Quick Travel Guide to New Orleans, Louisiana
Attractions and Recreational Activities in "The Big Easy"
Nov 10, 2009
New Orleans is a city rich with history and boasts a unique culture; these elements combine to provide an exciting and interesting experience for visitors. From shopping to swamps to bars, New Orleans has something to offer everyone.
The French Market – New Orleans' Famous Flea Market
This 200 year old open-air public market is the oldest in the United States. Located in the picturesque downtown area and surrounded by several blocks of varied specialty shops, the French Market is a colorful construction of stalls in which one can find anything from sunglasses to alligator heads. It is a great place to find cajun seasonings and plant bulbs, along with fresh produce and even lunch!
To make an afternoon of it, stop over at the legendary Cafe du Monde for a cafe au lait and beignet before meandering through Jackson Square.
Jackson Square--A Treasure Trove of Local New Orleans Art
Historically, Jackson Square (or as it was known in the past, Place d'Armes) has been an important hub for painters and various other types of artists. These days, Jackson Square's open air vending is still the place to go for local art. Visitors will see jugglers, mimes, musicians, and dancers while perusing the works of art arranged along the iron fence.
Jackson Square has also recently become a home for many self-proclaimed psychics, and visitors can have their palms or tarot cards read.
Riverboat, Walking, and Swamp Tours in New Orleans, Louisiana
As New Orleans is located on the sprawling Mississippi River, there are many cruises available for visitors. A steamboat tour is the perfect opportunity to see firsthand many of the historic Louisiana landmarks and learn much interesting background about the city and its culture. Many river cruises include dinner and live music.
Walking tours through New Orleans are a very common, but intriguing way to spend an afternoon. Guides of small groups provide interesting tidbits of information while visitors get to see the city in an up-close and personal way. From haunted history tours to plantation tours to garden district tours, there is a tour in New Orleans to pique any interest.
If there is one thing the state of Louisiana is famous for, it is its swamps. Many companies in New Orleans invite visitors to venture into the shrouded marsh and see, firsthand, the local flora and fauna as well as the abundant (and often dangerous!) wildlife.
Bourbon Street – NOLA's Famous Downtown Drinking Destination and Musicians' Hub
This picturesque sunlit strip becomes an all-out party once the sun goes down, and it does not stop until the early hours of morning. While this is not the place to take the kids out for dinner, crowds pack into Bourbon Street on a nightly basis, slowly migrating from bar to bar and sampling daiquiris and the famous Bourbon Street Grenade. It is a great place to enjoy a drink while watching live bands perform a wide range of musical genres. For a particularly unique experience, visitors may want to celebrate Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street, when the atmosphere is particularly wild.
Food and Drink – New Orleans is Famous for its Cajun and Creole Cuisine
There are countless amazing restaurants and other dining destinations in this culinary center. Fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood is whipped up in Cajun and Creole style; here one can find blackened alligator and other rarities. Delicious and uniquely New Orleans meals are everywhere and no visitor should pass up the opportunity to sample something new. NOLA is particularly well-known for its Muffaletta, a salami and cheese sandwich made special with its essential ingredient, a flavor-rich olive salad spread.
Other Fun Things to See and Do in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans truly is a diverse and exciting town and visitors should soak in the atmosphere in their favorite way. Whether that means taking in a Saints game at the Superdome, relaxing and listening at New Orleans Jazzfest, visiting the National World War II Museum, enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride, checking out the famous New Orleans Aquarium, or simply enjoying a coffee on an outdoor patio, is completely up to the visitor.
Additional Links and Resources for New Orleans Visitors
New Orleans Online: Check out current events, things to see and do, and find a hotel in New Orleans
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