Louisiana - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Louisiana has a rich culture that features a mix between Creole and Cajun. Cities like New Orleans hold their heritage in Creolean culture and music very dearly, making this the ultimate go-to state for Dixieland jazz and the famous Mardi Gras. It's also where Creole cuisine was born.

Head to cities like Baton Rouge and Lafayette for Cajun country charm, where elegant plantation homesteads provide a glimpse into the exotic past. Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the 18th US state is an excellent destination for outdoor fun, with varied landscapes and warm weather year-round.

Top destinations in Louisiana

Where will you go next?

New Orleans
The heart of New Orleans is in the French Quarter, where brightly-painted colonial architecture is brought to life with smokin’ jazz bars and restaurants serving up Cajun classics. You can’t leave without tasting some authentic creole Jambalaya washed down with...
Lake Charles
Lake Charles is a southwestern Louisiana city offering unique local history museums, iconic landmarks, casinos, arts and cultural institutions. The Mardi Gras Museum in the heart of downtown explores the history of what is arguably Louisiana’s most famous festival by...

What to see & do in Louisiana

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Most Popular Streets in New Orleans
The most popular streets in New Orleans are nearly as iconic as the city itself. The names in our list are known to anyone with even a passing interest in the city. But where to start? From dining to shopping,...
5 Best Beaches in New Orleans
This list of the best beaches in New Orleans may come as a bit of a surprise to some –...
10 Best Road Trips near New Orleans
With even a short road trip near New Orleans, you can find beautiful white-sand beaches, southern plantations, nature-filled state parks...
10 Best Things to Do in New Orleans
The best things to do in New Orleans showcase the city’s quaint history and culture. Most people visit in February...
10 Best Places to Learn about Voodoo in New Orleans
These places to learn about Voodoo in New Orleans are essential if you’re interested in this rather mysterious religion. Due...
11 Weird and Quirky Things to Do in Louisiana
The state of Louisiana is full of unusual attractions, especially in the city of New Orleans. You can find bizarre...
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in New Orleans
The best things to do in New Orleans entice couples looking to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture with its garden...
10 Most Instagrammable Places in New Orleans
New Orleans is home to stunning architecture, historic buildings, unique wildlife, and picturesque streets that are perfect for souvenir pictures....
10 Must-See Small Towns in Louisiana
The small towns of Louisiana are the backbone of Cajun heritage and they're where you can best discover the state's...

Where & what to eat in Louisiana

10 Best Local Dishes from New Orleans
The best local dishes from New Orleans are an eccentric and eclectic mix, born from a multitude of cultures. The city is well known as a culinary town home to a mixture of cuisines. The best food in New Orleans...
10 Best Local Restaurants in New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its rich and diverse culinary scene and famous restaurants, and wears its many cultural influences on its sleeve. You’ll have your choice of Cajun, Creole, French, Italian, Mediterranean, or American with a twist. Many New...

Where to shop & what to buy in Louisiana

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in New Orleans
The best places to go shopping in New Orleans range from fancy malls to fantastic markets. The city has such a distinctive character, from The French Quarter to Bourbon Street, during Mardi Gras or any time of the year. The...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Lake Charles
Lake Charles has a variety of shopping plazas and malls to pick up groceries, browse speciality and department stores, catch a film, or grab a bite to eat. You can make a trip to the supermarket to stock your hotel...

Where to go & what to do at night in Louisiana

10 Best Jazz Clubs in New Orleans
Choosing the best jazz clubs in New Orleans can be tricky as the city is the heart of jazz in the American south yet not everybody seeks the same experience. You might want to let your hair down in a...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in New Orleans
New Orleans is famous for its variety of unique nightlife like burlesque or ghost tours for fun after dinner. You...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Lake Charles
Lake Charles has a vibrant nightlife filled with live music, elegant casinos, theatres, and a variety of bars. As you...

Useful information

10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting New Orleans
Avoid typical mistakes people make when visiting New Orleans and you’ll be sure to have an awesome holiday in the Big Easy. This vibrant city offers one of the most laidback experiences in the US, thanks to its incredible music...
10 Best Festivals in New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its spectacular festivals, food-and-wine events, music shows, and cultural experiences. From the famous Mardi Gras...
New Orleans Travel Essentials
Our New Orleans Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of...

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