Description
Affectionately christened the Big Easy by the city's mix of French, African and American stock of residents, New Orleans boasts a cuisine all of its own taking inspiration from those who first founded the city. Make sure to try the famous bourbon in a local jazz bar and famously vibrant nightlife in Bourbon Street and the French Quarter,as well as witnessing the world-famous annual Mardi Gras parades and festivities.
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Things to do
French Quarter
The old town of New Orleans boasts charming buildings, lively Bourbon Street with many jazz bars and a year-round Mardi Gras feel. You’ll also find the French Market with craft shops and restaurants, as well as street performers outside St. Louis Cathedral.
Preservation Hall
Legendary live jazz music venue located in the famous French quarter. Open since 1961, here you can take in a show of guest performers or the local house band each night, but make sure to book in advance for a good spot and avoid the queue!
Mardi Gras World
See the warehouse where all the fabulous Mardi Gras floats are made and stored for the epic annual carnival festivities. Hourly tours with an expert on all things Mardi Gras take you round the colourful props, with staff happy to answer your questions.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
This quirky, two-room museum in the heart of the famous French Quarter is dedicated solely to the mysterious practice of voodoo. Open every day since 1972, the Voodoo Museum is bound to get your undivided attention with its array of vivid voodoo displays.
Bourbon Street
The legendarily lively Bourbon Street is a must for fans of live music and new Orleans’ iconic live jazz shows. Start at one end of the street and take a stroll, soak in the atmosphere, people watch, sip cocktails and drop in for different performers in each buzzing venue.
French Market
Originally the spot for Native Americans to meet up and trade goods, the French Market is a huge jumble of buildings and arcades selling hand-made clothing, craft wares and gourmet street food such as the famous Cajun French cuisine synonymous with Louisiana.
Mardi Gras
Testament to New Orleans' French roots, the annual Mardi Gras celebration each February is probably the largest such celebration in the world, with numerous parades and events each day throughout the two week celebrations, with floats, dancers and plenty of music