New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Festivity carries in the air as much as the sounds of saxophones and trumpets in New Orleans. It is a constant celebration of the human spirit, from the ever-lively Mardi Gras and Carnival to the breathtaking and historic tombs draped in oak canopies and Spanish moss. It is a city going through a kind of rebirth after the destruction of Katrina, reconstructing whole neighbourhoods, but it has lost none of its charm, its spark, its magic, its people's inextinguishable joie-de-vivre, none of what makes it a unique city in the United States and in the world. Steeped in cultural references, first-time visitors will feel somehow familiar with the city, and never want to leave.

Population:

391,495

Currency:

$1 (USD) = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

General opening hours for shops are Monday through Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm.

Newspapers:

Times Picayune
The New Orleans Advocate
Gambit Weekly
New Orleans Tribune
The Louisiana Weekly

The City

History leaks from every corner, brick, and building in New Orleans. The Crescent City has undergone transformation upon transformation to become the hub of tourism and culture it is today.

With a history of Spanish and French dominance, European influence is still seen along most of the architecture in the French Quarter, from the courtyards to the multi-storied buildings. Historically, thousands of Americans, Germans, Sicilians, Irish and Haitians have made New Orleans their home, and this melting pot of cultural differences often reached boiling points. The Americans therefore settled in what is now known as the Central Business District, seeking reprieve from the tense proximity to the Creoles of the French Quarter. Interestingly, city medians are still referred to as "neutral grounds," referencing the Canal Street median that was used as a neutral business point for Americans and Creoles. It seems natural that "New Orleans" and "culture" are uttered in the same breath, as the city is awash with passion, verve, and history.

Nicknamed "The Big Easy" possibly to contrast life in New Orleans against that of the hustle and bustle of "The Big Apple," New Orleans has not strayed from its tranquil persona. The multitudes of parks, preserves, bayous, and waterways make New Orleans a natural, relaxing escape for both locals and visitors. Cozy cafés and restaurants are always ready to serve a friendly beignet and café au lait, and live jazz is always the theme of the night.

Events

Immerse yourself in Louisiana’s musical, culinary and cultural heritage at one of more than 400 festivals celebrating everything from crawfish to cotton and Blues to barbecue. Don’t miss the biggest festival of all, Mardi Gras, with its spectacle of parades, music and food events, held in nearly every community in the state.

Do & See

New Orleans has the uncanny ability to combine fun and excitement with its endless historical elements. Mardi Gras attracts millions of people each year, and the city's famed streets and districts will ll your itinerary. The sounds of jazz seem to follow you everywhere, and so do the welcoming, wide smiles of the New Orleanians.

Excursions

In Louisiana, you’ll find a lively and unforgettable melting pot of cultures and cuisines. People around the world are drawn to Louisiana to enjoy flavorful Cajun and Creole dishes and then dance the night away in the birthplace of American Jazz, Cajun and Zydeco music. With countless opportunities for fishing, biking, birding, paddling and golfing, Louisiana is the ultimate playground for all who love the outdoors.