American Holiday Search
New Orleans
Introduction
Old meets new in this enchanting city! New Orleans has experienced an extraordinary revival in recent years. This is tribute to its amazing residents who keep on pushing forward and progressing even in adversity. This is a glorious historic city, enriched with culture and diversity with strong French and Spanish influence. The rich multi-cultural heritage has given the city distinctive architecture and world renowned cuisine. The city has something for everyone; charming neighbourhoods, eclectic boutiques, great nightlife and even greater food. In New Orleans you’ll experience an old world with all the comforts of a modern city.
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Gallery
Attractions
New Orleans is popular for many things but history, architecture, culture and food are among the top of the list. The city has an abundance of attractions throughout its unique and historic neighbourhoods.
One of the most striking things about this city is its architecture. There is a large concentration of historic buildings in the city. The French Quarter - also known as Vieux Carré or the Quarter - is the city’s most popular neighbourhood for many reasons and architecture is one of them. There are a great number of French, Victorian and Spanish buildings. The Garden District is another major historic district to enjoy New Orleans’ architecture in all its grandeur. The district has many Victorian, French and Italianate mansions as well as good number of Creole townhouses. The best of these stately homes can be found in St. Charles Avenue; one of the countries most beautiful streets. Walking is the best way to explore the area as the districts are easily walk-able. Alternatively – the New Orleans streetcars can comfortably take you around the vicinity.
New Orleans is renowned for its festivals and New Orleanians know how to put together a good bash! It is often said that people in New Orleans are either planning a party, enjoying one or recovering from one! In this city people are not content with celebrating indoors. More often than not; the festivities spill onto the streets – so put on your dancing shoes and join the party!
The Mardi Gras is the city’s signature carnival; basically this one large party that happens throughout the city, attracting massive crowds with elaborate costumes. Another popular event is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival widely known as Jazz Fest. The festival celebrates the city’s indigenous music and culture with a focus on Jazz and Blues.
The Big Easy as the city is affectionately known; has notable cultural institutions. Some of the most popular include; The American Italian Renaissance Foundation's Museum and Research Library, the Backstreet Cultural Museum and New Orleans Museum of Art. The plantations are also a major attraction close to the city; the closest one is Destrehan Plantation (Destrehan, Louisiana).
Check some amazing videos of New Orleans below:
The Best New Orleans Tourist Attractions
New Orleans Events Guide:
Mardi Gras Festival 4 – 21 February
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday in English) in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a Carnival celebration well-known throughout the world. The New Orleans Carnival season, with roots in preparing for the start of the Christian season of Lent, starts after Twelfth Night, on Epiphany (January 6). It is a season of parades, balls, and king cake parties...
St Patricks Day – 17 March
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in New Orleans and its suburb in the form of another parade... Here annual St. Patrick's Day Parades are considered another opportunity for family and friends to get together and enjoy a day outdoors. It seems as if the entire city is on the street with picnic baskets, umbrellas, and their recreational vehicles...enjoying one of the biggest street parties of the year!
4 of July - Independence Day Celebrations
July 4th in New Orleans includes backyard barbeques, preferably with a swimming pool, and picnics in local parks with family and friends...
Restaurants
Restaurants in New Orleans
Indulge your taste buds with the rich flavors of Creole and Cajun culinary delights. Louisiana’s Creole cuisine is arguably the best of the indigenous American cuisines. New Orleans as state’s biggest city is the best place to enjoy Southern Food. This is the city that invented the first cocktail and is also where ‘Sunday Brunch’ originated from. The sumptuous Southern specialities are world renowned. Popular dishes include; fried green tomatoes, mint juleps, peach cobbler, gumbo, soul food, jambalaya, fried chicken,
barbecue ribs, iced tea, grits, catfish and soft shell crabs. New Orleans is gourmet’s delight and has restaurants of all styles; from neighborhood sea food shacks to luxurious bistros in elegant estates.
The French Quarter has a plethora of restaurants attracting visitors and locals alike. Some of the establishment in this district can be a bit pricy compared to other areas of the city but it does have excellent restaurants. Bourbon Street is the main thoroughfare for restaurants and nightlife venues; you can enjoy a meal while listening to jazz. The Garden District is another great location in New Orleans to indulge in Creole and Cajun cuisines.
Café Du Monde (French Market, 800 Decatur Street) is a popular New Orleans eatery that is frequented by locals and visitors. This historic Café has been in operation since 1862 and has built up a loyal clientele over the years. Café Du Monde is renowned for its café au lait and Beignets; New Orleans specialties. The café is opened 24/7. Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St. New Orleans) is a fine dining restaurant that was established in 1905 and is renowned for its Creole dishes.
Shopping
Shopping in New Orleans
Shopping in New Orleans is an art form. It is a great place to shop for antiques, vintage clothing and one of a kind jewelry. Magazine Street in the Garden District has large selection of antique shops, jewelers and art galleries housed in Greek revival buildings and Victorian cottages. Another great location to shop is; Royal Street in Vieux Carré (French Quarter). The street has a concentration of high-end boutiques, jewelers and antique shops. This is the perfect place to find that something special, maybe an exquisite crystal chandelier? In Royal Street you can find that and a lot more!
There is more to New Orleans shopping offering than vintage. Lakeside Shopping Center is one of the best shopping malls in Louisiana. The mall features a great selection of popular brands, including; Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, Pottery Barn, Apple Store and Guess. Lakeside Shopping Center also has major American department stores like – Macy’s and J.C. Penney.
Weather
Weather in New Orleans
New Orleans has a subtropical climate. The summers are hot and humid with average highs of 33 oC. Winters are short and mild with January having an average high of 17 oC. October is normally the driest month of the year. Snow fall is very rare in New Orleans. The great weather makes the city a fabulous destination year round.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11° | 12° | 16° | 20° | 23° | 27° | 29° | 28° | 26° | 21° | 16° | 13° |
Average Monthly Temperatures
