New Orleans is referred to as the ‘Big Easy’ due to its laid-back attitude. Away from this relaxed vibe, the city is also regarded as a party capital, mainly because of the annual Mardi Gras and the jazz influence the city has had on the world.
The city is home to some world-class tourist attractions including an aquarium, a zoo and the French market. Jackson Square lies at one of America’s most historic districts, the French Quarter. There is always some action in Jackson Square; whether it is street performers or craft stalls, you are sure to see something happening.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will find some stunning countryside and nature reserves housing a wide array of wildlife. They are open all year and make excellent daytrips for the whole family. For something cultural, head to some of the city’s museums, where you can learn about local history, wildlife and even voodoo.
You will not be short of accommodations in the city, as there are many exceptional options available, catering to all budgets. Hotels in New Orleans have come down in price since Hurricane Katrina, with many being found in the Marigny district, the French Quarter, Central Business district, Garden district, Uptown and close to the Louis Armstrong Airport. Many of New Orleans' hotels are often fully booked, especially around Mardi Gras, so it is advisable to book in advance.
New Orleans was founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company as la Nouvelle-Orléans. In 1723, New Orleans became the third capital of French colonial Louisiana, following Biloxi and Mobile. The city began to prosper under the French, but this came to an end in 1763, when the French colony was surrendered to the Spanish Empire.
The city remained under Spanish control for 40 years until Louisiana reverted to French control in 1801. Just two years after they re-conquered the city, Napoleon sold it to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The city’s growth during America’s early control was enormous, with floods of Americans and French arriving.
During the War of 1812, the British sent force to conquer the city, but were defeated by the Americans in the Battle of New Orleans, in 1815. By 1840, New Orleans had become the wealthiest city in the nation and it ranked as the third most populous city. Unfortunately, this was the climax for New Orleans, as since then, the city has become the 13th poorest large city in the nation.
In the early 20th century, New Orleans was a progressive city, whose most significant development was a drainage plan. Urban development was largely limited to higher ground, but throughout the 20th century, rapid subsidence left these newly-populated areas several feet below sea level.
New Orleans experiences a humid subtropical climate, with cool winters and hot, humid summers. The coldest month of the year is usually January, when daytime temperatures average at 17°C, while July, the hottest month of the year, sees daily highs of 33°C.
Unfortunately, as with many subtropical climates, the peak summer months are also the wettest. The humidity builds up until a thunderstorm clears the air. Hurricanes are also a worry during the summer months, with Hurricane Katrina demonstrating just how much devastation can be caused by these violent storms.
Spring (March through June) sees warm temperatures and a slow build up of rain, while the autumn months of September and October see little in the way of rain. October is in fact the driest month of the year
New Orleans experiences snowfall on rare occasions. The last significant snowfall in New Orleans was in December 1989, when most of the city was covered in snow.
