“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.”
– Lao Tzu
New Orleans is also referred to as the “Big Easy,” where everything is slower, simpler and easy-going. Its historic French Quarter and Bourbon Street is famous for its Jazz musicians, music clubs and incredible Cajun and Creole cuisine. New Orleans is a magnet for music and food-lovers from around the world. It’s a feast for the senses and one of our favorite U.S. cities.
Fun New Orleans Attractions
New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz. The city is packed with music clubs featuring Jazz, Blues, Pop, Rock, Zydeco, and Folk. It’s also a great foodie destination. No visit to New Orleans would be complete without tasting one of their world-renowned Beignets (pronounced “ben-yay”) at Cafe Du Monde. It literally melts in your mouth. Other New Orleans specialties include Jambalaya, Gumbo, Po-Boys, Muffulettas (famous Italian sandwich), Crawfish and amazing Cajun and Creole cuisine. New Orleans is the perfect place to enjoy dining outdoors on a patio or terrace. Feast on a variety of exotic cuisines from around the world.
Top New Orleans attractions include:
- Audubon Zoo
- Bourbon Street
- Cafe du Monde
- City Park
- French Quarter
- French Quarter Festival
- Gallier House
- Garden District
- Hermann-Grima House
- Louisiana Children’s Museum
- National WWII Museum
- New Orleans Jazz Museum
- New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Magazine Street
- Mardi Gras
- Preservation Hall
- St. Louis Cathedral
Mardi Gras
Held annually in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Mardi Gras is one big party of parades, masquerade balls and festive street celebrations. Mardi Gras is also referred to as “Fat Tuesday” – “Gras” is French for “Fat” and “Mardi” is French for “Tuesday.” Mardi Gras always falls on a Tuesday. Dates vary from year-to-year – it’s dependent upon the date of Easter Sunday. Mardi Gras is always the day before Ash Wednesday. Enjoy a variety of Fun Mardi Gras Parades and celebrations throughout New Orleans’ Carnival season.
French Quarter Festival
The annual French Quarter Festival takes place in early April throughout the historic French Quarter. Touted as the South’s largest FREE Music Festival, it features more than 150 musical performances on 17 stages over a three-day period. The festival began in 1984 and today, it’s more popular than ever, drawing almost a half million people from around the world.
Mini Mardi Gras at Halloween
If the insanity of Mardi Gras is a little overwhelming, yet you’d like to experience the full “party” atmosphere of New Orleans, plan a visit during Halloween. The French Quarter is filled with costumed revelers – it’s a great place to party and people-watch.
Super Parades
Super Krewes (or Super Parades) are the largest Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans – defined by their spectacular super-floats, marching bands and celebrity Grand Marshalls. Three popular Super Krewes that take place in New Orleans include: Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Bacchus and Krewe of Orpheus.
Book New Orleans Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic French Quarter and Garden District. It’s a great way to see the sights of New Orleans. Walk down Magazine Street and browse art galleries and fine museums. Visit the historic French Market and Riverwalk Marketplace, both fun places for shopping and dining. Experience Cajun Country on a Swamp Boat Adventure and Plantation Tour. Take a Mississippi River Cruise on the historic Steamboat Natchez, the Paddleboat Creole Queen or the Riverboat Cajun Queen.
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The Best Time To Visit New Orleans
New Orleans has a subtropical climate, so its weather can be unpredictable. Spring and Fall are the best times to visit when temperatures are in the 70’s and 80’s. Winter months are mild and Summer months bring high humidity and daily rain showers. Hurricane season on the Gulf Coast runs from June to October.