Mardi Gras. Jazzfest. Bourbon Street. There are many reasons to visit New Orleans, Louisiana.
Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans, Louisiana is a fun and eventful road trip. If you’re planning this trip, please know that you’re in store to experience some festive events like Mardi Gras, enjoy some sounds and taste some authentic cuisine.
In this article, we’ll go over some awesome things to know about your Atlanta-to-New Orleans trip.
Atlanta To New Orleans: Everything You Need to Know
First of all, you need to think about how you’re going to get from Georgia to Louisiana:
By Air or Car
No matter how you get there, you need to plan accordingly to not waste money on airfare or gas money or even on a rental car.
If You’re Flying
If you’ve decided to fly, you know that flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport run about $200 roundtrip.
A sampling of airfares from Google Flights showed one-way flights as low as $45 and as high as $177. These were all nonstop flights about three weeks out.
| Airlines | Best Departing Flights | Airfare |
| Spirit Airlines | 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. | $45 |
| Delta Air Lines | 2:42 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. | $147 |
| Delta Air Lines | 8:18 a.m. to 8:49 a.m. | $177 |
| Frontier Airlines | 6:25 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. | $108 |
| Southwest Airlines | 7:40 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. |
If You’re Driving
If you’ve decided to get behind the wheel and drive the route, you should know that it’s a very picturesque drive the entire way.
What’s The Best Route To Take From Atlanta To New Orleans?
Here is the best route to take for your ATL to Nola trip.
- Start off on Interstate 85 South in Atlanta.
- Take it to Interstate 65 in Montgomery
- Keep driving until you hit Interstate 10 in Mobile
- Take Interstate 10 into New Orleans
The entire road trip should take about six hours.
Once you get to New Orleans, you’re either going to pull into your hotel or Airbnb (unless you’ve made plans to stay with friends or family).
Where To Stay In New Orleans
Some of the most affordable places to stay in New Orleans include the Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome ($93 a night) or the Wyndham in the French Quarter for an even $100 a night and even the Quisby Hotel, which has rates starting at $68.
One of my favorites is the Troubadour Hotel New Orleans, which has rates starting at
To compare rates, go to Google Flights and plug in the length of your stay.
What To Do In New Orleans
Now it’s time to get to the nitty gritty. What are some things you can do in New Orleans? Here are several cool things to get into.
Pitot House
1440 Moss St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-0312
If you want a dose of antebellum history, the Pitot House in New Orleans fits the bill. The historic landmark is an 18th-century Creole colonial country home and makes for a great weekend stop.
Jackson Square
701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200
Jackson Square is a historic landmark in the heart of New Orleans. The site is the centerpiece is a beautiful park and holds unparalleled historic significance: It’s the site where the Louisiana Purchase was made official.
Here’s what one visitor says about Jackson Square: “Jackson’s square was beautiful. There wasn’t many people at 11:30 when we went but it was also about to storm. There is a farmers market a couple blocks away that is a must to go through. If you time it right you can watch the riverboat take off for a tour. Very pleased with how clean the park was and the music playing by live performers.”
Take A Swamp Tour
When you come to Nola, there are few things as bayou-authentic as a swamp tour. You’ll enjoy the time outdoors, get a real taste of the bayou and even get to see some alligators.
Here are some top swamp tour companies:
- New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours | (504) 571-9975
- Bayou Swamp Tours | (504) 370-8771
- Gators & Ghosts: A New Orleans Tour Company
Eat Some Beignets At Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is known around the world as having some of the best powdered dumplings — beignets — you can find outside of France.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cafe Du Monde. “What else can I say that hasn’t already been said. This place is an absolute must despite the touristy crowd. The jazz band that sits on the sidewalk out front adds the perfect level of cover from the hustling and bustling sounds of the street.”
Longue Vue House and Gardens
7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 488-5488
If you enjoy outdoor scenes, Longue Vue is a must-visit. The site is one of the most famous when it comes to natural beauty. The historic house museum is one of the most photographic places you can see in the city.
National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 528-1944
It goes without saying that the National WWII Museum holds many of the city’s secrets. Etched on the walls are the names of the proud war dead, heroes not only in New Orleans but across America.
City Park
One of the most photogenic places in New Orleans is City Park, located in the heart of the city. Spread out across 1,300 acres, City Park was created in 1854, making it one of the oldest parks in America.
See more of what to do in New Orleans.
Where To Eat In New Orleans
Now it’s time to eat. Of course, you’ve heard about the renown cuisine of the Big Easy. The first thing you may want to try is a po-boy. Here are some of the best places to grab a po-boy in New Orleans:
Parkway Bakery
538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-3047
Here is what one customer says about Parkway Bakery, which is the home of the po-boy: “My first trip to New Orleans and my first stop to eat was Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a Fried Shrimp Poor Boy Dressed. This and a Sweet Tea hit the spot. Great place to eat and a must if you are wanting a Poor Boy. I’ve been other places to get a Po Boy, but nothing like getting one in New Orleans. I highly recommend making a trip to Parkway and get your Poor Boy fix. Just need one in North Alabama. This was my first time dining here.”
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 899-9126
Here’s what one reviewer says about Domilie’s: “Great little place. Classic NOLA po-boys. Quick service. Was not dine in when we were there, but it was 70 degrees outside with clear blue skies and our crew got a variety of sandwiches: shrimp, roast beef, ham/cheese – they were all good. Great fries – very substantial.”
Guy’s Po-Boys
5259 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 891-5025
Here’s what one custome says about Guy’s Po-Boys: “Amazing! Loved our shrimp po boy! Cheese fries were nothing to write home about. Staff was super friendly and we loved this quaint spot!”
Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-8129
Here’s what one customer says about Johnny’s Po-Boys: “Best Po-boy I’ve ever had in my life. Gotta get the surf and turf.”
Killer PoBoys
219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 462-2731
Here’s what one customer says about Killer PoBoys: “We got the sweet potato po boy with collard greens and a black eye pea / pecan spread. Also got the pecan butter and jelly. Both were delicious. Definitely recommend this place.” See more of the best po-boy shops in New Orleans.
Final Word
No matter if you’re planning on staying in New Orleans for two weeks or a weekend, just know that you’re going to have a great time.
And as good as the food is and as rich as the culture is, it’s the people that make New Orleans a world-class city. They will show you a good time, recommend cool nightspots and advise you where to get “the good gumbo.”