New Orleans Official Visitors Guide - 2026 Summer/Fall
Welcome to New Orleans!
2026-07-02 10:03:21
Although famous for her floor-to-ceiling French doors and lacy wrought-iron fences, New Orleans has always been open to everyone. And everything.
Before there was even an America, there was her cool big sister: New Orleans. Chefs, artists, writers, musicians, and travelers from near and far have always felt welcome here. And inspired. In many ways, New Orleans is the original influencer. She plays music, the world listens. She cooks, the world eats. She forms a second line, the world follows. She’s been the influencer of so much — and so many — since 1718.
New Orleans may be inside this country, but she is outside the imagination. She’s a place where you don’t just sightsee, you sight-feel. You don’t just travel here; the mysteries of life unravel here. Although she’s filled with history, this city never gets old. She’s your town, deep down. Once you visit New Orleans, you’re a part of New Orleans forever.
NEW ORLEANS
By the Numbers
New Orleans welcomed 19+ million visitors throughout 2025!
The city had 3 MICHELIN-star restaurants in 2025, with 11 more receiving Bib Gourmand honors.
New Orleans is home to 15 distinct neighborhoods and 73 smaller sub-neighborhoods.
The city’s bars and restaurants have received 30+ James Beard Awards (and hundreds of nominations) since 1991.
Our communities celebrate with 130+ festivals each year!
It's the Holidays ... New Orleans Style!
The day after Thanksgiving kicks off "Holidays New Orleans Style," a monthlong celebration that brings the holiday season to life. You can enjoy Celebration in the Oaks, Réveillon dinners, NOLA ChristmasFest, Hanukkah celebrations, plus shopping, dining, parades, and more.
Scan for more events!
An Award-Winning Place to Visit
Top U.S. Cities to Visit (2026)
TripAdvisor
Louisiana Children's Museum, 9 Best Children's Museums in the U.S. (2026)
Travel + Leisure
Best Cities in the World (2025)
Time Out Magazine
New Orleans was #6 behind London, Melbourne, New York, Bangkok, and Cape Town.
World’s Best City for Food (2025)
Time Out Magazine
New Orleans was the only U.S. city to make the list!
#2 City in the U.S. (2025)
Travel + Leisure
Acamaya, Best New Restaurants in the World (2025)
Condé Nast Traveler
Cure, Best Bar in the U.S. (2025)
Food & Wine Cure also made “North America’s 50 Best Bars” for the third consecutive year!
Top 12 Destinations (2025)
Forbes Travel Guide
Preservation Hall, 25 Best Places to Go in the South (2025)
Southern Living
Don’t just take our word for it!
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“New Orleans is just special. It has so much history, the stories of resilience, the fact that people come here because it's fun, and the food, the music, the culture ... New Orleans has a long history of drama, beauty, and flavor. The words that come to mind, COLOR and FLAVOR. Color in the way people live vibrantly and the unique flavor the culture is imbued with, which has inspired its art and culture.”
– Jane Pauley, on why CBS Sunday Morning brought its annual “By Design” episode to film in New Orleans in May 2025
“Leaving New Orleans after an unforgettable Super Bowl, it’s easy to see why so many in the NFL want this city to host more of them. Incredible food, amazing hospitality, excellent drinks, a first-class experience. Even the airport was more than ready. Kudos to all involved.”
– Ian Rapoport, National Insider for NFL Network & NFL.com.
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