New Orleans hosts Essence Festival, with cheap flights from Atlanta

New Orleans hosts Essence Festival, with cheap flights from AtlantaPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on June 11, 2019

While New Orleans is known year-round as a melting pot of music, food and culture, the Crescent City raises the bar each Fourth of July weekend with the annual Essence Festival, the "party with a purpose."

Spread over a main stage and four "superlounges," the Essence Festival is the largest celebration of African American culture and music in the United States. Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the festival features a conversation with former first lady Michelle Obama, and headline music acts including Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Nas and Pharrell Williams.

Events are scattered across the city, so the Essence Festival also offers a chance to take in the sights and sounds of New Orleans. The festival runs July 4-7.

Whether you’re ready to book your trip now or just interested in what's available, take a look at these forthcoming flights between Atlanta and New Orleans, which we pulled from travel site Skyscanner.

We've also included popular hotels, restaurants and attractions in New Orleans to showcase the range of local amenities that travelers will find there. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Cheapest New Orleans flights

The cheapest flights between Atlanta and New Orleans are if you leave on July 5 and return from Louisiana on July 7. Spirit Airlines currently has tickets for $322, roundtrip.

If you fly out of Atlanta on July 5 and return from New Orleans on July 7, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $325 roundtrip.

Top New Orleans hotels

Regarding where to stay, here are some of New Orleans’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to splurge on top quality, consider The Hotel Monteleone. The hotel has a 4.7-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $179.

The Hotel Monteleone stands in the French Quarter within four blocks of Jackson Square, the Canal Street Shops, Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Cafe du Monde and lively Bourbon Street. Dining options include Le Cafe serving buffet-style breakfasts and cooked-to-order selections.

The Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, try The Columns Hotel, which has rooms for $100/night. It overlooks St. Charles Avenue, and you can watch the famous streetcar go by ⁠— or ride it to the French Quarter.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center (1201 Convention Center Blvd.)

A third option is The Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center. The 4.6-star hotel has rooms for $99/night. It's just across from the Ernest Morial Convention Center, the site of many Essence Festival events.

Featured New Orleans restaurants

If you're looking for a popular spot to grab a bite, New Orleans has plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. Here are a few from Skyscanner's listings to help you get started.

Cafe Du Monde (800 Decatur St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Let's start with the essentials: where to get beignets. For a popular option, check out Cafe Du Monde, which has an average of 4.6 stars out of 407 reviews on Skyscanner. This 24/7 French cafe (only closed on Christmas and during hurricanes) serves its patrons a mean cup of dark-roasted chicory coffee. Complement your cup of Joe with one of its famous beignets, gratuitously topped with powdered sugar and occasionally filled with fruit.

"This place is open 24 hours but is always super packed," wrote visitor Monica. "It is worth it though ... also not super expensive."

Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

One of New Orleans' most popular restaurants is Commander's Palace, with 4.8 stars from 93 reviews.

"Jazz brunches are a tradition here in the garden room overlooking the courtyard," wrote visitor Michelle. "Cannot recommend this famous restaurant enough."

Jacques-Imo's Cafe (8324 Oak St.)

Also worth considering is Jacques-Imo's Cafe.

Not your typical New Orleans restaurant — Jacques-Imo's Cafe has become one of the hottest food tickets in town, known for its eclectic mix of Creole and Cajun specialties, at reasonable prices. 

"One of the busiest and smallest cafes in town because the food is wonderful and plentiful," wrote Cindee. "This is a neighborhood restaurant that is warm and friendly."

Lilette (3637 Magazine St.)

Finally, there's Lilette.

Born out of chef and owner John Harris' desire to create an intimate dining environment, Lilette enjoys both a loyal local following and a steady stream of visitors from around the country.Cheerful and sunny at lunchtime, at night the dining room takes a turn toward the romantic, awash in wine-colored walls and soft lighting. 

"Chef and owner John Harris’ dream restaurant, dubbed by Travel and Leisure magazine as 'the sexiest dining room in New Orleans' features a menu that boasts such items as bone marrow toast, marinated anchovies and passion fruit butter Alaskan crab cakes," wrote Justin.

Top New Orleans attractions

To round out your trip, New Orleans offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are a couple of top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.

The French Quarter (501 Basin St., New Orleans)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is The French Quarter.

Known also as as the Vieux Carré, the French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans as far as tourist attractions go. The iconic Bourbon and Royal streets run parallel here, offering a rambunctious nightlife at the former and unique boutiques at the latter. Countless restaurants and bars reside here, and finding jazz is as easy as catching multi-colored beads.

"The place for nightlife, social scene and overall fun," wrote visitor Kay. "When in New Orleans, go to the French Quarter. The French Quarter is always full of life and good vibes."

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (1427 Washington Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Lastly, spend some time at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

"Interesting place to get a glimpse of the macabre side of New Orleans," wrote visitor Morgan. "It's free and there is no tour guide needed."


This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.