New Orleans is home to a wealth of cultural, historical and famous sights. The city is renowned for its stories of vampires and voodoo, and a tour of the city’s cemeteries is the perfect way to learn more. The city also houses a historic French Quarter, which offers a number of sights including the famous Café Du Monde. Regardless of what you decide to do, you will never be bored, and many attractions are within easy walking distance of one another.
Cabildo
The Cabildo was constructed at the beginning of the 18th century and was originally intended to be the seat of the Spanish government in New Orleans. The building was restored after a fire in 1988 and is now a highlight of the Louisiana State Museum. It is famed for being home to one of only two death masks of Napoleon, and it was also the site of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. Phone: +1 504 568 6990
Café Du Monde
The original café opened in Jackson square in 1862, and has since become a New Orleans landmark. It is referred to in several of Anne Rice's novels and a trip to New Orleans is not complete without having a cup of coffee here while enjoying a spot of people watching.
Phone: +1 504 581 2914; website: www.cafedumonde.com
French Market
This wonderful market can be found the banks of the Mississippi and it stretches from Jackson square to Barracks Street. It is the oldest market still in operation in the country and has housed buyers and traders since the early 18th century. Today, the French Market is a haven for shoppers, and is home to all sorts of weird and wacky items as well as some excellent food.
Phone: +1 504 522 2621
Garden District Houses
The Garden district is home to some outstanding mansions and beautifully landscaped gardens, which once belonged to the city's aristocracy. The houses have since been turned into museums, with the most popular houses including: Joseph Morris’, Payne-Strachan’s and Anne Rice's.
Jackson Square
This square dates back to 1718 and forms the centre of the French Quarter. It is where most first-time visitors begin their exploration of this lively and historic part of New Orleans. Located next to the Mississippi River and St Louis Cathedral, the square is home to a diverse assortment of street performers, jazz musicians, artists and fortune-tellers.
Lafayette Cemetery
New Orleans is famous for its spooky cemeteries which house above-ground tombs that have helped to support the legends surrounding voodoo and vampires. Lafayette Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the city, having opened in 1833. It was made famous by Anne Rice's novel Interview with the Vampire and has since become one of the city’s most popular attractions. Joining a guided tour of the city’s cemeteries is recommended. Phone: +1 504 525 3377
Old Ursuline Convent
This is the oldest building in Louisiana, built in 1734, under the orders of Louis XV of France. It is the only building left standing from the French colonial period. The Ursuline nuns suffered many hardships during the early growth of the city, although their ground-breaking work was invaluable to the city's development. The nuns introduced a good standard of medical care as well as the first school and an orphanage for girls. Phone: +1 504 529 3040
Old US Mint
The Old Mint was built in 1838 and is rare because it is the only building to have served as both a national and associate mint. Its stately exterior now houses the Newcomb College of Art as well as a popular jazz museum, with many displays detailing the building's history. Phone: +1 504 568 6968
Enjoy a Museum Tour
Discover the culture and tradition behind life in New Orleans. There are literally dozens of museums around the city documenting local and national history, local figureheads, works of art and local traditions. You may not have enough time to visit them all, so making a list of the ones you would most like to visit is a good idea.
Go French
Enjoy the history and culture found in the French Quarter. You will find traditional markets, a bustling square, trendy riverside cafés and an abundance of shopping opportunities and museums, cathedrals and monuments. It is the cultural heart of the city.
Have a Party on Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is one of New Orleans’ most popular and famous tourist attractions. Throughout the day, dozens of street performers gather to entertain the crowds, whereas at night, the street is alive with people out for a drink and a dance. People can be seen partying up and down the street until all hours of the morning. If you are looking for a party, this is the place to head. Bars and clubs are permitted to remain open 24 hours and it is one of the few places in America where alcohol can be consumed on the street, as long as it is in a plastic cup.
Jazz it up
Have a night out at one of the many jazz clubs throughout the city. Jazz is generally considered to have been born in New Orleans and the city’s air is constantly humming with music. Live venues can be found across the city, as can jazz trumpeters and other buskers on the city’s streets.
Party at Mardi Gras
You can see the city come to life for this annual celebration. If you are visiting in January or February, you will see the celebrations and will be hard pushed not to throw caution to the wind and join in. The annual festivities include street-parades, music, dancing, feasting and general merriment. The event sees New Orleans at its finest.
