New Orleans, United States Travel Guide: Exploring the Crescent City

New Orleans is known as the Crescent City for good reason - it sits along a curve in the Mississippi River that resembles a crescent moon. This culturally rich city continues to fascinate and charm visitors with its unique blend of European, Caribbean, Latin American, and African influences. Let's take a fun and funky tour of "NOLA" to uncover its many charms.

Getting to New Orleans

New Orleans is well connected by air, with the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) receiving domestic and international flights. Major carriers like American, United, Delta, and Southwest fly into MSY. Driving is another popular option, taking around 8-10 hours from major East Coast cities like Atlanta, Nashville, or Birmingham. For a memorable trip, consider taking an overnight riverboat cruise from Memphis or coastal cities. Amtrak also operates rail service into the city's Union Passenger Terminal.

Once in New Orleans, get around by streetcar, bike, rideshare, taxi, or on foot. The streetcar lines are a particularly scenic and affordable way to sightsee. Be sure to check out the historic St. Charles streetcar for panoramic city views. For multi-city trips within Louisiana, BitBook offers competitive rates on rental cars, which provides flexibility to explore beyond the city limits.

Top New Orleans Neighborhoods

The famous French Quarter is any visitor's must-see with its architectural treasures, lively music venues, boutique shops, and café culture. Stay in the heart of it all at hotels like Hotel Monteleone or the Royal Sonesta New Orleans.

The Garden District boasts some of the most beautiful antebellum mansions in the South. Wander its tree-lined streets and admire the Italianate, Greek Revival, and Colonial Revival architecture. Nearby lively locales include Magazine Street, with indie shops and eats, and Audubon Park for leisurely walks.

Uptown along St. Charles Avenue showcases Tulane and Loyola University campuses. This vibrant student area has cafés, live music joints, and sidewalk patios perfect for people watching. The nearby Warehouse District and CBD zone are hubs for art galleries, upscale boutiques, and power lunches.

The Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods east of the French Quarter offer a grittier charm with hipsters, artists, and locals. This is where you'll find intimate live music dives, cozy coffeehouses, and colorful street art. Wimberly's, Cafe Negril and Dat Dog are top eats here.

Top Things To Do in New Orleans

Experience world-class live jazz, zydeco, blues, and roots music every night of the week at Frenchmen Street. Catch national acts at the legendary Tipitina's or catch local favorites at d.b.a or The Spotted Cat Music Club.

Take an entertaining walking or trolley tour through the French Quarter to learn about the city's colorful past and architectural treasures like St. Louis Cathedral. Free tours often pass through Jackson Square with its impressive art scene.

Check out Mardi Gras World to see where those fanciful floats are crafted year-round. Nearby, visit Louisiana Children's Museum for interactive family fun or Louisiana State Museum exhibits on the state's cultural heritage.

Experience voodoo and mysticism on a guided Garden District walk or swamp tour. Hear colorful tales of ghosts, witches, and hoodoo practices still practiced today. You may even spot a spirit or two!

Enjoy delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine everywhere you turn in New Orleans. Get your fill of po'boys, gumbo, étouffée, beignets, and hand grenades from Café du Monde. Try fancy fare at Restaurant August or Emeril's.

Experience the outdoors along the Lafitte Greenway bike path or at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park searching for alligators in the swamps. Kayak through Manchac or enjoy the scenic levee-top drive on West Road.

New Orleans Festivals

Mardi Gras (February or early March) is arguably the world's greatest free party. Marvel at elaborate floats, masquerade balls, live music, and people in wild costumes catching beads. Book rooms months in advance.

French Quarter Festival (April) spans four days of local cuisine, live jazz and brass bands on various outdoor stages throughout the historic district.

Jazz Fest (April-May) is a world-class two weekend music extravaganza with A-list talent on multiple stages in New Orleans' City Park. Hear everything from Afro-Cuban to zydeco styles.

Essence Festival (July) celebrates black culture, entertainment and empowerment with top R&B and hip hop acts over the July 4th holiday weekend. The energy is electric.

Voodoo Music Experience (October-November) draws crowds for its diverse lineup of rock, indie and alternative artists in City Park's beautiful grounds. Spooky fall vibes abound.

Tips for Visiting New Orleans

Most attractions and restaurants are open year-round. Spring and fall offer mild weather, while summer is hot and humid. Winter days are mild but evenings cool.

Many attractions, tours and transit options operate on a walking basis. Comfortable shoes are a must. Layers are also handy as temperatures fluctuate between indoors and out.

Don't be afraid to chat with locals - New Orleanians love sharing their city with visitors. But also respect locals' private spaces off the tourist track.

Budget flexible time to wander without rushing. Serendipitous music or impromptu parades are part of the magic. Move at the easygoing "Nawlins" pace.

While fun, Bourbon and Frenchmen streets are tourist traps after dark. Venture to BYWATER, Central City or the Seventh Ward for more local essence.

New Orleans holds something different around every corner. Get lost in her sounds, scents, and soul to uncover a side of the American experience like no other. With this guide, your visit will surely be one to remember.