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Planning Your Trip

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Walking tours, late nights with live music or a food festival can require pre-planning when it comes to packing. Here are some suggestions for your upcoming New Orleans getaway.

A stone bridge overlooked by trees
A stone bridge overlooked by trees
What to Pack

Take along a linen or straw hat with a wide brim to keep the sun off of your face and neck. Baseball caps are shunned at some of the city’s fancier bars, so it’s best to bring a more stylish option that’s still versatile and practical.  

Exploring the City
  • While New Orleans is known for its lavish Mardi Gras parades, there is more to do than simply waltz down Bourbon Street. Garden tours and plantation day trips should also be on your to-do list, so here is what to pack to enjoy all of this Southern jewel.


  • New Orleans is hot, hot, hot — that goes for the nightlife and the weather. Bring lightweight, comfortable clothing that can keep you cool. Think short-sleeve button downs and breezy dresses that won’t let the humidity put a damper on your trip.

  • Women should bring a sturdy pair of heels or wedges to navigate the French Quarter’s narrow streets at night when the crowds can surge and you might just be compelled to dance as a brass band passes by.

  • Comfortable flats are a good shoe option for visiting the Garden District, taking a tour of a local plantation or just perusing the sculptures at NOMA.   
Cultural Considerations
  • Dress codes that were once stringent at high-end New Orleans establishments have become relaxed in recent years, but many restaurants still advise male diners to wear a jacket and ask that all guests avoid shorts and baseball caps. 


  • A lightweight linen sports coat adheres to the suggested dress of famous institutions like Commander’s Palace and Galatoire’s but still keeps you cool.

  • Men should bring closed-toe leather shoes; many top-tier restaurants and bars will not allow men to wear sandals or flip-flops inside. Sneakers might be allowed, but the manager might not be happy about it.

  • While jeans have become the norm for evenings out, consider dressing up for an upscale dinner. Stylish patrons are often rewarded with prime tables.    
Weekend Getaway
  • From jazz clubs to beignet cafés, there is a lot to see and do in New Orleans. From historic districts to famed nightlife, the Big Easy is best enjoyed when you pack these essentials.


  • Bring a travel umbrella and keep it in a tote bag or backpack throughout your visit. New Orleans sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast, so rain showers can sweep in at a moment’s notice.
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  • New Orleans weather is usually hot, so pack comfortable walking sandals that will keep your feet cool as you tour the city’s streets and gardens. (Pack a more stylish pair of shoes for nights out at the city’s fine-dining options.)

  • If you’re in town for Jazz Fest or another outdoor music festival, bring a small blanket to keep you comfortable and clean when sitting on the grass or ground.
A duck wades in a pond surrounded by trees and shrubs
A duck wades in a pond surrounded by trees and shrubs
What To Reserve

Missing out on an essential or desired experience can impact your entire New Orleans getaway. From romantic dinners to spa treatments, these are some must-reserve activities.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Itineraries

There is plenty to entice you in the Crescent City, from live music and local artwork to beautiful buildings and tranquil parks. Hotel experts have put together itineraries for the perfect friends’ weekend or a cultural getaway.