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Visit this picturesque city on the Mississippi River and discover its rich history, music scene and outstanding cuisine.
Local Culture and Flavor
A blend of French, African, Spanish and American cultures, New Orleans is a true American icon, considered by many to be its most unique city. A major port, it is renowned for its jazz, unique and diverse cuisine, festivals and celebrations.
Past and Present
In 1000 B.C., the Gulf South was inhabited by Native Americans and remained untouched until the late 17th century when it was discovered by fur trappers and traders. The French founded the colony La Nouvelle Orleans in 1718 but lost it to the Spanish in 1763 after the British won the Seven Years’ War and gave all the land west of the Mississippi to Spain. During the 39 years the Spanish owned it, it became a thriving port city. Afterwards, New Orleans returned to France until 1803, when Napoleon sold the entire Louisiana territory to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. Louisiana became a state in 1812, and shortly thereafter General Andrew Jackson won a victory against the British in the famous Battle of New Orleans. Suffering violence during the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era, New Orleans enjoyed economic and social progress through the 1900s. Today, this city of celebrations is considered an enduring testimony to the American spirit!
Discover New Orleans—one of the most beloved destinations in the world.
Teeming with history and architectural beauty, this authentic, charming city is the very definition of grace. Its many pleasures include unique dining and jazz, which evolved naturally from deep within its soulful heart.
Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of this extraordinary city:
Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
Named for the 3 bronze statues of Andrew Jackson located at its center, Jackson Square is surrounded by the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytere, state museums and apartments whose lowers floors are filled with shops and restaurants. It’s also home to an open-air artist colony, with art on display outside the iron fence. Watch the passersby from the Café due Monde in the French Market while you enjoy authentic coffee and beignets. While you’re there, visit the oldest cathedral in the United States and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. Its towering center spire is flanked by 2 smaller ones and creates an opening to the plaza, which has been depicted in paintings, photographs and films as the iconic symbol of New Orleans.
Streetcars
Four lines of street cars originate in downtown New Orleans and can take you through the French Quarter and many other places where you’ll discover fine old mansions and experience the moods of this quaint city.
French Market
Enjoy this most popular destination in New Orleans. A historic open-air market, the French Market features shops, live music and spectacular dining at food stands, restaurants and outdoor dining venues. Originating as a Native American trading post in 1791, it became a hub for French and Spanish colonists who opened it up to traders from around the world. Its structure was designed in the 19th century by Joseph Abeilard, one of America’s first African American architects.
River Boats
Take a boat down the Mississippi River for a special way of enjoying the lazy river and soaking in the ambiance of New Orleans.
Audubon Zoo
Featuring over 2,000 animals in their natural habits, this is one of the top zoos in the U.S. See the zoo’s famous white alligator along with jaguars, gorillas, giraffes and more.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
Kids enjoy hands-on fun in 30,000 square feet of imaginative, interactive displays. Offering a diverse set of activities, the Museum teaches through interactive play across many disciplines including reading, math and architecture.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
One of the country’s most celebrated aquariums, this extraordinary museum features 15,000 sea life creatures—nearly 600 species! See rare and endangered species along with sharks, jellyfish, penguins, otters and more. Visit the Aquarium’s Amazon rainforest exhibit for an up-close look at exotic birds and giant anaconda snakes.
Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium
Experience insects like you never have before. The largest group of animals on earth, these creatures are fun to encounter in this insectarium, with animation and immersion theater to help explain their mysterious ways.
The National WWII Museum
Explore WWI through personal stories, rare artifacts, writings, photos, film and more. Understand better why this world-changing war was fought and what lessons can be learned from it.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint
This museum celebrates jazz in its birthplace through performances, interactive exhibitions and educational programming.
Horse and Carriage Tours
Step back in time and see the city in a special way when you travel the streets in a horse-drawn carriage.
Preservation Hall
This renowned musical venue is located in the French Quarter. Rich in history, it’s dedicated to preserving New Orleans jazz as well as being the premier current-day venue for live jazz performances.
Restaurants
New Orleans boasts over 1,499 restaurants and is considered one of the finest cities in the world for culinary exploration.
Cruising The World
