Local time New Orleans

Currency

US$

New Orleans tours and excursions

New Orleans tours

Swamp tours

The bayou is part of the Louisiana charm and a swamp tour is a must. Most are done on the Northshore, on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain. Dr Wagner's Honey Island Swamp Tours in Slidell probes the Honey Island cypress swamp. A resident naturalist is available to answer wildlife questions about the flora, fauna and various reptiles that frequent the swamp. Or, head 29km (18 miles) south of New Orleans to Barataria Preserve (www.nps.gov/jela/barataria-preserve.htm).

Tel: +1 985 641 1769.
Website: http://www.honeyislandswamp.com

Boat tours

New Orleans Paddlewheels operates several boat tours, departing from the Aquarium of the Americas Dock, South Peters Street. The Cajun Queen Riverboat runs 90-minute harbour cruises, while the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler runs a Battlefield Cruise to the spot where Andrew Jackson defeated the British. In the evening, the Creole Queen offers a two-hour dinner and jazz cruise, with or without dinner.

 

Tel: +1 504 529 4567.
Website: http://www.creolequeen.com

New Orleans excursions

Lafayette

About 200km (130 miles) west along I-10 from New Orleans is Lafayette, the gateway to the Cajun country. The Acadian Cultural Center traces the origins and culture of the Cajun people, who relocated from Nova Scotia, Canada, to the Mississippi Delta in the 18th century, as well as other cultures of the region. There are several attractive Cajun towns and plantations north of Lafayette on the Cajun prairie. The town is also a good base from which to explore the swamps and bayous of the Atchafalaya basin.

Tel: +1 337 232 0789.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/jela

Oak Alley Plantation

No fewer than 28 ancient oak trees line the entranceway of this stately, pre-war plantation home. When completed in 1839, the Greek revival-styled, 10-room mansion was considered a modest plantation home. The grounds and home are so picturesque, that they have been the setting for scenes from such films as Primary Colors, The Long Hot Summer and Hush… Hush Sweet Charlotte. The site grounds also have a bed and breakfast, gift shop and restaurant. Oak Alley Plantation is open daily 0900-1630 and admission is charged. It's situated 97km (60 miles) east of New Orleans.

Tel: +1 225 265 2151.
Website: http://www.oakalleyplantation.com
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Related Articles

An essential guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, USA

Wild parties, fancy dress and colourful beads make Mardi Gras in New Orleans well worth visiting this 25 February

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

SEE MORE

Hampton Inn

Formerly a 1903 'skyscraper' office building, the Hampton Inn is just two blocks from the French Quarter. Every Monday to Thursday 1730-1900, the lavish lobby is the scene for the complimentary manager's reception. Rooms are large and comfortable with high-speed Internet and king-size or two double beds. The hotel also has a gym, concierge, coffee shop and parking for a fee, along with access to Spa Atlantis, directly across the street. The daily hot breakfast buffet is included.

La Quinta Inn and Suites Downtown

This hotel has great facilities for bargain prices, such as guestrooms with either king-size or two double beds and large bathrooms, and some have microwaves. In-room business facilities include data ports, oversized desks, free high-speed Internet access and local calls. Add to that, cocktail lounge, business centre, a heated pool, and fitness centre, plus a free breakfast. The location is convenient for the French Quarter, Superdome, downtown, and the convention center.

Hotel Monteleone

One of the classic New Orleans luxury hotels, the Monteleone has been wowing visitors since 1886. Rooms are decked out with plush curtains, high-thread-count sheets and large flat-screen TVs. The lobby is suitably grand, and the Carousel Bar is something of a local haunt for cocktails and people watching.

Melrose Mansion

A tasteful, small property on the edge of the French Quarter, this luxury Victorian-era mansion dates back to the late 19th century. The interiors are suitably plush, with antique furniture, original artwork and all the mod cons you'd expect (iPod dock, LCD TV, Wi-Fi and minifridge). There's also a fairly large outdoor swimming pool.

Soniat House

Old books, fine artwork, Oriental rugs, American and European antiques: it is the little touches like these that make this hotel unique. The two restored 1830s townhouses have spiral staircases, balconies and patios. Sweet olive, magnolia, guava and ginger grow in the courtyards. Each of the 19 rooms and 14 suites are furnished with antiques that are accompanied by Frette Egyptian cotton bed linen, Wi-Fi, data ports and two phones.

Dauphine Orleans Hotel

This unassuming building on a quiet stretch of the French Quarter is recorded back as far as 1775, almost to the city's own beginnings. A former bordello site, the hotel now has 111 modern rooms and a host of old, atmospheric cottages. The pool and courtyard are nicely secluded and the hotel bar, May Baily's Place, also harks back to those hedonistic times.