New Orleans in July

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024

There’s nothing quite like summer in New Orleans. While it’s a beautiful destination all year round, July is the best time to visit – the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and we’re ready to explore all that the city has to offer. Jazz lovers, rejoice; foodies, celebrate; and architecture geeks, get ready – because this unique historic metropolis truly offers a little something for everyone. So, if you’re planning on making the trip, make sure to check out our list of the top things to see and do in the area.

See the Sites

Since the area is renowned for its thriving arts scene, it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the best museums in the South. Combining the historic architecture of the city with a true passion for the art of today, the Contemporary Arts Center is built into a venerable open-space warehouse in downtown New Orleans. A great stop for art lovers, the gallery features experiments in painting, mixed-media, video, and much, much more. Interesting and thought-provoking, this beautiful and unique space is well worth the trip.

No city in the Unites States boasts quite the same architectural beauty as New Orleans. Those who are interested in exploring the constructural integrity and spiritual life of the area should take time to visit the Old Ursuline Convent. Completed in 1752, the abbey is the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley and most certainly a sight to behold. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to appreciate the 18th century wooden staircases and stunning stained-glass windows. July is the perfect time to visit and meander through the perfectly manicured gardens which surround the convent.

Another one of our favorite museums in New Orleans is the African American Museum. Situated in the historic neighborhood of Tremé, this repository seeks to preserve and protect the contributions that those of African descent have made to the development of New Orleans culture. Through world-class curated exhibitions, fascinating personal stories and public programs, the museum provides an educational experience for those of all ages.

Attention all shopping addicts: for the ultimate browsing experience, Canal Street is the place to be. Cutting right down the city center, this lively pedestrianized thoroughfare has all that you could ask for to satisfy your deep shopping cravings. Buzzing with life and flanked with lots of interesting stores, theaters, and museums, this area has more than enough to keep you busy.

Get to Know the City

Perhaps one of the main draws of the city is its iconic food scene. Those who are interested in sampling some of the best that New Orleans has to offer should look into booking a food tour. On the tour, you’ll be guided through the historic and beautiful Lower Garden District and have the chance to try out a number of quintessential dishes based in Louisiana tradition. Combining flavor with learning, this tour is guided by a local expert in gastronomy, who will explain the development of Southern cuisine in a fun and engaging way. Spanning numerous cuisines, 10 blocks, and unfathomable levels of deliciousness, this is not one to be missed!

Whilst the summer heat isn’t for everyone, we think it’s a shame to waste the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Just outside the city center, the Bayou Segnette Park offers a wide array of fun activities for those of all ages. Whether you’re fishing in the reserves’ expansive waterway, exploring the winding hiking trails of the park, or spotting animals in the swamps, you'll find little reason to stray far from the retreat’s natural wonders. Visitors will enjoy the quietness and serenity of this beautiful park.

If you're trying to avoid the weather, why not beat the heat with a museum tour? In stark contrast to its neighbors, the Beauregard-Keyes House is a unique example of Greek Revival architecture to be found right in the middle of the French Quarter. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore the museum’s beautiful interiors and fascinating collection of artefacts. From antique dolls and teapots to delicate fans and folk costumes, this place has it all.

Get Festive

If you're visiting in July, you’ll be too late to catch Mardi Gras – but lucky for you, the festivals never stop coming in the Big Easy. Running from the 25th Jun to 4th July, Essence Fest is one of the South’s most popular music festivals. Featuring five live stages and an extraordinary array of talent across its star-studded lineup, the event attracts music fans from every corner of the country. With previous performances from Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, Beyonce and The Roots, you won’t want to miss this one!

Considering that the city was founded and developed by the French, it’s no wonder that Bastille Day is a big deal there. Falling on July 14th every year,the Faubourg St. John Bastille Day Block Party serves as an exciting celebration of the city’s unique cultural heritage. The festivities include speciality French cuisine, music, and even costume contests – hey, what’s not to like? In addition, there are kids activities available for those travelling with family – so, everyone’s happy!

Everyone loves Independence Day, but nobody does it quite like New Orleans. The city presents a wide variety of great things to do for one of America’s favorite holidays, including parades, contests, and firework displays. For a traditional Fourth of July experience, we recommend checking out 4th Fest in Crescent Park, which features fun activities, music and delicious food. Come nightfall, we suggest taking a ride on the Steamboat Natchez – this way, you’ll be able to catch the spectacular firework display lighting up the city sky. This historic steamboat cruise offers live music, a buffet, as well as an open bar.

Attracting millions of visitors each year, New Orleans has an undeniable universal appeal. With its unique history, the city's strong cultural influence spreads through to its delicious cuisine, great music and beautiful architecture. From stunning national parks to vibrant nightlife destinations like the French Quarter, the area offers something fun for every traveller. And now, you don’t have to miss a thing – with Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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5 Days in New Orleans

No doubt New Orleans is one of the most exciting cities to explore in the United States. The area is one of the most popular visitor destinations of the south, drawing in around 20 million visitors each year – and with good reason! With fascinating history, great culture, and fun attractions, there’s no shortage of things to here for all types of travelers. No, really, trust us when we say that you’ll never be bored in The Big Easy – more likely, you’ll struggle to fit it all in. Still, with the right planning, you’ll be able to make the most of the city and have a blast in the process! Hoping to catch all of New Orleans’ top sights but aren’t quite sure how to maximize your time? Don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for! For a complete guide of things to during a short trip to The Big Easy, keep scrolling. Day 1 - Start by Exploring the French Quarter What better way to kick off your trip to New Orleans than by exploring the French Quarter? As the historic heart of the city, this vibrant area is well-known for its fantastic cultural amenities and buzzing atmosphere. Start your day by grabbing breakfast at Café du Monde, the city’s most popular choice for coffee and beignets. After this, head over to The Presbytère, one of the United States’ best examples of Spanish Colonial architecture. Aside from being a beautiful structure, this building houses a wonderfully comprehensive collection of historic artefacts and documents which work to tell the story of the state of Louisiana. Just next door is the St. Louis Cathedral – the oldest cathedral in North America. Upon entrance, visitors can take self-guided tours to admire its sweeping archways, stained-glass windows and towering columns. We suggest staying in the French Quarter until after dusk, as the area comes to life with countless dive bars, cocktail lounges and live music venues to be enjoyed. The best part of the French Quarter to grab a drink and catch a live show would be Bourbon Street, though the whole area is pretty spirited during the evening time. Day 2 - Take Time in Nature Though New Orleans is mostly known as a big lively metropolis, it presents a great amount of green space to be explored. The area benefits greatly from its location right by the Gulf of Mexico, with sunny weather and lush tropical greenery all year round. There are a lot of great spots for nature enthusiasts to see in New Orleans, but one of our favorite places has got to be the Barataria Preserve, offering a peaceful respite from city life. Covering over 26,000 acres of flatwoods, wetlands and marshes, this spot is a great place to take a breather and get in touch with Mother Nature. We especially love this attraction because it provides nice a way to see animals without disrupting their way of life. This place is home to a wide array of wildlife – visitors can expect to see everything from minks and deer to alligators and water snakes. In addition, this is a welcome spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species to be enjoyed. Popular activities to do here include hiking, kayaking, canoeing and air boating. Those who are looking to learn more about the environment can check out the visitor center for educational films and exhibits. We suggest wearing your comfiest shoes and bringing plenty of sunscreen along to stay comfortable. Day 3 - Learn About the City There’s so much more to see of New Orleans past the French Quarter. For those who are looking to learn more about the history and culture of the city, we recommend Tremé. Initially founded in the 1810s by its free people of color, Tremé is most often recognized as the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States. Throughout the years, the neighborhood has played a vital role in the development of the city’s African American and Creole culture, and as such, there are many fantastic institutions well worth visiting in the area. Those interested in learning more about the development of jazz in New Orleans would benefit from checking out the Petit Jazz Museum. If you’re more interested in delving into the history of the area, we suggest heading over to the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Bringing something a little new to the table, this spot focuses mostly on exquisite and intricately-embroidered Mardi Gras costumes from the past. Both of these museums are pretty small, so you’ll have plenty of time to sit down and eat in Tremé – lucky you! Tremé is home to some of the best eateries in New Orleans – from fast-casual restaurants to fine dining, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Some of the best spots include Li’l Dizzy’s Café, Sweet Soulfood, and Gabrielle Restaurant. Whether you’re a total history buff or just curious, Tremé is sure to grab your attention. Day 4 - Check Out the Garden District Next, we suggest you take time to have a look at some of the wonderful architecture around New Orleans. One of the best places in the city to view beautiful buildings is the Garden District, located just a short streetcar ride away from the French Quarter. With its stunning historic mansions and lavish gardens, the area is best explored on foot. For those who want to learn more about these quaint cottages and exquisite homes, we recommend booking a walking tour. En route, your guide should talk you through the diverse mix of architectural styles exhibited in the area. In addition, we suggest taking a casual stroll down Magazine Street near the southern border of the district. Here you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best upscale boutiques and eclectic stores in the city. Day 5 - Take a Ferry Across the Mississippi To round out your trip to New Orleans, we highly recommend taking the Algiers Ferry across the magnificent Mississippi River. Take a snapshot of yourself sailing across the River, and admire the water up close. The Ferry stops at Algiers Point, a charming residential neighborhood which retains much of its 19th century village character. Spend the day in the area to enjoy its small art galleries, friendly pubs and quaint Creole cottages. Pro tip: take the ferry back after sunset to watch the sun set over the beautiful New Orleans skyline. We couldn’t possibly think of a better way to end a vacation in New Orleans. New Orleans is one of those destinations that you just can’t help falling in love with. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Drone shot of the New Orleans, Louisiana skyline at sunrise
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Getting around New Orleans   

Well, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide of how to see the sites whilst soaking up all that the area has to offer.
Sarah Harris
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New Orleans in May

Planning on travelling to New Orleans this spring? Well, you’ve come to the right place. From food and music festivals to swamp hiking and plantation tours, we’ve got you covered. Immerse yourself in some of the city’s best attractions and discover its interesting history. With Go City, you can experience the endless treasures that the city has to offer. Let’s dive in. Explore the City If you’d like to experience the mighty Mississippi firsthand, we recommend looking into the Algiers Ferry ride. During the day, you’ll be able to see the famous waters up close, and at night, you can admire the skyline sparkle from a distance. The ferry ends at Algiers point, a historic neighborhood retaining all of its 19th-century village charm. Grab something to eat, take a self-guided walking tour, or watch the sunset over the river. The day is yours!   Taking a brewery tour is a great way to spend an afternoon. Located in the Mid-City area, NOLA Brewery provides visitors with a chance to see how its iconic beers are made. After the tour, you can choose from 24 taps of high-quality beers, which pair nicely with McClure’s Barbecue located on-site. With its cosy courtyard, there's no better way to relax and enjoy a cold pint in the sun. New Orleans is a city brimming with living history. Explore a fascinating and somber part of America's backstory with a trip to the Oak Alley & Laura Plantations. On the tour, you’ll be able two visit the stunning gardens and elegant homes which date way back to the 17th century. In addition, you’ll learn more about the Creoles who worked at the plantation as well as the architectural style of the buildings. Because of the disturbing background of the plantations, some people choose to opt out of this one, but we think that the site provides a great educational experience. Get Festive   Springtime in New Orleans is peak festival season. If you’re visiting in May, you might have missed Mardi Gras, but you can still catch Cinco De Mayo! Held annually in the beautiful springtime weather, this holiday commemorates The Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. The festivities include a full day of parades, authentic Mexican food, live Mariachi music, and face painting. In addition, you’ll be able to find many restaurants and bars across the city holding their own special events. Don’t miss out! If you know anything about New Orleans, you’ll know about the city’s strong musical prowess. To experience the vibrant music scene for yourself, head over to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Despite its name, this two-day extravaganza actually features musicians across a wide variety of genres, including folk, pop, rap and country. Having welcomed many world-renowned performers in the past, including Stevie Nicks, Wu-Tang Clan and Lionel Richie, this one is an absolute must. Another great event for music lovers is Bayou Boogaloo. Running from May 14-16, this event celebrates America's greatest music city by recognizing its top current artists. The festival features four live stages with a wide variety of genres to satisfy everybody. In addition, the event has a children’s stage offering activities for kids of all ages. If arts are more your thing, the Treme/7th Ward Arts and Culture Festival is one of the best things to do in May in the city. The festival’s varied programmes seek to celebrate the historic and culturally rich neighborhood of the 7th Ward. At the event, you can enjoy live music, delicious food, crafts, bar crawls, and much more. Discover Nature   Why not take advantage of the warmer weather by checking out some of the local parks? Located right by the waterfront in Bywater, Crescent Park grants its visitors a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. With its wide-open spaces, native landscaping and communal seating areas, this beautiful and serene space is the perfect place the spend a lazy spring afternoon. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can snap some great pictures of the river! Spring is one of the best times to check out some of the popular outdoor attractions New Orleans has to offer. If you love nature as much as we do, you might be interested in exploring the dense swamplands of Louisiana. With its beautiful nature trails and picturesque scenery, the Barataria Preserve is the perfect place for taking a peaceful hike away from the bustling city. For those who are especially interested in learning more about the swamps, guided tours are offered.   It’s no accident that New Orleans is known for its delicious fresh seafood. With a wealth of freshwater lakes, endless estuaries, and of course, the Mississippi River, the area is a fisherman’s paradise. To grab a slice of the action, book a trip with Get’n Hooked Inshore Adventures. On the trip, you’ll be accompanied by a captain and provided with high-quality equipment to ensure that everything goes swimmingly. In the spring, the waters are inhabited by flounder, catfish, and speckled trout, so grab a rod! Sampling the delicious local cuisine is a fundamental part of any New Orleans experience. If you just can’t decide which restaurant to go to, why not try out the French Quarter food tour? During the tour, you’ll be able to try out some of the best food that the city has to offer. With restaurants ranging from casual upscale establishments to favorite neighborhood bistros, we promise you won’t go hungry. In addition to all the fabulous food, your guide will talk you through the history and culture which shaped the city’s unique culinary scene. New Orleans is a hub of total vibrancy, and the cultural, musical and culinary capital of the South. Whether you’re into the arts, an outdoorsy type, or simply a lover of the city, there’s tons of great things to do.
Sarah Harris

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