A lively city known for its Creole cuisine, jazz music, and vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations. Founded in 1718, it blends French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures.
New Orleans draws visitors with its jazz clubs, Creole restaurants, and French Colonial buildings. You can explore the French Quarter, stroll through the Garden District, visit old cemeteries, ride streetcars, and listen to live music on Frenchmen Street. The city's annual Mardi Gras celebration adds excitement to this Mississippi River port known for its unique culture and history.
Exploring the French Quarter
The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. As you walk its streets, you'll see buildings with wrought-iron balconies, small courtyards, and gas lamps that reflect the area's 18th and 19th-century roots. Jackson Square is at the center, with the St. Louis Cathedral on one side. Street performers and artists often gather in and around the square. For local snacks, try Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait or find a po' boy sandwich at a nearby shop.
Where to Hear Live Jazz
New Orleans is where jazz originated, and you can still hear it played throughout the city. Preservation Hall hosts nightly concerts of traditional New Orleans jazz in a small, simple venue. On Frenchmen Street, you'll find several clubs playing various jazz styles, from brass bands to modern fusion. To learn about jazz history, visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum, which displays instruments and memorabilia, including Louis Armstrong's first cornet. If you're in town in late April or early May, check out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for a wide range of local and international music.
Creole and Cajun Food Experiences
New Orleans cuisine combines French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. You can try classic Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice at established restaurants such as Dooky Chase's and Galatoire's. For something more casual, get a seafood po' boy at Parkway Bakery or a muffuletta sandwich at Central Grocery. Crawfish is popular when in season, and bananas Foster is a dessert created in New Orleans. If you want to learn more about local cooking, look for classes or food tours in the city.
Riding the Streetcars
New Orleans' streetcar system is both useful for getting around and interesting to ride. The St. Charles line, which has been running continuously longer than any other in the world, passes mansions and universities in the Garden District and Uptown areas. The Canal Street line goes from the French Quarter to City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art. For a ride along the Mississippi, take the Riverfront line. These old green and red cars let you see different parts of the city and stop at various points of interest.
