New Orleans is a major seaport and the largest city and metropolitan area
in the state of Louisiana, US. Bisected by the Mississippi River, the city
is hallmarked by its distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture, its
cross-cultural Cajun cuisines and annual festivals like Mardi Gras. New
Orleans has a remarkable music history and is regarded as the birthplace of
Jazz music. A star attraction in New Orleans is its French Quarter that is
still dotted with many horse-drawn carriages that take the visitors through
the city, a derivative of 18th century practices.
Things to do in New Orleans
French Quarter
New Orleans’s top highlight, the French Quarter is a riverside city block
comprising several old and quaint buildings that date back to 18 th century. These old buildings feature top-class French
architecture and ornate arcades, wrought iron balconies, and red-tiled
roofs. French Quarter doubles up as a riverside dining and entertainment
hotspot.
Mardi Gras
The French festival of Mardi Gras is a two-week long series of celebrations
until Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). The festival is marked
by parades, music, dances, tasty foods and other types of entertainment
features. It is best to visit the Bourbon Street here to witness the very
best of Mardi Gras.
Jackson Square
The Jackson Square is the main square located in the heart of the French
Quarter. The square features trees, tree-lined avenues and a mid-19 th century equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson. The
Jackson Square is also hallmarked by St. Louis Cathedral, that has a white
façade and cone shaped spires.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
Spring season (the months from February to May) are the best to book your
flights from Phoenix to New Orleans. It is the season when you can have a
great time enjoying the city’s blockbuster Mardi Gras festival in
February/March. Book your flights from PHX to MSY during summers to enjoy
famous cultural events like Tennessee Williams/Literary Festival, French
Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It is
advised to book New Orleans flights in advance to avoid paying more during
peak season.