New Orleans

In the French Quarter of New Orleans, you don’t tip-toe in a Second Line celebration; (c) Soul Of America

The French Quarter, Essence Music Festival, Mardi Gras, Faubourg Marigny, and black colleges will always be compelling reasons to visit New Orleans. Whether a “Girl Trip” or a couple’s getaway, explore the gumbo of Big Easy charms and more activity than the average festival groupie can handle.

History
Many Africans were shipped directly here, bringing unfiltered culture with them

Cultural Sites
Xavier University, Dillard University, and Southern University at New Orleans headline local culture

Restaurants & Nightclubs
Native Americans, Africans, Spaniards, French, and Italians each contribute to this gastronomic delight

Wall-to-wall celebration on Bourbon Street after an NFL game ; (c) New Orleans CVB

French Quarter
The landscape architecture is mostly a contest between early French and Spanish architecture

Birthplace of Jazz
The birthplace of Jazz traces to West African rhythms, ex-slaves, Buffalo Soldiers, and Classical music

Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras in the Big Easy is based on the richest gumbo of races, money, cultures, and history

Second Line & Jazz Funerals
On the way to the cemetery, mournful music is played. Upon leaving the cemetery, the mood does a 180

Get you party on in Big Easy nightclubs; (c) Soul Of America

Treme’
Faubourg Treme is one of the oldest African American districts in the country

Heritage Sites
Beginning in the 1700s, slaves met at Congo Square on Sundays for participate in traditional music

Culinary Adventure In The Big Easy
Whether you prefer romance or raucousness, the right food can only enhance the experience

Hoisting a baguette at Po Boy Festival in the French Quarter; (c) Soul Of America

General Attractions
13-blocks of raucous and bawdy activity, Bourbon Street most personifies the French Quarter

Family Attractions
Aquarium of the Americas is a Top 10 aquarium that features more than 10,000 creatures

The Arts
The Cabildo, The Presbytere, and Musee Conti give a sweet taste of the Big Easy

Shops & Galleries
La Belle Galerie has several thousand charming & framed African Diaspora artworks

If your diet permits, order some fantastic Loretta’s Pralines in the Big Easy; (c) Soul Of America

Blues
With legends like Professor Longhair, the Blues’ legacy is also embedded in this remarkable city

Gospel Music
In the early 20th century, Gospel groups that included Mahalia Jackson sprang up here

Trivia & Famous Residents
About 40% of all seafood consumed in the USA comes from Louisiana

More U.S. CITY GUIDES