Baton Rouge holidays

Louisiana’s laid-back capital has all the swampy southern charm of New Orleans minus the round-the-clock party scene. The best holidays to Baton Rouge celebrate the city’s colourful mix of French, Spanish, Cajun and Creole influences. From crawfish boils and blues bars to wetlands tours and the tallest capitol building in the United States, see why Baton Rouge deserves a spot on your Southern city bucket list. 

Baton Rouge: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)

High season

May – August

Low season

January – February

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The best neighbourhoods in Baton Rouge

Downtown Baton Rouge

Downtown is where to stay in Baton Rouge if you want to get the pulse of the city. History, art, politics, culture and business all combine in this lively neighbourhood. The tower of the Louisiana State Capitol marks the heart of it all, so use it as a guiding landmark as you explore the area’s galleries, art museums and walking paths along the Mississippi River.

Good for: Hotels, museums, river walks

Garden District

Bordering Government Street to the north and the green grounds of City-Brooks Community Park to the south, the Garden District is the perfect place to escape the crowds. Stay in this leafy neighbourhood to be near antique shops, cafes, bars and some of the city’s fanciest restaurants. Be sure to check out the historic bungalows in the Roseland Terrace Historic District and the ancient oak trees along Drehr Avenue.

Good for: Architecture, cafes, antique shops

Mid City

Mid City is where to stay in Baton Rouge if nightlife plays big in your itinerary. The neighbourhood is known for its cocktail dens and blues bars. It’s also home to the Louisiana State University campus, and serves as a playground for many of its more than 35,000 students. In summer, beat the crushing humidity with a frozen daiquiri and end the night at one of Mid City’s many food trucks, popular with students.

Good for: Blues bars, food trucks, college campus

Things to do in Baton Rouge

Maggie Bowles 2011

Places to eat

Restaurants in Baton Rouge spotlight the spicy cuisine for which the region is known. So expect a pinch or two of cayenne pepper in your dishes. You’ll love the jambalaya and gumbo, but never pass up a good crawfish boil when offered. Alongside all the Creole and Cajun kitchens, Baton Rouge also offers a nice selection of ramen bars and taco trucks.  

Shopping

Looking for souvenirs? Take a peek inside Downtown Baton Rouge’s gift shops, where you can pick up Cajun spice mixes and fluffy alligator dolls to take home. For serious shopping, head to the out-of-town Mall of Louisiana, where you can ride one of the world’s largest indoor carousels in the state’s largest shopping centre. 

Take in the culture

Ever wondered why Baton Rouge was called ‘Red Stick’ by French explorers? Learn all about Indigenous, colonial and 20th-century history at Capitol Park Museum. From the USS Kidd Veterans Museum to the Old State Capitol Museum, you’ll find plenty of places to learn about the city’s storied past. 

FAQs about Baton Rouge holidays

If you want to save on travel costs, book your flights and hotels to Baton Rouge outside of peak times like Mardi Gras. Also consider dining at the city’s many food trucks, which offer great selection at a value.
January brings the coolest conditions. Take your Baton Rouge holiday then and you can anticipate lows of 1ºC (34ºF).
August is the hottest month in Baton Rouge, with temperatures peaking at 39ºC (102ºF).
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From buying souvenirs to tipping, carrying a little cash during your trip to Baton Rouge can make things easier.
Around here, you'll mostly hear English. Brushing up on some local phrases and greetings can be an easy way to break the ice and get to know people during your city break in Baton Rouge.
Mardis Gras, which takes place in February or March, is the best time to book a holiday to Baton Rouge if you want to soak up the city's culture. The humidity reaches summer highs in June and July, and you’ll experience the best weather between February and May.
You only need a few days to see the city’s main attractions, including downtown’s museums and galleries. Save at least one day of your holiday in Baton Rouge for a tour of the bayou or a trip to Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.
Baton Rouge is generally seen as safe, but it's always wise to take some commonsense precautions wherever you go. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Also choose official transport services whenever possible during your holiday to Baton Rouge.
With around 21 cm of rainfall, August is the wettest month. If you're going on your Baton Rouge holiday then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Enjoy a meal at one of the city's top dining spots, relax in a local cafe, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
With no shortage of things to do in Baton Rouge, this lively city will keep you coming back for more. Kick off your sightseeing at top attractions like Louisiana State Capitol and Louisiana's Old State Capitol.

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