With a relatively mild and comfortable winter, New Orleans offers a unique and pleasant experience both to locals and tourists alike that is different from the city’s hot and humid summertime. If you have an upcoming trip to NOLA in the winter, this article will tackle the essential places you can visit in New Orleans (besides spooky sites) and things you can do to experience a fun and memorable New Orleans winter trip.
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Places to Visit in New Orleans during Winter
New Orleans offers a magical experience in the winter. From stunning holiday lights to vibrant festivals and traditions, there is always something happening. Below are some notable places you can visit during the cold season.
1. Winter Wonderland at the Roosevelt Hotel
As the holidays approach, many hotels decorate their lobbies and interiors with holiday lights and decors. Every year, the Roosevelt Hotel* does the same thing but on a much higher level.
From the lobby down to the hallway, you will be mesmerized by the thousands of lights branching throughout the many nooks and corners of the hotel.
Many holiday activities for kids and adults also take place there, that’s why you’ll never get bored.
If you are coming straight from the airport, The Roosevelt is just a short 20-minute drive. Getting a Budget car rental at New Orleans Airport (MSY) is the most convenient way to get to the hotel and experience the Winter Wonderland NOLA-style.
2. The Frenchmen Street
If you enjoy live music and a vibrant nightlife scene, be sure to head over to Frenchmen Street, which is recognized as one of NOLA’s best spots for finding live music.
There’s always something going on and you might also hear music being played on the streets.
After all, Frenchman Street in New Orleans is known for its jazz clubs, bars, and local music talent. So, you will surely be entertained during the chillier times.
3. City Park
If you simply want to spend a quiet and relaxing afternoon in the winter and maybe do some people watching, the City Park is a great place to visit.
It’s super pretty. But more than just lush greeneries and a spectacular view, the City Park is steeped in history.
Enjoy the beauty of nature while you take a stroll among centuries-old oak trees, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), and marvel at the holiday lights during “Celebration in the Oaks.”
4. Audubon Zoo and Aquarium
If you are fond of animals and marine life, visit the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium along Magazine Street. You can spend hours appreciating and connecting with the animals here. And it has a nicely meditative effect as well.
The Audubon Zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, while the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas showcases aquatic life from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.
Things to Do in New Orleans during Winter
Aside from sightseeing, there are many other things you can do in New Orleans during the wintertime. Here are some of the activities you can include in your NOLA winter itinerary.
1. Explore the French Quarter.
Wander the historic streets of the French Quarter, admire the architecture, visit iconic landmarks like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, and explore the bustling shops and galleries.
It’s always a good idea to have a guide show you around* first. Because even though the French Quarter is the most touristy and well known place in New Orleans. It’s not always safe in every street.
Be advised to stay on the main road and not venture out into side streets, especially not on your own! Don’t end up as the subject matter of one of the True Crime tours* in New Orleans! (I’m not kidding about this.)
If you want a bit of a thrill, join one of the many ghost tours* around the French Quarter. It’s fascinating and honestly creepy.
2. Indulge in Creole cuisine.
Your trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their tasty delicacy. Warm up with hearty Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, étouffée, and jambalaya to truly immerse in NOLA’s rich culinary culture. Don’t forget to try traditional beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde!
And if you want to have foodie knowledge as your souvenir, why not join a Cajun cooking class*? This way, you learn how to remake authentic New Orleans cuisine at home and share with your loved ones.
3. Take a steamboat cruise.
Looking for a unique way to explore New Orleans? Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Mississippi River aboard the Steamboat Natchez, complete with live jazz music and stunning views of the city’s skyline.
It’s the classic thing to do and feels super nostalgic.
4. Participate in holiday festivities.
Traveling during the winter means getting to experience the holiday scenes in New Orleans. So be sure to join activities and festivities throughout the city.
One of the best ones to experience is the “Celebration in the Oaks” at City Park, featuring a dazzling display of holiday lights.
Also, indulge in traditional “Reveillon Dinners” at local restaurants.
5. Take a guided cemetery tour.
Are you in for a spooky holiday experience? Sign up for a guided cemetery tour* in New Orleans and discover the unique above-ground burial practices in the city.
Again, going to cemeteries on your own is not advised due to safety reasons. There have been incidents with tourists being robbed in the daylight and some cemeteries were closed off for that reason unless you are with a certified local guide.
The most popular cemeteries, and those you can visit with a tour, are Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. And they are worth a visit anytime of the year.
Conclusion
Winter is truly a magical time to visit the beautiful city of New Orleans with countless interesting things to do and wonderful places to go to.
Moreover, with the city’s ease of access, it takes no time to enjoy everything the city has to offer. By choosing Budget cars for rent, you can conveniently and safely navigate from one destination to the other, enabling you to make the most out of your winter NOLA trip.
So for your upcoming New Orleans trip in the winter, make sure to include these tourist destinations and activities in your itinerary for a fun and memorable journey.
Got questions? Leave them down in the comments.
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