New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico.
Nicknamed the “Big Easy,” the city was founded by the French, ruled for 40 years by the Spanish, and bought by the United States in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.
New Orleans is known as one of the cities with exuding old-world charm with an antiquated uniqueness and architectural richness in the United States.
Here are some of the most beautiful places and interesting sights to see in New Orleans.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the heart and soul of New Orleans. This National Historic Landmark is the site of the original New Orleans colony established by the French in 1718.
The streets, still listed in French as ‘The Quarter’ hold onto heritage. Cobblestones meander through sights such as the Faulkner House, Jackson Square, and the Cabildo.
Meanwhile, the architecture that surrounds consists of baroque ironwork balconies, courtyards with lush vegetation, and fountains. Bourbon Street is also in the French Quarter with its rowdy bars, street performers, and the yearly Mardi Gras locale.
Maple Leaf Bar
Music is infused in New Orleans culture. It starts in the schools and rests on the neighborhood stoops. Second-line parades and brass bands often parade through the streets for weddings and funerals.
And of course, Mardi Gras showcases the biggest musical parade in the spring. For nighttime jazz all year round head to the Maple Leaf Bar, the oldest operating bar in NOLA outside the French Quarter. Maple Leaf offers live music every night and the residents, Rebirth Brass Band, raise the roof every Tuesday.
Café Du Monde
The reputation precedes Café Du Monde, the famous open aired coffee and beignet spot in the French Quarter or NOLA. It might be one of the busiest tourist attractions in the city, and for a good reason.
Serving consistently delicious, piping hot, and well-sugared products, Café Du Monde remains a genuine experience.
Be patient and prepared to stand in line for a seat at this outdoor café. A trip to New Orleans is not complete without tasting its beignets.
St. Louis Cathedral
The St. Louis Cathedral is the centerpiece of the French Quarter and one of New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks.
Built as a Catholic Parish along the banks of the Mississippi River in 1720, the cathedral is the oldest in North America.
Daily self-guided tours can be taken and the building is open to the public. Cultural events, religious sermons, and concerts are also held at the St. Louis Cathedral as well.
Maison de Macarty House
The Maison de Macarty House is an 1890s Victorian House turned Bed and Breakfast, located on land that was part of the Louis Barthelemy, Chevalier de Macarty plantation. Located in the Bywater National Historic District, the house is close to everything with excellent prices.
Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is a non-profit zoo located in proximity to an aquarium, insectarium, and park with nature conservation programs.
There have been animals on this site since the 1884 World Exposition in Audubon Park. Today, the Audubon Zoo has 58 acres of animals in their natural habitats.
It consistently ranks among the country’s best, so it’s definitely a must-see while in New Orleans. A special feature of the Audubon Zoo is the stroll through a real swamp right in the middle of uptown New Orleans.
