Visiting New Orleans
AORN Expo 2026 | April 11-14 | New Orleans, LA
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Fast Facts About New Orleans
- Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
- Convention Center: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (Warehouse District)
- Getting Around: Streetcar + rideshare + walkable districts
- Time Zone: Central (CT)
- Weather: Mild-to-warm; pack light layers and comfortable walking shoes
Walkability Tips
The Warehouse/Arts District, French Quarter, Garden District, Marigny/Bywater, and Uptown are the most visitor‑friendly, with plenty to see within short walks or streetcar hops.
Festivals & Culture
New Orleans is the festival capital of the U.S. With over 130 festivals each year, there’s always a celebration underway. While Mardi Gras parades will have subsided come April, street performers, second‑line parades, and brass bands bring culture to daily life. A short walk through the city might just feel like a festival experience on its own
Local Attractions
Discover the city’s layered culture. Walk through history in the French Quarter and the Garden District. Stroll the Mississippi riverfront, visit the immersive National WWII Museum just blocks from the Convention Center, or dive into marine wonders at the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium. Every corner blends old-world charm with new-world vibrance.
Nightlife
When the sun sets, New Orleans comes alive. Stroll down Frenchmen Street for intimate jazz clubs or savor cocktails at rooftop lounges with skyline views. From timeless haunts like Preservation Hall to contemporary speakeasies, you’ll find music and flavor spilling into the streets.
Shopping
Love a treasure hunt? Browse vintage shops and boutiques along Magazine Street, pick up artisan goods at the French Market, or find souvenirs in the French Quarter. From antiques to local art to chic modern fashion, New Orleans shopping reflects the city’s creative soul.
River & Outdoors
Step outside the bustle and onto the water. Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi, venture out on a swamp tour to see Louisiana’s bayous, or enjoy oak-lined walks through the Garden District. Even within city blocks, you’ll find peaceful green spaces and lively street performers.
Family Activities
New Orleans is as family friendly as it is festive. Explore hands-on exhibits at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, meet animals at the Audubon Zoo, or ride the historic St. Charles Streetcar under oak trees and past historic mansions. Kid-friendly dining and attractions are woven into most districts.
Culinary Musts
No trip is complete without tasting the city. From beignets at Café du Monde to gumbo, po’boys, and oysters at corner spots, New Orleans’ food scene is unmatched. Upscale dining in the Warehouse District and hidden gems along Magazine Street offer modern twists on Creole and Cajun traditions.
Arts & Culture
New Orleans is a vibrant hub of arts and culture, blending French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. From world-class jazz and street performances to historic architecture, galleries, and festivals, the city offers an inspiring mix of creativity and tradition.
History
New Orleans is rich with history; every street tells a story. Explore the French Quarter’s iconic architecture, visit centuries-old churches and landmarks, or tour historic neighborhoods and museums that preserve the city’s unique legacy and cultural traditions.
Quick Itinerary Ideas
- 2–3 Hours: Walk from Expo → WWII Museum → dinner nearby in the Warehouse District.
- Evening: French Quarter stroll → Preservation Hall → riverfront views.
- Half Day: Aquarium + shopping → Frenchmen Street for live jazz.
Safety & Travel Tips
- Stick to well-lit areas at night; explore in groups when possible.
- Use rideshare/taxis from designated zones.
- Keep hydration, light layers, and walking shoes handy the humidity is real.
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