Situated near the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans is a port city in Louisiana.
Nicknamed the ‘Big Easy’, the city is a melting pot of African-American and
French culture with distinct cuisine and is renowned for its French and
Spanish Creole architecture. The French Quarter here is home to iconic
Cajun and Creole eateries alongside European buildings. New Orleans is big
on live-music, Jazz originated here and there are many music clubs and jazz
clubs at Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood. The Garden
District here has well preserved Italian and Victorian Mansions. New
Orleans celebrates Mardi-Gras, (the winter carnival) famous for its parades
and street parties.
Things to do in New Orleans
Warehouse/Arts District
Warehouse/Arts District lies in the downtown of New Orleans. It is the
cultural hub of the city and is lined with art galleries, museums, and some
of the city’s best restaurants. The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is the
heart of the Warehouse District and showcases many performing arts shows,
temporary exhibitions, educational programs across multiple disciplines.
Top venues to visit here besides the CAC are the National WWII Museum and
the Ogden Museum of Southern Art which houses multiple forms of visual art
from the Colonial era to present. Many chic cafes and restaurants are also
found here. Some of the popular ones include Annunciation serves Creole and
Cajun styled dishes while Chateau du Lac is a traditional French bistro.
Bourbon Street
Bouborn Street is one of the main streets in the French Quarter and is
nestled between the Canal and Esplanade Avenue. The evenings at Bourbon
Street are lively with a string of bars, restaurants, and strip clubs.
Popular restaurants here include Spirits on Bourbon, the Cat’s Meow and
Channing Tatum’s Saints and Sinners. Galatoire’s is the most high-end
restaurant in the street which serves traditional New Orleans’ cuisine. The
street is a major tourist attraction with a lot of souvenir stores.
St. Louis Cathedral
Dedicated to King Louis IX of France, St. Louis Cathedral is in the French
Quarter in the Jackson’s square. Founded in 1727 as a Catholic Parish, the
cathedral has the distinction of being the oldest Cathedral in North
America. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans.
The iconic structure has elements from Renaissance, Gothic Revival and
Spanish Colonial architecture styles.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
The best time to book flights from Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans is from
February to May due to the pleasant weather and Mardi Gras celebrations
held during this period. You may choose to book New Orleans flights in
December or January if you wish to avoid the crowds.