse District’s galleries and museums.
Or come at Christmas to see New Orleans embrace the season with vigour. Dressed up in fairy lights, the French Quarter and Garden District blaze brightly as streetcars, steamboats and entire neighbourhoods go all out with their festive finery.
New Orleans is located where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico, so engaging with Ol’ Man River is an essential part of any visit. Traditional steamboats are the classic vessels on which to watch that big wheel keep on rollin’ as it powers you along the mighty waterway. Mini cruises often come with food, drink and music: a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with the city’s history and culture.
For something simpler (and super affordable), there’s always the option of catching the ferry to Algiers for a brush with both the river and a charming, historic neighbourhood.
Not a fan of boats? British Airways Holidays offers a multitude of fly-drive packages through its preferred car hire partner, Avis. Or jump aboard any of New Orleans’ five streetcar lines to reach other interesting quarters, such as Uptown and the Garden District. It all makes for a magical city break unlike any other.
Rolling on the river
New Orleans is best known for its epic Mardi Gras celebrations, which take place every year a few weeks before Easter, in February or March. They see the whole city come alive with elaborate costumes and floats, and the streets become packed with revellers intent on having a good time.
Can’t make Mardi Gras? Not to worry – more than 100 festivals are held here annually, covering everything from innovative music to food and cultural diversity. The result is that there’s always something to celebrate in New Orleans. Even if you miss the main event, you’ll find its spirit lives all year round at Mardi Gras World: a working warehouse and museum that houses extravagant floats from former parades and is where the next year’s masterpieces are constructed.
Parties and parades
J
take a walking
tour or follow
your taste
buds
new orleans is the birthplace of jazz
so enjoy it
all over
town
Mini cruises combine sightseeing with
food and
culture
Time and place: founded in 1718, the French Quarter is the city’s oldest neighbourhood
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Melody makers:
catch performances everywhere from festivals and street corners to the venerable Preservation Hall
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The wheel deal: take it all in from a traditional steamboat or hop on a classic streetcar
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Street life:
from buskers to brass bands, you'll find live music at every turn
more than 100
festivals are
held here
annually
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TOOT SWEET!
You’re in safe hands with British Airways Holidays when booking your New Orleans adventure. With an inventory of city hotels and a choice of cabins on British Airways flights, it’s easy to pull together holiday packages to meet all tastes and budgets. And with fly-drive options, you can take to the open road to find more museums and Cajun culture two hours west in Lafayette, or head south to the Barataria Preserve for a chance to spot alligators in the wild.
The option to “book now, pay later” allows travellers to book with low deposits and pay in multiple instalments (note: the balance is due seven weeks before departure). For further reassurance, British Airways Holidays operates a straightforward refund policy, a round-the-clock holiday helpline for support throughout your trip and full Atol protection.
Book with confidence
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Strong suit: a great choice of hotels and flights covers all tastes and budgets
take to the open road to find more
museums and
Cajun
culture
Book your 2023 holiday to New Orleans now at
azz music. Bourbon Street. Fresh-from-the-fryer
beignets. New Orleans isn’t short of signatures, but it’s the coming together of cultures and customs that gives the Crescent City so much soul. Founded in 1718 on a curve of the Mississippi River, this famously Francophile city blends European, American and African influences with 300 years of history. No wonder it’s full of joie de vivre.
A city break here is packed with colourful festivals, art and architecture, plus lots of live music and memorable dining. Better still, if you book with British Airways Holidays you benefit from British Airways non-stop flights, many hotel options, car hire packages and a reassuring customer promise that covers your trip in case of major travel disruption.
However you decide to explore New Orleans, the flexibility of British Airways Holidays means low deposits – starting from £60 per person – the chance to pay in instalments that suit you and 23kg of hold luggage included as standard. Bookings with British Airways Holidays are Atol-protected, with a 24-hour holiday helpline on hand during your trip.
Book with confidence
promoted content
The French Quarter is also the best place to acquaint yourself with jazz. New Orleans is the birthplace of the genre, so enjoy it – along with rock, zydeco and the blues – at intimate venues, festivals or street corners all over town. Follow the locals to Frenchmen Street or, for something really memorable, seek out Preservation Hall on St Peter Street. It maintains the city’s musical heritage and stages performances every day in an auditorium that barely holds 100 people.
Beyond music, the vibrant culture of the Big Easy can be experienced via its arts, cuisine, festivities, museums, theatres and attractions. A noteworthy big hitter is Downtown’s National World War II Museum; and if you have a head for heights, make a beeline for Vue Orleans, an indoor-outdoor 360-degree observation deck that’s the very best viewpoint in town.
At the core of the city is its one-of-a-kind French Quarter. Here, colonial architecture sets an elegant scene in which to explore the bars of Bourbon Street, galleries on Royal Street and historic Jackson Square’s landmarks, including three-spired St Louis Cathedral. Take a walking tour to discover what gives this district its strong sense of place.
Or follow your taste buds to find po’ boys, gumbo and jambalaya – the absolute must-trys of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Elsewhere, there are options at every price point, from street food to fine dining. For maximum informality, pack a picnic and take it to lovely City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the southern United States. And if nothing else, make sure to join the queue for beignets at Café du Monde. Delicious and dusted in icing sugar, they’re a New Orleans institution.
New Orleans is best known for its epic Mardi Gras celebrations, which take place every year a few weeks before Easter, in February or March. They see the whole city come alive with elaborate costumes and floats, and the streets become packed with revellers intent on having a good time.
Can’t make Mardi Gras? Not to worry – more than 100 festivals are held here annually, covering everything from innovative music to food and cultural diversity. The result is that there’s always something to celebrate in New Orleans. Even if you miss the main event, you’ll find its spirit lives all year round at Mardi Gras World: a working warehouse and museum that houses extravagant floats from former parades and is where the next year’s masterpieces are constructed.
You’re in safe hands with British Airways Holidays when booking your New Orleans adventure. With an inventory of city hotels and a choice of cabins on British Airways flights, it’s easy to pull together holiday packages to meet all tastes and budgets. And with fly-drive options, you can take to the open road to find more museums and Cajun culture two hours west in Lafayette, or head south to the Barataria Preserve for a chance to spot alligators in the wild.
The option to “book now, pay later” allows travellers to book with low deposits and pay in multiple instalments (note: the balance is due seven weeks before departure). For further reassurance, British Airways Holidays operates a straightforward refund policy, a round-the-clock holiday helpline for support throughout your trip and full Atol protection.
New Orleans is located where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico, so engaging with Ol’ Man River is an essential part of any visit. Traditional steamboats are the classic vessels on which to watch that big wheel keep on rollin’ as it powers you along the mighty waterway. Mini cruises often come with food, drink and music: a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with the city’s history and culture.
For something simpler (and super affordable), there’s always the option of catching the ferry to Algiers for a brush with both the river and a charming, historic neighbourhood.
Not a fan of boats? British Airways Holidays offers a multitude of fly-drive packages through its preferred car hire partner, Avis. Or jump aboard any of New Orleans’ five streetcar lines to reach other interesting quarters, such as Uptown and the Garden District. It all makes for a magical city break unlike any other.
For accommodation that won’t break the bank, British Airways Holidays offers every kind of hotel, from budget-friendly to sensational splurge. Take a look at these three for starters.
Bright colours and retro touches give The Troubadour plenty of character. It has added appeal with its edge-of-Downtown location, just two blocks from the French Quarter.
Smarter still is the Eliza Jane, which occupies a former publishing house in the Warehouse District, an easy walk from the French Quarter.
And then there’s NOPSI Hotel, whose CBD setting holds almost as much appeal as its rooftop pool and bar and outsize guest suites
Spread across two springtime weekends, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival brings music, food and artisans together in a celebration of all things Louisiana. Expect spirited performances that draw on a range of regional genres across multiple stages.
Summer is the time for White Linen Night. This centuries-old tradition, where residents stroll in pale linen outfits to keep cool, has become an annual cultural event. On the first Saturday in August, linen-clad locals enjoy music, food and art while meandering around the Warehouse District’s galleries and museums.
Or come at Christmas to see New Orleans embrace the season with vigour. Dressed up in fairy lights, the French Quarter and Garden District blaze brightly as streetcars, steamboats and entire neighbourhoods go all out with their festive finery.
However you decide to explore New Orleans, the flexibility of British Airways Holidays means low deposits – starting from £60 per person – the chance to pay in instalments that suit you and 23kg of hold luggage included as standard. Bookings with British Airways Holidays are Atol-protected, with a 24-hour holiday helpline on hand during your trip.