Dress Up
Yes, lots of festivals feature costumes these days, but Voodoo is truly a rare bird: the perfect dovetail of Halloween’s most durable tradition and New Orleans' culture of masquerade and festive appearance. This synergy creates an over-the-top vibe that is tangible for all festival-goers.
Sweat it Out
New Orleans feels like a sauna for about three-fourths of the year. As such, you’ll need light clothes (and costumes) and plenty of them, as you’ll be sweating through them daily, especially if you spend the day dancing.
Don’t miss the Mississippi
It’s perhaps the most fabled geographic point of demarcation in the continental US. By the time the Mississippi River reaches New Orleans, it’s an awe-inspiringly large body of water, dominating the geography of the city and its surroundings. Take the elevator to the top floor at the shops at Canal Place for the best possible vantage point.
Where to Stay
The French Quarter is where it's at for the full-on wild NOLA partying experience, plus you'll be closer to the action. But if you're looking for just as much culture with a little less hoopla, Frenchmen Street just off the Quarter offers a great nightlife scene with live jazz and blues aplenty.
Getting There
Fly into New Orleans easily, or drive in across the massive and picturesque Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.
