City of Jazz - New Orleans, Louisiana
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
30th May 2016
New Orleans – the city of Jazz! Not only is New Orleans known for the music that originated from this vibrant city, but it’s also a city bursting with the weird and wonderful. The city is full of art that comes in all forms - from paintings, live performances to sculptures and more. The main area of attraction in New Orleans is the French Quarter, with its historically beautiful French colonial era architecture. Some places of great interest in the area is the French Market, spanning 6 blocks with all sorts of things. Café Du Monde, the famous Beignet café. The Natchez Cruise, that steamboats it way along the Mississippi River. And just on the edge of the French Quarter, a shopping outlet if you have time! While the French Quarter is where you will want to be most of the time, there are other areas and things to do here too - such as Magazine Street, City Park, a Swamp and Plantation tour.
If you’re visiting New Orleans for the first time, you’ll want to stay close to the French Quarter. It’s an area everyone gravitates to. Mainly because there’s always so much happening. A great hotel, in a great location is The Westin New Orleans Canal Place Hotel. It is located on the edge of the French Quarter, but in the perfect location as it’s a short walk to all the most favored places.
The two most popular streets in the French Quarter are Bourbon and Royal Street. Bourbon Street is exactly what it’s named after. It’s a street full of bars, with competing music blasting out onto the streets and boozed up people roaming aimlessly – if you’re looking for a party, you can find it here!
Parallel and a block away is Royal Street, and the name says it. Compared to Bourbon Street is it the more chic street of the two and just as lively. This street is full of vintage and antique stores, art galleries and fine jewelry boutiques.
Closer to the Mississippi River you can the French Market, selling all sorts from handmade hats to alligator heads! There’s also plenty of food and bars here, so if you’re feeling famished and parched, pick up a po-boy and a bloody Mary and continue to enjoy the atmosphere. All while satisfying those needs. Lucky for you, New Orleans has an Open Container Law, so you can grab that special beverage and go.
Also close to the river is Café Du Monde. They are very famous for their Beignets, well it’s the only thing they sell a part from beverages. Beignets are a deep-fried dough that people go crazy for! Expect line ups over the weekends for these dough balls of deliciousness.
If you’re already here, you can’t miss the cruise along the Mississippi River, especially around sunset. The Natchez Cruise goes for a duration of two hours, with various departing times. You can opt for a meal option on the cruise too or just enjoy it for what it is. You’ll receive a detailed history while the steamboat is cruising the river. When that’s over, there’s a band to fill the air with music until you come to dock.
If you have time to shop, The Outlet Collection Riverwalk has over 70 stores with huge discounts to fill up your luggage for the trip home. Besides the shopping, it’s a nice area to walk, because it’s located along the Mississippi River.
While there is a lot to do in the French Quarter, make sure you’re getting the most out of New Orleans by exploring other parts of the city too. Not too far from the French Quarter is Magazine Street. If you’re looking for a different variety of restaurants & bars, head down that way. There are also quite a few charming boutique stores and vintage shops too.
A place you must visit, is City Park. It's a huge space of greenery and trees, with a couple of lakes, making it a beautiful and tranquil place for a stroll. The best section of the gardens, is the Sculptures Garden and entry is free. You’ll find interesting pieces of art scattered in and around the gardens. It’s the perfect place to bring a book or have a little picnic and relax for a couple of hours under a tree. The vibe here is definitely different from the French Quarter and something to appreciate.
If you’re into some touristy sights while in New Orleans, consider a Swamp tour – where you’ll go alligator spotting along the swampy tree lined bayou and get to hold a little one too. Or the Oak Alley Plantation tour - taking a glimpse into the history of slavery and the families that once lived in these beautiful historic estates. Oak Alley Plantation also has a fantastic restaurant with good food, making it a great stop for lunch.
New Orleans is no doubt a city that comes fully loaded with character, history, music and old world French charm. Its unique character and constant sounds of jazz saturating the air is what sets it aside from other big cities. It sure does have an identity of its own that is unmistakeable.