New Orleans
The famous city of New Orleans on the Mississippi River is a hotspot of hedonistic culture, romance and spectacular hospitality and entertainment.
New Orleans in a nutshell
New Orleans is an extraordinary town, a mix of history, romance, spectacular scenery and a sense that you’ve been here before and are already intoxicated by its charms.
Nowhere else in the US boasts so much atmosphere or so much intoxicating history. Known for its innovative cuisine, dazzling Mardi Gras and Carnival, lush scenery and inimitable magic, New Orleans offers an incomparable, unique, otherworldly experience.
It’s this special cachet and mystery that makes New Orleans such a delightful town to visit. Add a fascinating history that combines Spanish, French and European influences and you have an incomparable mix, a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, traditions and sights.
New Orleans’ French Quarter is legendary, a spotlight of what makes this city so special. Called ‘The Big Easy’ to reference its laidback charm compared to The Big Apple (New York City), New Orleans is city of waterways, bayous, leafy parks and scenic splendour, cosy cafes and French-style eateries – and so much atmosphere!
A visit to New Orleans is more than an experience, it’s a revelation of another type of life completely, where myths and magic reflect in everyday life, where every experience is exceptional, exciting and alluring.
It’s an extraordinary place in the middle of the Conservative South, especially when you head down Bourbon Street where hedonism reigns supreme, New Orleans will grab you and never, ever let you go.
Best time to visit: A year-round destination, but if you prefer to come when it’s not so hot and less crowded, visit from October to January. Spring is Mardi Gras, and summer is the Jazz Festival… it’s all up to you.
Best Area for Sightseeing: French Quarter Busy, noisy and exciting day and night, this neighborhood is home to famous Bourbon Street, with its exciting nightlife offerings and superb Creole restaurants.
Hang out in the French Quarter of New Orleans for some amaszing atmosphere.
Shopping in New Orleans: Whether you’re looking for local products, souvenirs or modern offerings, you’ll find all of them in the city’s numerous shops, boutiques, antique stores and markets. Head for Royal Street in the French Quarter for all sorts of fabulous finds including souvenirs. For original art direct from artists, Jackson Square is the place to go.
Food & Restaurants in New Orleans: Southern, Cajun, Creole and French cuisine is all superlative here, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining spots.
Nightlife: New Orleans is party central in hundreds of bars and clubs throughout the city. There’s a party happening everywhere you look, especially on Bourbon Street. Music is the glue that holds the nightlife together, especially Jazz, blues and Rock n Roll.
- Things to do in New Orleans:
- Escape the noise and mayhem in leafy Jackson Square, in the heart of the historic part of town.
- Take a ride in one of the iconic 1920s New Orleans Streetcars.
- Explore Canal Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, which is the place to party during Mardi Gras.
- Step back into the past as you pass charming historic buildings in the iconic Garden District.
- Learn all about Louisiana’s history at The Cabildo, part of the Louisiana State Museum.
- Explore the city on one of the New Orleans Ferries, especially the Canal Street Ferry.
- Discover the fascinating Backstreet Cultural Museum that honors the city’s street culture and the history of Mardi Gras.
- Visit majestic St Louis Cathedral, one of New Orleans’ premier landmarks.
- Spend time in NOMA, the New Orleans Museum Of Art, home to more than 40,000 artworks from all over the world.
- Enjoy a bucket-list experience: attend the legendary Mardi Gras Carnival!
Best way to get around: New Orleans’ ferries, buses and iconic Streetcars all offer the perfect way to get around the city when you’re not on foot. Alternatively, rent a bicycle.