New Orleans Travel Guide: Tourist Places & Activities
Located in Louisiana, this city is famed for its lively music scene, distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture, and its annual Mardi Gras festival. Known for its culinary diversity, it features specialties like beignets and gumbo.
- Population
- As of my last update, the population of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, is approximately 383,997. This figure is rounded to the nearest whole number for accuracy.
- Size
- 350 square km
- Airport
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans – Int'l
- Train Station
- Union Station
- Est. Visit Days
- 3 days
Overview
New Orleans, located in the United States, is renowned for its magnificient culture, particularly its music scene which is centered around jazz, blues, and Creole influences. The city is famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, a major pro that attracts many visitors. Additionally, New Orleans is known for its distinctive cuisine, including Creole and Cajun dishes. However, the city faces challenges such as occasional hurricanes due to its location below sea level, which can impact tourism and infrastructure. Additionally, some areas of New Orleans struggle with high crime rates, which can be a concern for visitors.
Traffic & Transport
The city's compact size and well-connected road network make it relatively easy to navigate, but traffic can be heavy, especially in the downtown and French Quarter areas, particularly during peak tourist seasons and major events. For exploring the city, the most efficient and popular modes of transport are the streetcars, buses, and bicycles. The historic streetcar lines, including the iconic St. Charles Avenue line, offer a charming way to see many of the major sights. Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and provide a convenient option for getting around, offering both affordability and ease of use. For those preferring traditional taxi services, several reliable companies operate in the city, including United Cabs and Veterans Cab. Additionally, the use of taxi-booking apps like Curb can be a convenient way to hail a cab directly from your smartphone, ensuring quick and efficient service.
History
Originally founded by the French in 1718 and named after the Duke of Orleans, the city became a major port for the French colony of Louisiana. It was later ceded to Spain in 1763 following the Seven Years' War but was returned to France in 1800. In 1803, it was included in the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. The city's cultural heritage is a rich blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences, evident in its architecture, music, and cuisine. It is renowned for its annual Mardi Gras festival, which reflects this diverse cultural history.
Itinerary Sample
Explore the energetic city of New Orleans over three days with this focused itinerary:
– First day: Visit the French Quarter, explore Jackson Square and the surrounding historic streets, and enjoy a beignet at Café du Monde.
– Second day: Tour the Garden District, see the beautiful antebellum homes, and shop on Magazine Street.
– Third day: Experience The National Wwii Museum, then take a relaxing steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River.
Near Excursion
This city offers several interesting day trips within a short distance. Here are some suggestions:
– Oak Alley Plantation at 90 km: A historic plantation with a nice canopy of oak trees and guided tours.
– Jean Lafitte National Historical Park at 30 km: A park with trails through Louisiana's swamps and marshes.
– Whitney Plantation at 75 km: A museum dedicated to the history of slavery in the Southern United States.
– Abita Springs at 50 km: A small town known for its brewery and quaint atmosphere.
– Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge at 40 km: A large urban wildlife refuge ideal for bird watching and nature walks.
Attraction
Known for its lively music scene, rich history, and unique cuisine.
– French Quarter: Historic district known for its lively nightlife, colorful buildings, and jazz clubs.
– Bourbon Street: Famous street offering bars, restaurants, and entertainment, especially during Mardi Gras.
– Jackson Square: Iconic park surrounded by historic buildings, street performers, and artists.
– St. Louis Cathedral: Oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S., featuring sensational architecture.
– Garden District: Neighborhood with well-preserved antebellum mansions and luxuriant gardens.
– National WWII Museum: Comprehensive museum detailing the American experience in World War II.
Activity
In New Orleans, travelers can experience unique cultural, music, and food activities with a beautiful local flair.
– Swamp Tours: Explore Louisiana's unique ecosystem and wildlife on a guided boat tour through the swamps.
– French Quarter Walking Tour: Discover the history, architecture, and local legends of this iconic neighborhood.
– Jazz Music Clubs: Enjoy live jazz performances in intimate venues throughout the city.
– Voodoo Tours: Learn about the history and practices of Voodoo in New Orleans on a guided tour.
– Steamboat Natchez Cruise: Take a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River aboard a historic steamboat.
Cuisine
The city is famous for its pretty food scene, blending Creole, Cajun, and French influences. It offers a variety of unique and flavorful dishes.
– Gumbo: A hearty stew with seafood, sausage, and okra, served over rice.
– Jambalaya: A spicy rice dish with sausage, chicken, and seafood.
– Beignets: Deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, often enjoyed with coffee.
– Po' Boy: A sandwich filled with fried seafood or roast beef, served on French bread.
– Crawfish Étouffée: Crawfish smothered in a rich, spicy sauce, served over rice.
– Bananas Foster: A dessert of bananas flambéed with rum, brown sugar, and cinnamon, served with vanilla ice cream.
Shopping
The French Market is a notable shopping destination, offering a variety of local crafts, art, and souvenirs. Magazine Street is ideal for boutique shopping, featuring unique gifts, antiques, and jewelry. For a quintessential gift, consider purchasing locally made hot sauce or a box of pralines, which are both iconic to the area. Another popular choice is Mardi Gras beads or masks, which capture the festive spirit of the city. Art enthusiasts might appreciate a piece of local artwork or handmade jewelry from the Arts Market of New Orleans. These items not only serve as great gifts but also support local artisans.
Arts & Culture
The city is renowned for its pleasant music scene, especially jazz, which originated here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It hosts the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival, celebrating the diverse cultural roots of the region. The city is also famous for Mardi Gras, a weeks-long festival featuring parades, masquerade balls, and street parties. Additionally, it has a rich tradition of visual arts, showcased in numerous galleries and museums throughout the area.