About New Orleans
New Orleans is proud of its well-known nickname, "Big Easy", because it so aptly describes the relaxed, hospitable attitude of this lovely city, steeped in history and intertwining cultures.
It is one of the largest ports in the United States and in the world. Millions have been invested in development and renovation. Yet, with all its modern innovations, the city retains an Old World charm, carefully preserving its history, its reputation for world-famous jazz and outstanding cuisine, and its romantic Creole heritage.
Most visitors to New Orleans, begin their sightseeing at the French Quarter (Vieux Carre). This is the oldest part of the city: a mix of clubs, souvenir shops, restaurants, voodoo vendors, and beautiful homes. Some of the most attractive cast-iron balconies can be seen along Royal Street. Royal Street is known for its antique shops and art galleries. Bourbon Street and its cross streets house most of the tourist bars and clubs, but the place where most peope head for music in the French Quarter is in teh area around North Peters, Decatur and North Rampart streets.
From art galleries and museums to professional sports, from the high life on Bourbon Street to enchanting riverboat casinos, New Orleans offers every visitor hundreds of entertaining and enjoyable attractions. No wonder New Orleans is known throughout the world as a city where hospitality never ends!
Vacation Deals
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You can also book popular sightseeing tours in New Orleans and save your vacation time.
Getting There & Around
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 18km (11mi) west of the city, handles mostly domestic flights.
Its proximity to major hubs at Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Atlanta make it easy to find a convenient flight or connection to and from just about anywhere in North America.
Airport Shuttle goes to downtown hotels.
Greyhound buses run from the Union Passenger Terminal, with regular services to other southern cities. Amtrak trains also operate from the Union Passenger Terminal.
The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers decent bus and streetcar service. From the French Quarter, most destinations are served by buses that stop at the intersection of Basin and Canal Sts. All stops have signs noting the route name and number.
Attractions
New Orleans is full of attractions for all ages. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in New Orleans. You can also book some of these attractions online and save your vacation time.
Power Pass is the exciting new visitor’s passport to New Orleans. Using smart card technology, Power Pass provides entry to all the best attractions New Orleans has to offer.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter is one big living attraction. It is famous for its old French-and Spanish-style buildings, cool jazz, and joyous atmosphere. The heart of the quarter is at Jackson Square, where artists, musicians, fortune-tellers, mime artists and magicians perform.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is the most popular and famous tourist attraction in New Orleans. All through the day and night you can see people partying up and down the street.
New Orleans Museum Of Art
The New Orleans Museum of Art, founded in 1910, is considered one of the finest museums in the Southeastern United States.
Audubon Zoo
Located in 58 acres of beautiful landscape and with more than 1,500 species displayed in their natural habitat, Audubon Zoo is one of the nation's best zoos.
French Market
This is America's oldest city market. It is said that before the Europeans settled here, the same area was used by Native Americans as a trading and meeting place. It has a flea market, a farmer's market, shops, restaurants and cafés.
Saint Louis Cathedral
This is the oldest cathedral in the United States, built in 1794. It is the place of worship for thousands of New Orleanians. The cathedral standing today is actually the third building to occupy the site. The first was destroyed by a hurricane and the second was destroyed by the fire of 1788 which almost burnt every structure in the French Quarter.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
This is the most unusual museum in the world! Learn about the mysterious mixture of African and Catholic rituals brought to New Orleans in the eighteenth century.
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Where else can you see giant alligators that float and King Kong several stories high? Tour the studio of the Mardi Gras float designers to see how it's done.
Preservation Hall
Historic and inexpensive jazz venue may not serve food or drinks, but the music it serves up is first rate.
More about New Orleans
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