New Orleans is a fantastic city with lots to see and do. The biggest problem many visitors to the city have is trying to decide which places to visit in New Orleans. With so much fun stuff going on in New Orleans all the time, there’s no easy answer to this question. Ask 100 different people which are the best places to visit in New Orleans and you will probably get 100 different answers. However there’re some places that are on everyone’s list. They include places like the French Quarter, key cultural arts venues, and the important historical sites. Here are a few suggestions to help you navigate through this amazing and historic destination.
The French Quarter
No visit to New Orleans is complete without a visit to the French Quarter. It is the city’s oldest neighborhood and a National Historic Landmark. Many of the buildings in the French Quarter are excellent examples of Spanish Colonial architecture and were built in the late 18th century during the time when the Spanish ruled the city. The 78 square blocks that run along the Mississippi River between Canal Street and Esplanade Avenue and go inland up to North Rampart Street is the area commonly recognized as the French Quarter. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. One of the most recognized street is Bourbon Street and this is where so much of the action takes place.
New Orleans Cemeteries
Another one of the ‘must see’ places to visit in New Orleans are the above-ground cemeteries. Sometimes referred to as ‘Cities of the Dead’, these cemeteries have drawn the interest of visitors to New Orleans for over 100 years. Many people are fascinated by the amazing architecture and the tree-lined streets. These cemeteries were built above ground because New Orleans is below sea level and prone to flooding. Bodies buried underground might end up floating down the streets during floods. Some of the most popular include Lafayette Cemetery, St. Louis #3 Cemetery, and St. Roch Cemetery.
City Park in New Orleans
Located in the heart of New Orleans, City Park is a 1,300 acre oasis in the midst of a concrete jungle. City Park has a natural bayou running through it and along its edge and one of the world’s largest live oak tree stands. Another reason City Park is one of the places to visit in New Orleans is because it not only houses the Botanical Gardens, the Bestoff Sculpture Garden, and the New Orleans Museum of Art, but has a miniature train and an antique carousel as well. It’s a great place to take the young, the not so young, and the young at heart.
Audubon Institute Parks and Attractions
The Audubon Institute controls a number of world class destinations for people of all ages. They include the Audubon Park and Zoo in Uptown New Orleans. Simply hop on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar and it will take your right to it. There are lagoons, a running course, a world class golf course, and a number of live oak trees. Like bugs? The Audubon Institute also operates the Audubon Insectarium on Canal Street in the French Quarter. Plus you can see exotic sea creatures at the Aquarium of the Americas near the banks of the Mississippi River.
The Garden District
Another of the places to visit in New Orleans is the Garden District. It’s an area filled with spectacular mansions and graceful, old Magnolia trees. The Garden District was created by the Americans who migrated to New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase. It’s a great place to take your family for a peaceful stroll before you head down to the wild and raucous French Quarter which is about 10 minutes away.
Cafe’ Du Monde
No trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at the Cafe’ Du Monde. This iconic French Market coffee cafe has been a staple in New Orleans since 1862. The cafe is open 24 hours a day and is only closed on Christmas day. Not only do they have some of the most delicious dark roasted coffee with chicory, but they serve one of the most sought after pastries called beignets. Beignets are a delicious french style doughnut, covered with a heaping pile of powdered sugar. No matter what time a day, its always a perfect time to stop by this one of kind cafe.
New Orleans is a fun place to visit. While the parks, cemeteries, and mansions are amazing places to visit in New Orleans, there is much more to see and do. There are festivals all year round where you can hear some of the most innovative, talented, artists in the world play jazz, blues, funk, zydeco, and great Cajun music. You can also see live Broadway shows, take in the ballet or an opera, or listen to some great classical music.
But if you really want to have some fun, you must be in New Orleans for the parades, parties, music, dancing, drinking, and fun of Mardi Gras.
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