City break (noun): a short holiday spent in a city, such as when on business travel.
Before there was bleisure travel, there was the city break—the short space of leisure time that grants you access to the cultural and culinary amenities that big cities offer. In this series from TripIt, we explore some of the world's best cities for planning a quick getaway or extending a work trip.
Here are our tips for making the most of your city break in New Orleans.
Where to fly into New Orleans
The New Orleans metro area is served by Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located just 15 miles west of New Orleans in the city of Kenner, Louisiana.
Once on the ground at MSY, travelers can catch a city bus to head Downtown via the Jefferson Transit Authority (JeT) or the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). JeT bus fare costs $2.00 and the RTA Airport Express bus costs $1.25; both serve multiple stops in Downtown New Orleans.
Alternatively, cabs and ride shares are also available from the airport. If you plan to book via a ride share app, be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific instructions for matching with an Uber or Lyft at MSY.
Where to stay in New Orleans: Best areas & hotels
In short, the Central Business District (CBD). Home to both newcomers, like The Barnett, and iconic hotels, like The Roosevelt New Orleans Waldorf Astoria—and a plethora of others in between—the CBD offers visitors a glimpse of New Orleans sans Mardi Gras beads. Not that there’s anything wrong with staying in the colorful French Quarter; the CBD simply suits those going beyond the guidebook.
If you’re attending an event at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, you can’t beat the convenience of the Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center. Located just a couple minutes’ walk from the convention center, the business traveler-friendly hotel offers a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
If a hotel located in the heart of the city is what you’re after, look no further than the Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter. Steps away from iconic Bourbon Street, this hotel also offers more than 32,000 square feet of conference space for hosting meetings and events.
How to get around New Orleans: Transportation tips
Part of NOLA’s charm is its easy walkability. Plan accordingly by packing comfortable shoes for walking from place to place. When walking isn’t feasible, catch the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) bus. One-way bus fare costs $1.25 and can be purchased from the bus driver. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a 1-day Jazzy Pass for $3.00, a 3-day pass for $9.00, and so on. Download the GoMobile app to purchase your Jazzy Pass, view maps and schedules, and plan your route.
Your Jazzy Pass also grants you unlimited access to the city's iconic streetcars. Four streetcar lines traverse the city, offering local commuters and visitors alike a fun and convenient alternative to the city buses. Didn’t opt for a day pass? One-way streetcar rides also cost just $1.25 and can be paid for upon boarding.
Looking to go the eco-friendly (and heart-healthy) route? Try New Orleans's bike share program, aptly named Blue Bikes. After a one-time sign-up fee of $1.00, Blue Bike rides cost $.15 per minute. Download the Blue Bikes app to sign up, find and reserve a bike, and more.
Of course, if you need to get to your destination in a jiffy, both Uber and Lyft are available in New Orleans.
Where to eat in New Orleans: Best restaurants & local food
If you only have time for one meal during your trip to New Orleans, make it at Mister Mao. This James Beard-nominated restaurant is a refreshingly fun addition to the NOLA culinary scene. Expect creative cocktails, friendly service, and exceptional dishes you won't find anywhere else.
Speaking of creative twists, visit Patois—an Uptown eatery known for its "Louisiana cuisine with a French accent"—or Pêche for fusion dishes inspired by the cuisines of South America, Spain, and the Gulf Coast.
In pursuit of late night bites? Seaworthy, located just a few doors down from The Barnett, serves food from its late night menu and oyster/raw bar until 1 AM.
Have breakfast on the brain? You have plenty of options in New Orleans. Head to the Court of Two Sisters for their Jazz Brunch Buffet, served daily. When you book your reservation, request an outdoor patio table. Then, sit back, sip a mimosa, and listen to live jazz music in this canopied French Quarter oasis.
Prefer to start your day away from the busy French Quarter? You can't go wrong at Birdy's in the Lower Garden District—the chic space and relaxed vibe are only outdone by the delicious dishes. Meanwhile, Atchafalaya in the Irish Channel and Willa Jean in the CBD serve up classic Cajun and creative contemporary dishes, respectively.
Just need to clear the cobwebs before you think about food? We feel you. Get your caffeine fix at HEY Coffee Co. on the Lafitte Greenway. Order a cup for now and a freshly baked pastry to go—and leave knowing you’re not only supporting local, you’re patronizing businesses that believe in doing the same.
Things to do in New Orleans
Speaking of the Lafitte Greenway, this once-abandoned railroad line has been transformed into a welcoming public space, thanks to a partnership led by Friends of Lafitte Greenway—a community-driven nonprofit—and the City of New Orleans. Opened in 2015, Lafitte Greenway features a 2.6-mile bike and running trail, recreational fields and playgrounds, and more. Visitors can explore the Greenway via Blue Bikes, with stations conveniently located at several points along the bike path.
What's there to see of NOLA by bike? After you’ve had your morning joe at HEY Coffee Co., scoop a Blue Bike at the North Galvez Street station and head to City Park. Here, you can traverse the park’s grounds by bike or disembark (there are two stations inside the park) and explore on foot. What’s there to see at the park? For starters, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art doubled in size in 2019; the six-acre addition showcases 27 new works. And best of all? Entry to the sculpture garden is free, and it’s open year-round.
Once you’ve had your fill of art, pop over to the Café du Monde located inside City Park. I know what you’re thinking: Avoiding the crowds of the French Quarter and getting your beignet fix? What could be better?
There are also plenty of kid-friendly things to do in City Park, as well. From the carousel to City Putt, the park offers endless fun for kids of all ages.
Adults only? By day, be sure to visit Magazine Street and pop into its many vintage, antique, and local artisan shops. By night, head to Frenchman Street to experience the local nightlife scene. Or, make your way to the Warehouse District to sip handcrafted cocktails at Salon Salon or dance the night away at Three Keys.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What airport do you fly into for New Orleans?
A: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) serves the metro area and is located about 15 miles west of Downtown in Kenner, Louisiana. From the airport, travelers can take a city bus, rideshare, or taxi into the city.
Q: What’s the best area to stay in New Orleans for a short trip?
A: The Central Business District (CBD) is a convenient place to stay, with a mix of well-known and newer hotels and easy access to attractions. The French Quarter is another popular option, especially if you want to be close to Bourbon Street and iconic sights.
Q: Are there hotels near the convention center?
A: Yes. The Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center is located just a short walk from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and offers business-friendly amenities.
Q: How do you get around New Orleans without a car?
A: New Orleans is very walkable. You can also use Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) buses, streetcars, bike share (Blue Bikes), or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to get around.
Q: Are streetcars included in transit passes?
A: Yes. A Jazzy Pass provides unlimited rides on buses and the city’s streetcars, making it an easy way to explore different neighborhoods.
Q: Where should you eat in New Orleans on a short visit?
A: For a standout meal, Mister Mao offers creative dishes and cocktails. Other notable spots mentioned include Patois, Pêche, Seaworthy for late-night bites, and the Court of Two Sisters for jazz brunch.
Q: Where can you get breakfast or coffee in New Orleans?
A: Popular morning options include Birdy’s, Atchafalaya, and Willa Jean for breakfast, or HEY Coffee Co. for coffee and pastries near the Lafitte Greenway.
Q: What are some unique things to do in New Orleans?
A: You can bike or walk along the Lafitte Greenway, visit the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park, shop along Magazine Street, or explore nightlife on Frenchman Street and in the Warehouse District.
