This article was originally published at Travel Research Online.
New Orleans is a city on the tips of every tongue when talking about travel in the US. Some lament the food, a Creole mix of bold flavors only a port town could create.
Others will talk your ear off with the wild antics roaming Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, or perhaps the way oak trees create a canopy above a working streetcar in Uptown. From the perspective of a traveler’s tale, an image or movie, New Orleans is a city of many layers coalesced into a gumbo of soulful living.
The French Quarter & Art
Also known as the Vieux Carré, meaning old square, the French Quarter is the historical center of the city. Founded as a settlement in 1718, the city has grown to 350 square miles -169 square miles of land. Spanning from French to Spanish to United States rule, New Orleans has changed hands many times. This has created a blend of architectural, cultural, and culinary styles throughout the Quarter.
Wrought-iron balconies, courtyards hidden in the middle of a block and down an alley, pastel facades, and St. Louis Cathedral. Each of these sights can be found in the Quarter. Adding to these views, the art scene in the French Quarter is an active one. Many galleries are found on Royal Street (which is pedestrian-only during the day), representing local artists. And there’s also the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) with over 40,000 works of art to marvel over. These include French and American art, photography, glass, and African and Japanese works.
History, Museums & Jazz
The multilayered culture of New Orleans really shines in its history told through museums and, of course, the music forever at a dancing volume. Jazz here sets a standard that few cities can surpass. Travelers can catch a traditional jazz show at Preservation Hall (in the Quarter) or take a walk down to Frenchman Street for more music and a lively atmosphere.
The National WWII Museum is known as one of the best history museums in the US. Here, a depiction of the sacrifices many soldiers made are shown in fully immersive and interactive exhibits. The New Orleans Jazz Museum, located in the Old US Mint, celebrates the history of Jazz. The traveler can learn about how jazz was born in the Crescent City, as well as more than 365 musical acts per year and 25,000 museum artifacts.
Bayous & Creole Culture
Outside New Orleans, cypress-swamp bayous and wetlands are full of Spanish moss, waterways, and wildlife. A journey into the Louisiana bayou is one to truly wild lands. The tours through swamps can be on a swift air boat or a slower covered boat; either way, these waters are a magical treat through cypress trees and probably a few meandering gators to witness (and maybe a few Cajun locals).
Creole food is a staple in southern Louisiana. It mixes influences from French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. This rich cuisine includes dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp creole, and étouffée. A stuffed French bread sandwich, known as a Po’ Boy, can also hit the spot while walking the city. Finish off a meal with the pillowy, fried pastry dessert known as beignets, and the traveler will taste the reasons why New Orleans is known for its delicious food.
A City Like No Other
New Orleans is a trip into the past and present of a resilient city full of life being lived to the fullest. History, art, music, food… the richness of culture layers into a city where every street corner tells a story and every meal is a celebration.
The Crescent City isn’t just a place to visit; it is to experience and savor a wholly unique experience that will linger with the traveler long after they return home. People often crown the heart of the city onto the French quarter, but New Orleans has heart enough for the whole city.
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