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NatchezNatchez, Mississippi

Give Natchez one full day and one night: tour two or three houses in the morning, walk the bluff at sunset, eat under the hill.

Natchez sits on a bluff above the Mississippi River, about 100 miles upriver from New Orleans, and holds the densest set of antebellum houses in the South. The historic district is small and walkable; most travellers see it in a day, and the town works best as a stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway or a break on the drive between New Orleans and Vicksburg.

basic guide: no trip line yet
More
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
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Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
USD
Best months
Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov
avoid Jun–Aug (heat and humidity); late Aug–Sep (hurricane season on the Gulf route)
Airports
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN) · Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR) · New Orleans Louis Armstrong International (MSY)
Nights
1

About Natchez

Natchez is a city in the southwest corner of Mississippi, set on a high bluff above the Mississippi River about 100 miles upriver from New Orleans. Before the Civil War it was a wealthy and important city, and that period left it with the South's largest group of antebellum homes. The historic district is compact and can be covered on foot or by car using free maps from the visitor center. Natchez is also the southern end of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a National Park Service road running to Nashville along an old route first used by Native Americans and early explorers.

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide for Natchez: no airport-to-bed path, walking clusters or day plans yet. Fares and schedules here are unverified. What this page does cover
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
  • United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
  • United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
  • United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices

See

What is worth your time in Natchez.

  • Longwood — The largest eight-sided house in the United States, begun in 1860 and left unfinished above the basement level.
  • Natchez Under-the-Hill — The old riverfront district below the bluff at the end of State Street, once a saloon town and now holding a restaurant, an old-timey saloon and a casino.
  • Emerald Mound — The second largest ceremonial Indian mound in North America, built by the Natchez Indians about 10 miles northeast of town.
  • Natchez in Historic Photographs — A free collection of Henry Norman's photographs of local people and places taken between 1870 and 1913.
  • Natchez Visitor Center — Sits at the head of the Mississippi River Bridge and provides free maps, brochures, tour tickets and historical exhibitions.

Eat and drink

Specialities of this place.

  • Fat Mama's Tamales — Open since 1989 and a local favorite, serving tamales, chili, Gringo Pie, nachos and Cajun boudin.
  • Magnolia Grill — Has a glassed-in porch under the hill with river views; burgers and sweet potato fries are favorites.
  • The Castle Restaurant — Set in the carriage house on the grounds of Dunleith Plantation, with a wine list.
  • Mammy's Cupboard — A lunch spot about 5 miles south on Highway 61, known for sandwiches, homemade desserts and novelty architecture.

Customs

  • The Historic Natchez Tableaux is performed in elaborate costumes by more than 200 local performers, tracing the town's history from its founding to the present.

Events

  • Natchez Pilgrimage — Private homes open to the public for five weeks in spring and two weeks in autumn.March, April, September and October
  • Great Mississippi River Balloon Race — Held the third weekend of October at Rosalie Mansion, with two flights daily, a Friday balloon glow and music.October
  • Natchez Food & Wine Festival — A weekend of guest chefs, a biscuit bake-off, beer tasting, a bocce tournament and Sunday brunch.Not stated
Emergency numbers for Natchez911 ▾
  • Police, fire, ambulance911

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Natchez, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • Coffee$3–6
  • Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, main course$18–35
  • BeerDraught beer$5–8
  • Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi across towncheck$10–18
  • Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$160
  • Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$140
  • High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$220

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$140 · High US$260

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Antebellum houses (Longwood, Stanton Hall, Rosalie, Melrose)Natchez Trace Parkway southern terminusNatchez Under-the-HillSpring and Fall Pilgrimage house toursGreat Mississippi River Balloon Race
Airports
JAN Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (About 1 h 45 min by car via I-55 and US-84; the nearest airport with regular service) · BTR Baton Rouge Metropolitan (About 2 h by car via US-61 north) · MSY New Orleans Louis Armstrong International (About 3 h by car via I-10 and US-61)

Map of Natchez

Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.

Vidalia, LouisianaPort GibsonWinnsboro, LouisianaSimmesportMarksvilleSt. FrancisvilleBrookhavenMcComb

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

  • Natchez
  • Basic guide

Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps

Guides nearby

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    not flagged

    15°C (59°F)

  2. Feb

    not flagged

    17°C (63°F)

  3. Mar

    Best

    21°C (70°F)

  4. Apr

    Best

    25°C (77°F)

  5. May

    not flagged

    29°C (84°F)

  6. Jun

    Avoid

    32°C (90°F)

  7. Jul

    Avoid

    33°C (91°F)

  8. Aug

    Avoid*

    33°C (91°F)

  9. Sep

    Avoid

    31°C (88°F)

  10. Oct

    Best

    26°C (79°F)

  11. Nov

    Best

    20°C (68°F)

  12. Dec

    not flagged

    16°C (61°F)

Best: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F) low), wettest Jul (11 rain days), driest Oct (7). Averages, not a forecast.

* only part of the month (early, mid or late).

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Natchez: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

15°C (59°F)

3°C (37°F)

9 rd

Feb

17°C (63°F)

5°C (41°F)

8 rd

Mar

21°C (70°F)

9°C (48°F)

9 rd

Apr

25°C (77°F)

13°C (55°F)

8 rd

May

29°C (84°F)

18°C (64°F)

9 rd

Jun

32°C (90°F)

21°C (70°F)

9 rd

Jul

33°C (91°F)

22°C (72°F)

11 rd

Aug

33°C (91°F)

22°C (72°F)

10 rd

Sep

31°C (88°F)

19°C (66°F)

8 rd

Oct

26°C (79°F)

13°C (55°F)

7 rd

Nov

20°C (68°F)

8°C (46°F)

8 rd

Dec

16°C (61°F)

4°C (39°F)

9 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

The historic district is compact and best on foot; the bluff, Main Street and the house museums sit within about 1.5 km. A car helps for Longwood, Mammy's Cupboard, Emerald Mound and the parkway. There is no useful local bus network for visitors; taxis and rideshare are limited, so book ahead if you arrive without a car.

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Vicksburg

go

Door to door: About 1 h 15 min each way

US-61 north, about 70 miles

Civil War battlefield and river history; pairs well with the drive north.

Port Gibson

go

Door to door: About 40 min each way

US-61 north, about 30 miles

Short stop for the church with the hand pointing to heaven and a small main street.

Emerald Mound

go

Door to door: About 30 min each way

Natchez Trace Parkway north, then Route 553, about 10 miles

Second-largest ceremonial mound in North America; free, open daily, no facilities.

Brookhaven

caution

Door to door: About 1 h 15 min each way

US-84 east, about 60 miles

Mostly a highway town; only worth it if you are heading to I-55.

New Orleans

overnight

Door to door: About 3 h each way

US-61 south to I-10, about 170 miles

Too far for a return day; sleep there.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Downtown historic district (Main, Franklin, Commerce)

Walk to houses, restaurants and the bluff; inns and B&Bs, few chain hotels.

Canal Street / Visitor Center area

Chain hotels, free parking, 10–15 min walk uphill to the historic core.

Under-the-Hill (Silver Street)

River-level strip with a saloon, restaurant and casino; short but steep walk up to town.

Highway 61 north and south of town

Motels with parking; you need a car for everything.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
$70–110 excl. bed
Mid
$110–180 excl. bed
High
$180+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$140US$140
Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$140US$280
House tour, one adult ticket2 × US$10US$20
Three-house package, one adult2 × US$24US$48
Carriage tour, one adult2 × US$15US$30
Rental car, one day1 × US$60 · checkUS$60
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeUS$58
Trip total≈ US$318 per person per day, bed includedUS$636

2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee$3–6
Plate of tamales or a burger$10–18
Sit-down dinner, main course$18–35
Draught beer$5–8
House tour, adult ticket$10–15
Taxi across towncheck$10–18

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Natchez is a small town and the tourist core is calm by day. Use normal care after dark away from Main Street and Under-the-Hill, keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, and watch for heat in summer.
  • Summer heat and humidity: plan house tours for the morning.
  • Some houses are only open during Pilgrimage weeks in spring and fall; check dates before you build a trip around them.
  • Under-the-Hill is at river level: the walk back up to town is steep.
  • Rideshare coverage is thin; do not rely on it for an early airport run.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
911

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

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NatchezNatchez, Mississippi

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance911

Embassy

No consulates in Natchez; nearest consulates are in New Orleans, embassies in Washington, DC.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • House tour, one adult: about $10; three-house package about $24
  • Carriage tour, one adult: about $15
  • Drive to Jackson airport: about 1 h 45 min by car

Say or show

  • Where is the visitor center? — Where is the visitor center?
  • Two tickets, please — Two tickets, please
  • Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
  • Is the house open today? — Is the house open today?
  • Thank you — Thank you

Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Natchez. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov · avoid Jun–Aug (heat and humidity); late Aug–Sep (hurricane season on the Gulf route) · month by month →
  2. 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 5 day-trips, door to door
  6. 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for JAN, BTR and MSY: last sensible arrival times, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
  2. Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street, the bluff and Under-the-Hill, the house-museum row, the cemetery.
  3. Place pages with verified cutoffs (Longwood, Stanton Hall, Rosalie, Melrose, Emerald Mound) and eat pages with last orders.
  4. Pilgrimage and Balloon Race fixtures so gates A–D can go green.

Meanwhile

Back to United States

Sources

Ask about Natchez

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