No city in North America can compete with New Orleans when it comes to culture, food, historic architecture, joie de vivre and tourism options.
The Crescent City has suffered plagues, wars, imperial regime changes and devastating floods. Yet, it always wakes up with a smile on its face. This may be because its inhabitants step to an easy beat first laid down three centuries ago. Moving at this relaxed pace, visitors are delighted by the French Creole elegance of the Vieux Carre (French Quarter) or the opulence discovered in a streetcar ride through the Garden District and Uptown.
Any time of year you can find live music, amazing Creole and Cajun cuisine, fresh seafood, farmers markets, shopping, nightlife and more. During Mardi Gras season, the city becomes the world’s center. Downtown transforms into an adult playground, while parades in residential areas provide children thrilling entertainment. Each spring, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival moves the focus to the charming Gentilly area and the Fair Grounds Race Course. But, no matter the time of year, New Orleans’ calendar overflows in celebration.
MARDI GRAS
Of course we’ve got to talk about Mardi Gras. It’s one of the largest cultural celebrations in the country, and definitely one of the most famous. It’s a gigantic carnival, signifying the start of Lent, and boy do they know how to party. Everywhere you go, the streets are filled with dancing, music, masks, costumes and beads. Mardi Gras, also called Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday, is one of the biggest and best parties of the year!
LIVE MUSIC AT PRESERVATION HALL
This legendary music venue was recently featured on Sonic Highways, a documentary series chronicling the recording of Foo Fighters’ eighth studio album. In the episode, Dave Grohl and other music legends talk about the unique sound heard and felt at Preservation Hall. It’s the backbone of New Orleans’ music history, and one of the hottest live jazz spots in the world. Seriously, you’ll be missing out if you leave it off your list.
JACKSON SQUARE
One of New Orleans’ national historic landmarks, Jackson square is a famous park in the French Quarter of the city. The architecture of surrounding buildings is exquisite; the serenity of the park is sublime. Put Jackson Square high on your places to visit in the Big Easy!
ROCK N BOWL
Have you ever been at a rock and roll concert and thought to yourself, “hmm I sure wish I could bowl a few frames right now!” Well you’re in luck! The famous Rock N Bowl is one-part live music club, one-part bowling alley. The tunes will be rocking and the strikes will be flowing, if you’re lucky.
- LOUIS CATHEDRAL
St. Louis Cathedral (aka. the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France) is the center of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, and is one of the most stunning buildings in the entire city. It’s historic, and the feeling around the building is one of respectful majesty. Most tourists recognize the triple spires of St Louis Cathedral as the main symbol of the French Quarter. The Cathedral overlooks Jackson Square, and is even rumored to be haunted.
SWAMP TOUR
There’s nowhere in the world quite like Louisiana. The swamplands and alligators are natural wonders, so why not see it all up close and personal?! The wildlife is stunning, and if you can survive the humidity, it’s a fascinating way to commune with that natural scenery of the Deep South.
NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK
Centuries-old oak trees, sculptures, bridges, and the beautiful tranquility of nature all combine for an experience biggest cities can’t provide. But it’s not just a park! There is an amusement park, a botanical garden, the museum of art, golf courses, horse stables, and bikes and boats to rent. New Orleans City Park offers something for everyone and is a must visit for visitors to the city. It really should be called the anti-boredom park!
BESTHOFF SCULPTURE GARDEN
Within the City Park lies one of the most inspiring attractions in the whole city. Artists from all over the world have contributed pieces to the garden, making one of the most exquisite sculpture collections in the world. Admission is free and it is located right next to the New Orleans Museum of Art. Well worth a visit!
FRENCH QUARTER
Old New Orleans at its finest. The city’s French cultural influence is prominent, and the French Quarter is obviously the crowning jewel. The Quarter’s entice draws millions of visitors each year. It’s the oldest part of the city, with some of the buildings even dating back to the Louisiana Purchase! The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, is actually protected from demolition due to its historical significance. Almost all of the major hotspots of New Orleans are found there, so make sure it’s top of your places to see.
NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
There are numerous museums and memorials all over the world, dedicated to the historical significance of WWII. The National WWII Museum is one of America’s best, and is the focal point of American WWII historical remembrance. The museum is home to countless artefacts, vehicles, aircraft and of course a sobering and respectful wealth of information about one of the most significant and tragic events in world history.
There are definitely a lot more reason why New Orleans should be on top of your bucket list but we thought we will make it a mystery.
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