Country
USA
Climate
Humid Subtropical
Population
390,845
Welcome to
New Orleans!
New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the "Big Easy," it's known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for raucous costumed parades and street parties.
Situated on a bend of the Mississippi River 100 miles from its mouth, New Orleans has been the chief city of Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico’s busiest northern port since the early 1700s. Founded by the French, ruled for 40 years by the Spanish and bought by the United States in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, New Orleans is known for its distinct Creole culture and vibrant history.
Experience the
Culture
Unquestionably one of the most distinctive cities of the New World, the peoples of New Orleans evolved a unique culture and society, while at the same time blending many heritages such as African American, French and North American. Its citizens of African descent provided a special contribution in making New Orleans the birthplace of jazz.
Every weekend, every weekday, night and day, there is something to do in New Orleans for anyone and everyone. Music plays a leading role in New Orleans. And while traditional jazz is revered here, New Orleans is tuned into all kinds of music expression. The calendar is dotted with music celebrations. New Orleans shares its passion for food and drink with a series of festivals where anyone can sample, sip or savor the city's best-tasting offerings throughout the year.
Enjoy
Delectable Cuisines
Gumbo
Gumbo is a thick stew served over rice and a wide variety of ingredients. With a heritage claiming both French and West African roots, the only thing more New Orleans than a dented pot of gumbo simmering on the back burner is arguing about the right way to make it.
Muffaletta
A muffaletta is a famous italian sandwich invented in New Orleans with cured meats (ham and salami), provolone cheese, olive dressing and great bread. It has become a quintessential must-try food when visiting New Orleans.
Beignets
Famous for being a doughnut without the hole, this popular sweet treat is one of the city’s most famous food staples that both locals and visitors savor all year long. The New Orleans beignet is great for breakfast, dessert or a midnight snack.
Attractions
Worth Traveling For
Classic Architecture
From historic homes and streetcar rides to above-ground cemeteries and world-class museums like the National World War II Museum, the opportunities for exploration in New Orleans are truly endless. Whether you're an art aficionado, a history buff, or just looking to experience the city's rich history and culture on a deeper level, you'll find a variety of attractions that are sure to pique your interest.
All Day Night Life
New Orleans likes to stay up late. The city that is the birthplace of jazz and cocktails and hosts Mardi Gras every year is no sleepy head. While music is the local language any time of the day or night, come sundown in New Orleans, opportunities to listen and dance to live music and catch cabaret shows are in every nook and cranny. The city comes alive at night, keeping a syncopated beat that is irresistible and is still going strong when the sun comes up.
Audubon Park & Audubon Zoo
Southwest of the Garden District in Uptown New Orleans is Audubon Park, established on the grounds of what had been the site of the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition of 1884. One of the highlights in the park is the Audubon Zoo. This is a fun escape from the busy city, with lush grounds and a good selection of domestic and exotic animals. Some of the most popular residents of the zoo are the giraffes, jaguars, leopards, orangutans, elephants, rhinos, lemurs, and alligators (including the rare white alligator) just to name a few.
