Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
New Orleans (Orleans Parish, Louisiana; pop. 362,701) sits at 18 m (59 ft) elevation near Louisiana Maritime Museum, with regional transit access via Texas-Pacific Railroad Station (historical) (4.3 km). Visitors pair New Orleans landmarks with signature Louisiana specialties including Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya and Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish.
Within Louisiana, New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) serves as a major hub city in louisiana. Travelers exploring Louisiana often combine a stop in New Orleans with state highlights such as New Orleans French Quarter, Garden District & Frenchmen Street Jazz, Cajun Country bayous (Lafayette), Oak Alley & Laura Plantations, and Atchafalaya Basin.
| Fact | Details for New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) |
|---|---|
| City & State | New Orleans, LA |
| County & Role | Major hub city in Louisiana |
| State & Major Hubs | Louisiana (New Orleans, Baton Rouge & Lafayette) |
| Population | 362,701 residents |
| Elevation | 18 m (59 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Texas-Pacific Railroad Station (historical) (4.3 km) |
| Coordinates | 29.9547°N, 90.0751°W |
Getting to New Orleans & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Texas-Pacific Railroad Station (historical) (4.3 km)): Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (Amtrak & historic RTA streetcars), and I-10.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport & Amtrak Sunset Limited / City of New Orleans? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from New Orleans includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in New Orleans (Louisiana)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In New Orleans (Orleans Parish, Louisiana), local tables feature: Signature Louisiana dishes—Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya, Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish, and Roast beef & fried shrimp po'boys on French bread.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around New Orleans and across Louisiana, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Louisiana: Chicory café au lait, Sazerac & Ramos Gin Fizz, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in New Orleans (Louisiana), look for: Local specialties across Louisiana: Café du Monde-style powdered beignets & bananas Foster, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Louisiana dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In New Orleans (pop. 362,701), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Orleans Parish offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 18 m (59 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Texas-Pacific Railroad Station (historical) (4.3 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Louisiana Maritime Museum (0.5 km) · New Orleans Jazz Museum (0.7 km) · McDonogh Monument (0.8 km) · Clay Monument (0.8 km) · Franklin Monument (0.9 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Faubourg Marigny, Holy Cross, Lower Ninth Ward, Gentilly Woods, Lakeshore East
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Gretna, LA (4.9 km)
- Harvey, LA (5.7 km)
- Terrytown, LA (6.4 km)
- Marrero, LA (6.6 km)
- Arabi, LA (6.7 km)
Regional Specialties Across Louisiana
- Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
- Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
- Roast beef & fried shrimp po'boys on French bread — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
- Café du Monde-style powdered beignets & bananas Foster — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
- Chicory café au lait, Sazerac & Ramos Gin Fizz — a signature specialty across Louisiana.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for New Orleans
Best time to visit Louisiana: Oct–May (Feb–Apr for Mardi Gras & Jazz Fest).
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in New Orleans exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in New Orleans; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) located in the United States?
New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) is a us city in Louisiana, United States (coordinates: 29.9547°N, 90.0751°W, elevation: 18 m (59 ft)). It has a population of approximately 362,701.
How do I get to New Orleans by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach New Orleans via Texas-Pacific Railroad Station (historical) (4.3 km). Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (Amtrak & historic RTA streetcars), and I-10. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is New Orleans and Louisiana known for?
In New Orleans and across Louisiana, signature regional dishes include Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya, Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish, Roast beef & fried shrimp po'boys on French bread, as well as Café du Monde-style powdered beignets & bananas Foster and Chicory café au lait, Sazerac & Ramos Gin Fizz. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit New Orleans?
Best time to visit Louisiana: Oct–May (Feb–Apr for Mardi Gras & Jazz Fest). Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: