Pelican State
Louisiana travel guide
Jazz, bayous and some of the best food in the country.
- Capital
- Baton Rouge
- Best time to go
- Feb–May, Oct–Nov
- Daily budget
- $$ about $150–220 a day
- Fly into
- MSY New Orleans
Top places to visit in Louisiana
French Quarter, New Orleans
Balconies, brass bands and Jackson Square.
Mardi Gras
Parades and celebration before Lent each year.
Bayou swamp tour
Spot alligators among cypress trees.
Cajun Country, Lafayette
Zydeco dance halls and Cajun cooking.
Whitney Plantation
A museum focused on the lives of enslaved people.
What to eat in Louisiana
- Gumbo
- Beignets
- Po'boy sandwich
- Crawfish boil
When is the best time to visit Louisiana?
Feb–May, Oct–Nov is usually the best time to visit Louisiana. Moderate: about $150–220 a day for one person, including a shared hotel room and meals.
Hidden gems in Louisiana
Little-known places shared by travelers.
More of the South
AlabamaArkansasDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaKentuckyMarylandMississippiNorth CarolinaOklahomaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVirginiaWest Virginia
Budgets are rough mid-range costs per person, including a shared hotel room and meals. Always check opening times and prices before you go.