Best Places to Visit in New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most interesting cities in the United States. The largest city in Louisiana is famous for its jazz music, Cajun cuisine, and Mardi Gras celebrations. It’s also home to many attractions, such as the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the National World War II Museum, making it a must-visit city in America. After finding a perfect hotel in New Orleans, the only thing left to do is to plan your visit. Whatever you do, don’t miss these legendary destinations in the Big Easy.
Start With the French Quarter
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The French Quarter is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the city, for good reason. Strolling the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter will give you a chance to admire the beautiful architecture and the buildings’ French influence.
Bourbon Street is in the heart of the district, and it’s especially famous for its vibrant nightlife. Formerly known as Place d’Armes, Jackson Square is the French Quarter’s main square. St. Louis Cathedral, located at one end of the square, is an important landmark and the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States.
Check out Frenchmen Street
Located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood and within walking distance of the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street is a great place to catch live music and discover great bars and restaurants. Here you’ll also have numerous shopping opportunities. The Frenchmen Art Market, for instance, is the place to go for handmade local art and jewelry. The market is open daily from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Visit the Museums
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Museums offer wonderful ways to find out more about a place. Located at One Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, and accessible by the Canal Streetcar and 91 bus – Lelong Drive, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) presents its visitors with an impressive selection of French, American, and Asian art.
Another important and relatively new museum is the National World War II Museum, which is located on Magazine Street in the Warehouse District. This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and documents, as well as educational films. Take note that some of the content might be disturbing for children. The three sections of the museum cover the war in Europe and the Pacific, while an entire section is dedicated to World War II aircraft.
Discover City Park
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Spanning more than 1,300 acres, City Park is perfect for walking and sports. It’s also home to several attractions, such as the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, the New Orleans Botanical Garden, and the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden.
New Orleans is a great city all year long. However, the best time to visit it is between February and May, the period when Mardi Gras and other festivals take place. Plan a longer trip or visit outside the famous holiday if you want to see the most popular attractions, as many are closed during Mardi Gras.
The cemeteries and the Voodoo Museum are among my favorite places to visit in New Orleans.
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