How to make the most out of your layover in New Orleans

Every major city in the US is unique in its own way. However, New Orleans is up there with any of them when it comes to offering something you won't find anywhere else. With its French, Spanish, and Native American origins combined with its long-established history as a center of African-American culture, New Orleans is a place like nowhere else. The music, the architecture, the culture, the food - all of them combine to make this Louisiana city like nowhere else on earth. And if you just arrived at New Orleans International Airport on a layover, it's hard to resist the temptation to take the chance to explore the city.

New Orleans Airport is a big and bustling place, although it isn't a hub for any major US airlines. Luckily all the main ones, like Delta, American, and United Airlines all have routes here, so a layover in New Orleans is always possible. The airport is connected to the city by the 202 airport express bus, as well as the usual rideshares and taxi options. It's only a short drive from the airport to the magnificent French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the city's central business district, so even on a fairly short layover, it may be possible to do some exploring.

To make things easier, leave your bags behind with a Bounce New Orleans luggage storage spot. We partner with local businesses to make sure you can easily find multiple places to store bags of any size. With your belongings safely looked after by us, you'll be free to explore this enigmatic city and see what makes it so special.

Things to know before leaving New Orleans Airport

Navigating Louis Armstrong International Airport

MSY is a modern and traveler-friendly airport with a variety of dining and shopping options. If you have a short layover, the airport features local eateries like Café du Monde for beignets and coffee, giving you a taste of New Orleans without leaving the terminal.

If you have a little more time, it's definitely worth considering leaving the airport shops behind and exploring the city instead. But make sure you are allowed to do so. Travelers from many countries need a visa to enter the US, and you won't be allowed to leave the airport if you don't have one. On the other hand, many countries have visa-free arrangements with the US, including the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. If you're a citizen of one of those countries, it's definitely worth taking the opportunity to see NOLA for yourself.

Transportation to downtown New Orleans

New Orleans is easily accessible from MSY:

• Taxis and rideshares: Available from the ground transportation area and take about 20–25 minutes to reach downtown.
• Airport shuttle: Offers service to major hotels and landmarks in the city.
• Public transit: Jefferson Transit’s E2 bus is a budget-friendly option but takes longer (approximately 45–60 minutes). After picking up your belongings from baggage claim, don't forget to drop them off at a Bounce luggage storage before taking on the city's public transportation system. Traveling light will make it much easier to get around and avoid the stress of watching over your things.

Minimum layover times in New Orleans

Depending on your layover length, here’s what you can accomplish:

• 2-3 hours: Stay at the airport to sample local flavors and relax.
• 4-6 hours: Visit the French Quarter or nearby attractions.
• 8+ hours: Explore multiple neighborhoods, enjoy a meal, and experience New Orleans’ unique culture.

What to do in New Orleans during a layover

New Orleans’ compact layout and vibrant atmosphere make it easy to explore during a layover. From the airport, you can easily head into the French Quarter and enjoy fantastic Cajun and Creole food, or visit one of the city's many museums to get to grips with the history and culture of a place unlike any other. Alternatively, you can take a stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River and enjoy the more natural side of the city. From historic streets to mouthwatering cuisine, here’s how to make the most of your time.

Short layover (2-3 hours): Relax at MSY

If your layover is brief, stay at the airport and enjoy local cuisine and shops.

• Activities: Browse the airport’s shops for souvenirs like jazz CDs, pralines, or Louisiana hot sauce. Enjoy live music performances often held in the terminal, showcasing New Orleans’ musical heritage. Or, take it easy and hit the Club MSY lounge to relax and recharge. Plus, there's even a meditation room!
• Dining: Sample gumbo, jambalaya, or po’boys at Leah’s Kitchen, located within the terminal.

Half-day layover (4-6 hours): Explore the French Quarter

With a few hours, head to the iconic French Quarter, the heart of New Orleans.

• Activities: Start at Jackson Square, surrounded by historic landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral and the Pontalba Apartments. Stroll along Royal Street, known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and street performers. For something livelier, make Bourbon Street your walking area. While here, you should also visit the French Market, a historic open-air market offering local crafts and snacks. This is a busy place, so you'll get a lot more out of the experience if you leave your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage. With your hands totally free, you can sample all the delicious food and maybe even pick up a few new purchases before heading back to the airport.
• Dining options: Stop by Café du Monde (the original location) for beignets and coffee, or try a muffuletta at Central Grocery & Deli, a classic New Orleans sandwich shop.

Full-day layover in New Orleans (8+ hours): Dive into the culture

A longer layover allows you to explore more neighborhoods and cultural attractions. New Orleans has plenty to keep you busy no matter what you're into, from live music to excellent food to rich history. Because the airport is conveniently located close to the city, you can spend more time exploring and less time getting from one place to another. And with Bounce to look after your belongings for you, you can travel light and get to grips with the city.

• Activities: Take a streetcar ride down St. Charles Avenue to see historic mansions and oak-lined streets in the Garden District. This is a great way to see one of the more atmospheric areas of the city and enjoy some wonderful photo opportunities.
• Visit City Park, home to the New Orleans Museum of Art and the picturesque Sculpture Garden.
• Explore Frenchmen Street, known for its live music venues and vibrant atmosphere.
• For history enthusiasts, the National WWII Museum offers immersive exhibits and is just a short ride from the French Quarter. Don't forget that large bags are not allowed inside the museum, so make sure you leave them behind at a Bounce luggage storage before you go.
• Dining options: Enjoy a leisurely meal at Commander’s Palace, a legendary spot in the Garden District known for its Creole cuisine and jazz brunch. For classic Cajun dishes, visit Mother’s Restaurant near downtown.

Evening layover in New Orleans

If your layover includes the evening, New Orleans’ nightlife and food scene offers a perfect way to unwind. There are few better cities in the whole of the US for nightlife – if any – so leave your bags behind and enjoy the endless music, atmosphere, and charm of the Big Easy.

• Activities: Catch live jazz at Preservation Hall, a historic venue in the French Quarter. Take a calm walk along the Mississippi Riverfront and enjoy the city lights for something low-key or go all out and hit Bourbon Street. If you're lucky enough to be in New Orleans overnight, this is an absolute must-do, as it's where you'll find the beating heart of the city once the sun goes down.
• Hotels: There's no shortage of convenient airport hotels like the Hilton New Orleans Airport and the Comfort Inn.
• Dining options: Try Acme Oyster House for fresh Gulf oysters and seafood. For a more upscale experience, dine at Galatoire’s, a French Quarter institution.

Tips for making the most of your New Orleans layover

• Plan your time: Allow at least an hour to return to the airport and go through security, especially if flying internationally. You don't want to be stressed out and rushing to make your next flight because you didn't consider travel time. Even on a long layover, it's a good idea to be aware of how long it takes to get around.
• Weather: New Orleans can be humid and rainy, so dress accordingly and bring an umbrella.
• Transportation: Use rideshares or taxis for quicker trips if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Local currency: The U.S. dollar (USD) is used here as it is throughout the United States, and credit cards are widely accepted.
• Safety: Stick to well-populated areas, especially in the French Quarter, and keep an eye on your belongings. New Orleans is fairly safe, but as in any busy place, you need to watch out for pickpockets and scammers.

Whether you’re savoring beignets at Cafe du Monde, strolling through the French Quarter, or enjoying live jazz on Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA offers an unforgettable experience. Even a brief visit will leave you with a taste of the city’s rich culture and vibrant spirit. And with a longer layover, you can really enjoy everything that makes this city such an interesting destination.