

Car Hire New Orleans Louisiana USA






Welcome to New Orleans: Louisiana’s ‘Big Easy’
Welcome to the city of New Orleans, the heart and soul of the American South, a city where jazz fills the air, history echoes through its streets, and the spicy aromas of Cajun cuisine tempt you at every corner. Known as the "Big Easy" for its laid-back charm and vibrant personality, New Orleans offers a cocktail of culture, music, and food that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. From the historic French Quarter with its iconic ironwork balconies to the lively sounds of street musicians in the Frenchmen Street neighbourhood, this city is brimming with life and stories waiting to be uncovered. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), just 15 miles from the heart of the city, is your gateway to exploring this unique metropolis. International arrivals fly in from cities like the United Kingdom historic capital London, the chic French city of Paris, Canada’s second-largest city of Toronto, and the beach playground of Cancun in colourful Mexico. The city’s international airport makes it easy for visitors from around the globe to experience its one-of-a-kind character. A hire car lets you effortlessly dive into the culture, history, and cuisine that make New Orleans a global treasure. A hire car is the perfect way to navigate the charming streets, while offering easy access to the surrounding neighbourhoods, the Mississippi River, and beyond to the bayous and plantations that define the State of Louisiana.
New Orleans is a city with a rhythm all its own, and the best way to catch that beat is by taking a drive. Collect a hire car from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, and your adventure begins, begin behind the wheel. A quick 30-minute drive will bring you to the French Quarter, where you can indulge in the city’s most iconic experiences. The sounds of jazz spill from every corner, and the vibrant colours of the street art and historic buildings dazzle the eyes. Cruise through Royal Street and Bourbon Street, the most famous of New Orleans’ thoroughfares, where musicians, dancers, and vendors gather to showcase their talents. Don’t forget to stop by the Café du Monde for a warm beignet and a café au lait — the quintessential New Orleans snack. A car allows you the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. Head to the Garden District, where antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets evoke a sense of the city’s rich past. Take a leisurely drive through Magazine Street, known for its eclectic shops, hip cafes, and lively bars. For an even deeper dive into New Orleans history, a short drive from the city center takes you to the National WWII Museum, a moving and expansive experience that brings to life one of the most significant periods in history. When you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle, a hire car opens up access to some of the city’s more tranquil locations. Take a scenic drive along the Mississippi River levee or head to City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, where you can enjoy bike rides, strolls around the lagoon, and peaceful moments in the New Orleans Museum of Art. Beyond the city, New Orleans offers even more wonders. Your hire car lets you venture into the Bayou, where swamp tours let you glide through the wetlands, spotting alligators and other wildlife while learning about the delicate ecosystem. A short drive will also take you to the historic plantations of St. Charles Parish. These antebellum estates offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s complex history, and with your hire car, you can explore them at your own pace.
Driving in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city where no two experiences are alike, and that’s part of the magic. From the moment you step into the city, you’re enveloped by a distinct personality – a blend of French, African, Spanish, and American influences. Music is at the heart of everything, and whether it’s the jazz bands in the streets or the Mardi Gras Indians parading down the avenues, you’ll feel the pulse of the city everywhere. The food in New Orleans is legendary, and a hire car lets you explore beyond the tourist traps to find some of the city's hidden culinary gems. Head to Treme for soul food staples like gumbo, po’boys, and crawfish étouffée, or venture to the Bywater for trendy eateries serving modern takes on Cajun classics. New Orleans is also famous for its festive cocktails – the Sazerac, the Hurricane, and the Ramos Gin Fizz – and a drink in a local bar is an experience in itself.
Take a road trip from New Orleans to other major US cities along the city’s sleek highways, to Baton Rouge, the state capital of Louisiana, is just under 90 minutes. Once there, visit the Old State Capitol and take a stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront. For a longer road trip, head east to Mobile in the State of Alabama (about 2 hours), where you can explore the Mobile Bay area or take a walk through the historic district. Alternatively, head north to the city of Jackson in the State of Mississippi, where you can explore the state’s rich cultural history, or drive west toward the ‘Space City’ of Houston in the State of Texas, just a 5-hour journey. From a hire car, passengers will appreciate that the New Orleans region is a vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna, where lush wetlands meet subtropical forests. Birdwatchers are in for a treat, with species like the great egret, roseate spoonbill, and the majestic bald eagle soaring through the skies.

Migratory birds flock to the area, making it a hotspot for birding, particularly in the spring and fall. The swamps and marshes are alive with diverse wildlife. Alligators glide through the murky waters, while white-tailed deer quietly graze on the edges of the forests. In the dense undergrowth, raccoons and opossums forage for food. The dense vegetation is a haven for smaller creatures too, with squirrels darting among the oak trees and armadillos snuffling through the underbrush. The region is also home to a breathtaking array of wildflowers that burst into bloom during spring and summer. Bright purple irises, yellow coreopsis, and delicate pink primroses dot the landscape. Butterflies like the monarch and swallowtail flutter gracefully between blossoms, while bees and dragonflies hum and dart, adding to the vibrant ecosystem. New Orleans' natural beauty is alive with colour, movement, and the unmistakable rhythm of wildlife in every season.
Tips and FAQs
The best time to visit New Orleans depends on what you want from your experience. For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, spring and fall are ideal, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists than during peak summer. However, if you want to experience the energy of Mardi Gras, book well in advance – the festivities usually take place in February or March, and the city comes alive with parades and parties like no other place on earth.
New Orleans, USA
Population: Approx. 390,000 (Greater New Orleans: 1.3 million)
Annual Visitor Figures: Around 18 million (international & domestic)
Average Summer Temperatures: 34°C (93°F)
Average Winter Temperatures: 12°C (54°F)
Time Zone: GMT -6 (CST)

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