New Orleans Travel Guide 

Important Things To Know

Currency

The currency used in New Orleans is the US Dollar. 

Most shops, restaurants, and attractions in New Orleans accept all major credit cards. If you’re traveling from another country, this helps you avoid the hassle of exchanging your money before your trip. 

National Languages

The most widely spoken language in New Orleans is English. 

New Orleans was originally a French colony, so you might find that there are some French words used interchangeably with their English counterparts. It’s not common to find fluent French speakers in the region, though.

Steamboat Natchez Skyline(Courtesy of New Orleans & Company)

Time Zone

New Orleans uses Central Standard Time. They observe Daylight Savings Time seasonally, meaning that they set their clocks an hour ahead of standard time in winter. This helps them achieve longer daylight hours.

Daylight Savings Time usually runs from mid-March to mid-November each year.

Climate And Weather

New Orleans has a lovely climate. It’s subtropical, so it’s humid and dry in summer, and quite rainy in winter. The winters aren’t freezing, making it a viable vacation destination year-round.

The city has over 100 days of pure sunshine annually, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all it has to offer.

The average temperature in New Orleans in winter is around 70°F (21°C). In summer, it’s much warmer at around 90°F (32°C).

When To Visit New Orleans

You can visit New Orleans at any time of the year thanks to its lovely warm climate. However, our favorite time to travel here is between February and May. The weather is a comfortable temperature around these times – not too cool and not too warm. 

This is also just before the busy summer season, so we find that it’s not too crowded around this time.

Best Attractions In New Orleans

• Jackson Square. This square is rich in history and lined with buildings that played an essential part in the city’s development. Some examples include the oldest cathedral in North America, and the Cabildo, which is the building where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803.
• Preservation Hall. You simply must experience jazz in New Orleans. Catch a traditional jazz performance in Preservation Hall. 
• Audubon Aquarium. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Audubon Aquarium allows you to feed stingrays, spend some time with penguins, and see a variety of birds!