One of the country's oldest and most interesting cities, New Orleans is known as a culturally rich and vibrant center of fun, festivity, fine dining and history.
Beyond the historic gates of the French Quarter lies a sprawling patchwork of neighborhoods and suburbs, each with its own distinct rhythm. Past New Orleans, nearby communities each offer their own local flavor. Explore historic towns like Arabi and Chalmette, visit Metairie for dining and shopping, or head to Mandeville and Covington on the Northshore for a slower pace and scenic lakefront views.
At a Glance
- Known For: Historic neighborhoods, nearby suburbs, iconic streetcars, City Park and New Orleans culture
- Top Things to Do: Ride the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, explore City Park and NOMA, visit the National WWII Museum, and discover nearby communities like Metairie, Arabi, Chalmette, Mandeville and Covington
- Major Events: Mardi Gras, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival and neighborhood celebrations across the New Orleans area
Cities & Towns in the New Orleans Area
Cities and communities in the New Orleans area include Kenner, Belle Chasse, Violet, Chalmette, River Ridge, Marrero, Waggaman and Gretna, each offering easy access to New Orleans for culture, dining, history and festivals. Explore the West Bank in places like Gretna and Marrero, head downriver to Chalmette and Violet for local history, or visit Kenner and River Ridge for convenient dining, shopping and family-friendly stops. Farther away, Mandeville, Covington and Abita Springs on Louisiana’s Northshore offer a quieter escape with lakefront views, charming downtowns and a slower pace just across Lake Pontchartrain.
Top Things to Do
One of the most inspiring ways to see the city is via the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world. It carries you past the grand mansions of the Garden District and toward the sprawling greenery of Audubon Park. In Mid-City, City Park offers endless acres of exploration, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the enchanting Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. For a more contemporary perspective, the world-class National WWII Museum in the Warehouse District offers immersive exhibits on World War II.
Food & Drinks
The New Orleans Area offers a culinary landscape that spans from neighborhood corner stores to James Beard Award-winning dining rooms. Check out Commander’s Palace, Dooky Chase’s, Willie Mae’s or MaMou.
Events & Festivals
No event defines the region quite like Mardi Gras, a season of community-led parades and celebrations. In spring, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (or Jazz Fest, for short) brings visitors from around the globe for its iconic music, crafts and cuisine.
Travel Tips & Resources
The New Orleans area is easy to explore by car, rideshare, or streetcar, with many nearby communities just a short drive from downtown New Orleans. Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) for convenient access to neighborhoods and surrounding cities like Kenner, Gretna, Chalmette, Mandeville and Covington.
