ROAM / Destinations / Lafayette / New Iberia, United States

Lafayette / New Iberia
United States

Cajun Country and the Creole heartland — Lafayette is the hub of Zydeco music, Creole cuisine, and Black Louisiana culture. Mardi Gras celebrations here are more authentic and community-focused than New Orleans.

ROAM 3.3 ★ FoodCultureMusic
Best time
February-March (Mardi Gras), May (Crawfish Festival), October-November
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 120

Safety for Black Travelers

Lafayette and the Cajun Country region are generally safe and welcoming. The vibrant Creole and Cajun communities enthusiastically welcome all visitors.

Neighborhoods to Know

Downtown Lafayette

Vibrant, Cajun, cultural

Zydeco music epicenter, excellent Creole restaurants, Festivals Acadiens

Breaux Bridge

Crawfish capital, small town

Crawfish Festival, Zydeco on Saturdays at Café des Amis

Must-Visit Places

Zydeco music performances

Nightlife · $

Clifton Chenier invented Zydeco — see live performances at Slim's Y-Ki-Ki in Opelousas

Lafayette / New Iberia, Louisiana

Prejean's Restaurant

Restaurant · $

The best of Cajun cuisine in Lafayette — crawfish étouffée and live Cajun music

Lafayette / New Iberia, Louisiana

Vermilionville Heritage Village

Museum · $

Living history museum documenting Creole and Cajun culture 1765-1890

Lafayette / New Iberia, Louisiana

Lafayette Mardi Gras

Festival · $

More family-friendly than New Orleans — courir de Mardi Gras on horseback

Lafayette / New Iberia, Louisiana

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (May)

Festival · $

Two-day festival celebrating crawfish — Zydeco bands, crawfish eating contests, family fun

Lafayette / New Iberia, Louisiana

Visa

No visa required for US citizens

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