New Orleans is a city that constantly evolves while staying rooted in rich history and tradition. While Nola is known for its massive Mardi Gras festivals, Bourbon Street bars, and late-night beignets, there is so much more to this city than meets the eye. At first glance, New Orleans is an ideal destination in the USA for your party needs (and it is a good time, don’t get us wrong). But peek behind the curtain and you’ll also find a thriving local art scene, a booming third-wave coffee culture, and some of the most elevated dining in the country. With historic architecture spanning the...

If there is one thing we know to be true about Crescent City and the Bayou area, it’s that the weather is totally unpredictable. Known for its hurricane seasons and humid climate, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter rain when you visit the Big Easy, especially in the summer months. But don’t worry, the light summer showers usually don’t last long before the sun is out to greet you again while you explore Bourbon Street and beyond. And with the easy to use streetcar network, you can avoid walking in the rain altogether. In a city bursting with attractions and rich history, there is...

New Orleans is an exciting place to visit year-round, but it transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. What can we say? New Orleanians will find any reason to celebrate; the holiday season is no exception. Everything you love about the culture and history of New Orleans collides to create a holiday getaway you won’t forget. Whether your perfect trip involves caroling with strangers, admiring twinkling Christmas lights strung in live oaks, or attending bonfires down by the levee – there is an event for everyone to enjoy. Come cozy up in a Book NOLA vacation rental...

While most of the world slows down for the winter season, New Orleans comes alive. In fact, New Orleanians would tell you that winter is arguably the very best season to visit the Big Easy. What makes winter the sweet spot to visit NOLA? The mild winter weather provides a welcome relief from summer and fall’s humidity. The holiday season brings magical scenery, festive celebrations, and family-friendly entertainment. Best of all, Mardi Gras is just around the corner. Wintertime in the Crescent City is all about delicious Southern soul food, holiday festivities, and the thrill of...

If you are looking for a fun place to go and visit, you have probably thought about spending time in New Orleans. The bayou is a beautiful place to visit but the different seasons certainly bring different weather and things to do. Before you book your ideal vacation rental home in the Crescent City, think carefully about when you and your family should visit. It is one of the most colorful and eccentric cities in the south of the USA, but when is the best time to go? The city is most famous for voodoo music and Mardi Gras, but there is a lot more to experience and explore throughout...

New Orleans might be best known for its cuisine and culture, but did you know that it also boasts one of the top-rated aquariums in the country? Located near the French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is consistently listed as one of the Top 10 U.S. Aquariums for its expansive collection of more than 250 animal species. As one of NOLA’s most beloved family-friendly attractions, the Audubon Aquarium offers visitors a front-row seat to marine life through interactive exhibits and a diverse collection of species. If you are staying at a Book NOLA vacation home and planning a...

*Updated July 2024 Nestled between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans offers a unique blend of city amenities within a coastal landscape. New Orleans is known for its rich culture, one-of-a-kind festivals, and delicious Creole food. But just beyond the busy streets of NOLA, visitors can enjoy all of the outdoor activities the Gulf Coast offers. Whether you dip your feet in Lake Pontchartrain or take a day trip to the Gulf of Mexico, a Book NOLA vacation home is the perfect home base to explore all the picturesque beaches nearby. Grab your po’boys for the...

Just west of the city of New Orleans lies Metairie, a thriving lakeside suburb with its own distinct personality and charm. Known for its quaint atmosphere, delicious eateries, and family-friendly activities, Metairie boasts a close proximity to New Orleans while offering the convenience of the suburban lifestyle. Nestled in between New Orleans and the suburb of Kenner, Metairie is a convenient location for travelers who enjoy a mixture of city life and suburban amenities. Metairie vacation homes are approximately 10 minutes from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and...

New Orleans is home to some of the best museums in the country. Known for its rich history, unique culture, and thriving art scene, Nola invites thousands of visitors every year to experience an up-close view of what makes it so special through its large collection of museums. From art galleries to interactive exhibits, the city’s museums offer the chance to explore and appreciate the diversity of New Orleans, Louisiana, and American culture as a whole. Rain or shine, hopping from one museum to the next, is the perfect activity on your New Orleans getaway. We’ve rounded up our top...

New Orleans, Louisiana, might be most famous for the French Quarter, but its charm stretches beyond Bourbon Street, beignets, and Mardi Gras. You could spend an entire weekend in Downtown NOLA and never run out of entertainment options, but you would miss all of the diverse New Orleans neighborhoods that make this thriving Southern city what it is today. The city of New Orleans is threaded together by multiple neighborhoods, each with its own history, architecture, and personality. Well-known streets such as Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue connect one neighborhood to the next,...

At a whopping 171 feet wide, the infamous Canal Street embodies all that we know and love about New Orleans. Steeped with historical significance, Canal Street remains a thriving epicenter in the heart of NOLA to this day. Acting as a major thoroughfare through the city, Canal Street starts at the Mississippi River before passing through the Warehouse District and ending in Mid City. It serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, attracting crowds from all over for shopping, dining, parading, and exploring what makes this city so special and unique. Whether it’s your...

Let’s be real: New Orleans makes it easy to plan an unforgettable bachelor party. The Crescent City is known for being a good time. Beyond the epic Bourbon Street nightlife, NOLA offers plenty of daytime adventures for your guy’s trip as well. Whether the groom-to-be is a sports fan, foodie, music enthusiast, or betting man, his New Orleans bachelor party is going to be one to remember (sort of). While you can wing it in New Orleans and find plenty of adventures, we recommend starting with the perfect vacation rental, then planning your weekend activities ahead of time, so you...

Just two miles from the heart of the French Quarter lies the Bywater, a historic New Orleans neighborhood bursting with personality and charm. Towering oaks and blooming magnolias characterize its gorgeous streets and take you back in time to yesteryear. Known for its mom-and-pop cafes, live music, and diverse population, this colorful neighborhood is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Sandwiched between the popular neighborhoods of St. Claude and Faubourg Marigny, the Bywater sits along the Mississippi River just east of the Central Business District. The real crown jewel...

When looking for the ultimate bachelorette party, New Orleans should be top of your list! This historic and vibrant city has something for any kind of celebrator – from live music to unique Southern cuisine, you’ll find it all here. New Orleans is so much more than its nightlife scene. Between picturesque brunch spots, boutique shopping on Magazine Street, an array of art galleries, or its many rooftop bars, New Orleans bachelorette party activities are available for every type of bride-to-be. Not to mention, luxury accommodations and access to premier spas ensure both...

Marigny is a New Orleans, Louisiana, neighborhood ripe with rich history, 19th-century architecture, and an ever-expanding list of entertainment options. Like neighboring Faubourg Treme, Marigny is a suburb outside the French Quarter. You won’t want to miss out on all that the Marigny itself has to offer. From eclectic shops and eateries, a vibrant nightlife and luxurious vacation rentals, you will have endless options just a walk away! Below is our guide to this vibrant area’s history and sites. We’ve also included information on where to eat and sleep during your stay in the...

The New Orleans Central Business District (CBD), or Downtown New Orleans, is truly the city’s hub. Right outside of the French Quarter, it is home to historic sky-rise buildings, countless art galleries, and some of the most iconic streets in the city known as The Big Easy. Due to its proximity to the French Quarter, Mid-City, and the Garden District, it is the ideal spot to explore the city whether you are visiting for work, an event, or a vacation. Below we’ve compiled your guide to getting the most out of your stay in the New Orleans Central Business District. About The...

There are no shortage of entertainment options in New Orleans and the casino scene definitely lives up to the city’s unique, extravagant reputation. After strolling through Mid City or bar-hopping down Bourbon Street, locals and tourists love to test their luck in one of the Crescent City’s 47 gambling locations. Given that we have vacation rentals strewn throughout New Orleans, it’s up to you if you prefer to be strategically near or far from the casino that most entices you. You can choose between a casino hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, a tucked-away riverboat...

City Park New Orleans is a 1,300-acre park in the middle of Crescent City. It boasts countless attractions and activities, including iconic dining, two fine arts museums, a sculpture garden, golf, tennis, soccer, softball, and equestrian stables. Bequeathed to New Orleans by area businessman John McDonogh, this unique oasis was transformed in the 1930s by Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal program. The park’s main entrance is off Esplanade Avenue – a grand tree-lined thoroughfare with historic southern mansions and Louisiana charm. City Park New Orleans is a 10-minute...