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With Southern charm and good vibes coming out of its ears, New Orleans is the taste of the South that’ll keep you coming back for more. From its French Origins to becoming a hub of African-American life and culture, this incredible city is packed with so much soul. There are just so many things to do in New Orleans.
The first thing on every traveller’s ‘to-do’ list is to head down to the French Quarter. You’ll hear this lively neighbourhood well before you see it, with buskers filling the streets and jazz filling the air. Once here, pull up a chair at a table at Café Du Monde. This iconic spot serves up the best beignets in the city, and we know you’ll want about ten of them. Soak up the colourful sights of the French colonial buildings and feel like you’ve been transported back in time when you’re trying to navigate the streets using the original French street signs.
For the best night-time spots in the city, Bourbon Street is a given. There’s a party happening here almost every night. But if you’re keen to venture beyond the standard tourist fare, walk over to Frenchmen Street. The Spotted Cat and Three Muses are swinging with jazz until the early hours of the morning, and you can grab a cheap bite to eat at one of its many restaurants.
When it comes to digging up the local history, New Orleans makes it easy for you. Discover the story of the city at the Historic New Orleans Collection, or see it come to life at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Dive right into the culture at some of the city’s best festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Essence Festival. Whether you stay for a few days or a few months, the spirit of New Orleans will leave a lasting impression on you.
FAST FACTS
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Electricity: 110-115V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter the USA.
Dialling Code: +1
Time Zone: (GMT -06:00)
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Music & Culture
Music
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Music & Culture
Food
Discover the world of jazz in the city where it all began. Through dynamic interactive exhibits, research facilities and engaging musical performances, the dynamic New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates the city’s jazzy history. The New Orleans Jazz Museum is housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint.
From its involvement in WWII to its development of jazz, New Orleans has made a massive contribution to life and culture in the US. Discover the stories of the South through some of the city’s most impressive museums. Here are five of our favourite museums in New Orleans.
Chargrilled oysters are a New Orleans speciality. Unlike their raw counterparts, these oysters are filled with breadcrumb, herbs, cheese and melted butter – yum. Cooked over an open flame, you can fill up on these babies at Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter. Look out for its iconic neon sign.
Best eaten at
Acme Oyster House, 724 Iberville St, LA 70130
First given to the streetcar labourers who were on strike, these sandwiches have become a local favourite in new Orleans. Served on crusty French baguettes, Po’ Boys are filled with fried shrimp or beef. And remember, you’ve got to ask for any extra dressings, as the O. G. sandwich doesn’t come with any salads. Grab yours at Johnny’s Po’ Boys, a local institution in the French Quarter.
Best eaten at
Johnny's Po' Boys, 511 St Louis St, LA 70130
A favourite of almost everyone who’s ever passed through New Orleans, beignets are the signature pastry of the city. First introduced by the French immigrants who made up the city’s first European settlers, these light, deep-fried puffs of dough are covered in powered sugar. Down them while they’re fresh and hot at Café Du Monde, New Orleans’ most iconic café.
Best eaten at
Café Du Monde, 800 Decatur St, LA 70116
A contribution from the city’s Italian community, muffulettas are epic sandwiches made from a bread loaf of the same name. Piled high with layers of salami, ham, mortadella and various cheeses, the sandwich is topped of with a generous coating of olive oil. Get your hands around one of these at Central Grocery and Deli.
Best eaten at
Central Grocery and Deli, 923 Decatur St, LA 70116
An amazing example of tradition home-style cooking, red beans and rice are the ultimate in Southern comfort food. Made using leftover pork bones from Sunday dinner, beans are thickened up with ham hock, broth and vegetables, you can pick up this hearty dish at Mother’s Restaurant in New Orleans.
Best eaten at
Mother's Restaurant, 401 Poydras St, LA 70130
Drawing on its working-class and migrant heritage, New Orleans serves up simple comfort food that’ll get you ordering seconds. From flame-grilled oysters to stuffed sandwiches and deep-fried beignets, here’s a list of where to eat in New Orleans.
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