New Orleans, situated on the Mississippi River in the south-eastern US state of Louisiana, is well known for its historical mix of French, African, and American cultures which are very evident in the “Big Easy”. The city was greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but since then some major redevelopment has helped to boost the population once again.
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The spirit of New Orleans invigorates and captivates visitors; through its history, art, music, and culture, there’s plenty to bring joy to those travelling to the city.
French Quarter
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Also called the “Crown Jewel of New Orleans”, the French Quarter is one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. Its history is represented through well-loved antique stores and old restaurants, but there are modern boutiques, artisan cocktails, and a reimagined French Market in the mix too. On the streets, tourists will find fortune tellers, ghost tours, gaslights, and music everywhere.
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The free French Quarter Festival, next taking place in early April 2020, celebrates local music of every genre with more than 20 stages and plenty of great food and drink to enjoy.
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St Louis Cathedral is among the tallest structures in the Quarter and is a favourite subject for painters, photographers, and filmmakers; indeed, it’s one of the cultural and architectural treasures of the area.
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Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark, is found at the heart of the French Quarter; it hosts numerous city events and celebrations. Art lovers can enjoy seeing artists at work and displaying their pieces on the surrounding iron fence.
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The French Market, originally a Native American trading post along the Mississippi, evolved into a commercial hub for the city, welcoming ships and traders from around the world. Today’s structure, as constructed in the 1800s, is home to multiple elements including Dutch Alley, the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, and the Flea Market, as well as the famous Café du Monde.
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Bourbon Street, one of the noisiest in the city, embodies New Orleans’ reputation as a party town with its music, balconies, and colour. On this road, the famous 1806 Old Absinthe House building can be found, along with traditional live jazz performances in a 200-year-old building at Fritzel’s European Jazz Club.
Art and Culture
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Theatre, drama, costumes, and music are all part of the everyday life of New Orleans, and for good reason:
- New Orleans was home to the first documented performance of opera (“Sylvain”) in 1796
- The first ever commercial movie theatre opened on Canal Street in the late 1800s
- The city is known as the birthplace of jazz
- The world-class Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is based in the city
- The city has inspired numerous famous books including “A Streetcar Named Desire”, “Dinner at Antoine’s”, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “All the King’s Men”.
- Many festivals are hosted in the city; the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival and the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival for those who enjoy a good book, the New Orleans, French, and Horror Film Festivals for those who appreciate action on a big screen, as well as many more including the Hell Yes comedy festival, the annual burlesque festival, and the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival.
- Art galleries are plentiful in the Crescent City; there is no shortage of artworks capturing the surroundings and beauty of New Orleans since its founding in 1718. From paintings and sculptures to weavers and ceramicists, everything can be found in the galleries in the Warehouse Arts District and Royal Street.
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Music
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Music is central to life in New Orleans, especially during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Musical legends from Louis Armstrong, Dr John and Allen Toussaint to Trombone Shorty and Big Freedia have all hailed from the city. Visit Frenchmen Street, Preservation Hall on Bourbon Street, Rock-N-Bowl in Mid City, and Vaughn’s in Bywater for a taste of those typical New Orleans notes.
Food
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With influences from across the world, the fantastic food traditions of New Orleans are one of the main reasons to visit the city. Visitors will find anything from Cajun to Creole cuisine at all hours of the day, and all diets catered for - vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free included. The dining options really reflect the city’s history and culture.
Some of the traditional foods you should try include:
- Gumbo, a thick French/West African stew served over rice (try it at Mr B’s Bistro or The Gumbo Shop)
- The Monday classic, Red Beans and Rice, which includes any meat simmered with red or kidney beans and spices
- The Italian Muffaletta sandwich filled with cured meats, provolone cheese, and olive dressing which has been around since 1906
- Beignets, the deep fried doughnut dessert available at any time of the day
- Po-Boy sandwiches, available in many combinations, covered in sauce and served between two pieces of French bread
- Bananas Foster, a dessert born from the banana trade in the city
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Title Image Credit: Lars Plougmann (Image Cropped)