Why there's more to New Orleans than Mardi Gras

Telegraph

20-03-2025

There's no place in the world quite like New Orleans. From its jazz-filled streets to its Cajun cuisine, it's here and only here, by the mighty Mississippi, that you'll find the city's unique fusion of African-American, French, Spanish and Creole influences.
Permeating everything from its wrought-iron architecture to its timeless traditions and parades, it's no wonder New Orleans is known as the cultural capital of the South. The air here crackles with centuries of stories and an undeniable, invigorating energy.
Getting here is simple. Direct flights from London Heathrow with British Airways put the city within easy reach. For added convenience, British Airways Holidays is the place to book your car rental, hotel rooms and flights, all in one go.
There's always something to celebrate in the Crescent City – so-called owing to the city's location on the crescent-shaped bend of the Mississippi River. New Orleans wears its rich and diverse history proudly, expressing it through almost endless parades, live and often spontaneous music. Home to more than 130 festivals each year, there's far more to explore beyond the city's famous Mardi Gras celebrations, and world-renowned Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Experience the best of the city with a drive through the amazing architecture of the Garden District, an exploration of its unique neighbourhoods, or a pilgrimage to a famed food spot. With so much on offer, the only difficulty you'll have is narrowing down exactly what to do.
Must-try bites
New Orleans is going to make the foodie in you very, very happy. Pace yourself and make a plan as you seek out some of the most famous dishes in the city. With food one of the truest expressions of culture, you'll be experiencing New Orleans' rich history with every bite.
Influences from as far afield as Paris to Port au Prince, Cadiz to the Congo are captured in the city's signature cuisine. There may be more than 1,400 restaurants, but there's a few star signature and traditional dishes.
Start with a sandwich, specifically muffalettas, an Italian sandwich invented right here in New Orleans. Go straight to the source at Central Grocery, open since 1906. Or try a po-boy at Parkway Bakery and Domilise's. Though you can't go wrong anywhere in the city.
Dishes from gumbo, to crawfish etouffee and jambalaya are a must. Though red beans and rice – with meat, red or kidney beans and spices – are traditionally eaten on a Monday.
Finish with beignets or bananas foster. Whereas the beignets have been consumed in the city since the 18th century, the foster was created at Brennan's Restaurant in the 1950s and is still on the menu. Pack your comfy clothes, these dishes are calling you.
A musical genre for everyone
Feel uplifted by soaring voices singing gospel, swayed by the sound of a second-line horn section, or seek out the blues, jazz and rock after dark.
On any given day of the week, New Orleans grooves to the sound of live music, on the street, in the clubs, and along Frenchmen Street. The city has produced its share of musical giants, from greats like Louis Armstrong to contemporary acts like Trombone Shorty and Big Freedia.
Head to the live music clubs and venues on Frenchmen Street, including much-loved jazz haunts from the Spotted Cat and Snug Harbor to experience it for yourself. Seek out the Preservation Hall in the lively French Quarter, where traditional New Orleans jazz is celebrated nightly. Or bowl and sing the blues at the Rock-N-Bowl in Mid-City, then soak up the soul food and sax at Vaughn's in the Bywater.
If you're lucky, you'll stumble across a Second Line, a joyous, seemingly impromptu musical parade that winds through the streets picking up revellers. Unique to the city, there's nothing more joyous.
Party town
New Orleans is culture. But if you want to experience some of its highlights, look out, of course, for Mardi Gras. This one- to three-month party is celebrated every year from 6 January to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday so it varies in length depending on when Easter falls. You don't only have to be here for Fat Tuesday to still experience the music, art and costumed revelry. Heed our words…join in. This isn't about spectating.
Nicknamed the 'party with a purpose', the Essence Festival began in 1995 as a one-off event to celebrate 25 years of Essence magazine. Now the event has expanded more broadly to celebrate African-American culture through panel discussions, meet-and-greets and of course, music – and is the largest African-American culture and music event in the United States. Look out for the best R&B, soul, funk, gospel, and hip-hop every 4 July weekend.
But if you want to slow things down, step into the neighbourhoods. French, Spanish and Haitian influences can be felt in the fabric of the city, from the brightly painted Creole cottages of the Marigny and the Bywater to the balustraded beauty of the French Quarter.
It's almost impossible to sum up New Orleans in a sentence, but the riot of food, festivities and music will stir your soul – which means it's certainly a city not to be missed.
Time to call it a night
Of course, in a city that's so full of life and new experiences, you need to make sure that you have the perfect place to recharge between adventures. Luckily there are more than enough options for the perfect stay.
The quirky and chic Eliza Jane is the ideal choice if you want to bed down in the heart of Nola, as is the upscale Maison Metier, a boutique hotel that has its very own speakeasy. Le Meridien is another great choice – it fuses the character of the city with European sophistication and has a rooftop pool as an added bonus.
Southern comforts with British Airways Holidays
Getting here is easy: British Airways operates multiple weekly flights to Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans from London Heathrow, which makes getting to the Deep South simple. What's more, when you book your flights and car hire together through British Airways Holidays and their exclusive car hire partner Avis, you're able to experience that authentic Southern charm the best way possible, on a fly-drive holiday. And for a place to rest your head after a day of exploring, British Airways Holidays offer a range of hotel options to suit all budgets, so your trip is well covered.
Booking your flights, hotel and car hire together come with additional benefits, including full Atol protection, competitive rates, roadside assistance and access to a 24-hour holiday helpline for any support you might need while you're away. You will also receive a generous baggage allowance for any goodies you pick up along the way. For added convenience, you can secure your Deep South road trip holiday with a low deposit and pay in as many instalments as you like, to help spread the cost. Alternatively, settle the balance closer to departure should you wish to pay later.*