Southwest® flights from Chicago-Midway to New Orleans from $161

The bayou is calling. The rich culture and deep history of New Orleans awaits you when you deplane at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Let the local lore and legends of Crescent City cast their spell upon you—book a car, call a ride share, or hop on the public transit system and see which wonders will draw you to them.

If you find yourself in town for it, Mardi Gras is a rager to end all ragers. This citywide party stretches on right up until Ash Wednesday. Catch some beads, take in a parade, and have a drink! New Orleans is known for live music. The saints will always be marching in, whether you’re enjoying some Dixieland ditties out in the street, jazz or blues in a smoky night club, zydeco at a pop-up party, or a big-stadium pop music show. And Nawlins’ food is just as eclectic as its music: gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalaya, muffaletta, po-boys, beignets—the menu goes on and on. Add in some cocktails, and you might never find your way home from the Big Easy.