Explore new orleans
About New Orleans
New Orleans is unlike any other city in the world. The dynamic city is steeped in history, tradition, and culture. It was founded in 1718 by French colonists, thus making it a French territory. In 1803 New Orleans became part of the United States in the Louisiana Purchase and one of the oldest cities in the country. The city is best known for its lively legendary Jazz and soul-filled Blues music, festivals, Mardi Gras, mouth-watering creole and cajun food, unique dialects, cultural arts, and European-style architecture. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, exploring New Orleans Hidden Gems unveils the lesser-known but equally captivating aspects of this historic and culturally rich destination.
Established as a port city due to it being entirely surrounded by water, New Orleans successfully accommodated the waves of immigrants that flooded its banks. The immigrant heritage of the Italians, French, African Americans, Spanish, Irish, and Germans adds color and dimension to this vibrant city.
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Best Time To visit
The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May, when the weather is comfortably cool and the festivities of Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival are in full swing. If carnival and musical celebrations aren’t your thing, plan to visit in late fall between October and November. You can look forward to great weather, decent-sized crowds, and plenty of sightseeing opportunities. December is also another great time of year to visit New Orleans. The city is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, and you will find the city bustling with plenty of celebrations throughout the metro. So come on down to New Orleans y’all!
What to expect
New Orleans is located on the southeastern side of the state of Louisiana. Due to its placement in the South, you can expect the city’s people to be welcoming, warm and hospitable. The city’s soul is dispersed across its many diverse neighborhoods. The French Quarter, known as the Vieux Carre, Uptown, Garden District, Treme, Arts/Warehouse District, Marigny, Bywater, Downtown, Mid-City, Algiers, Esplanade, and Lakeview are the areas that envelope the vibe of New Orleans. Visitors to this spirited city can expect the party to never stop. There can be some rowdy crowds in areas like Bourbon Street, which isn’t very exciting, specifically for the health-conscious traveler.
But, besides the occasional party-goers and some disorderly conduct, there is always a reason to celebrate around every corner: birthdays, weddings, festivals, Sunday brunch, and yes, funerals with Jazz second-line parades. There are also no laws for open containers. So grab a glass of wine and feel free to shop and stroll amongst the city or hop on board a Royal Carriage Ride tour through the French Quarter. For a relaxing afternoon, take a walk along the Mississippi river bank or satisfy your soul with a day or evening Jazz riverboat cruise on the Steamboat Natchez. Live music can be heard almost anywhere in the city by way of street performers or venues, especially on Frenchman Street, which is home to a large stretch of local musical spots. A city that marches to the beat of its own drum, New Orleans is a thriving city that celebrates diversity in culture, music, the arts, and food.
Things to know
California is in the PDT time zone, along with the states of Oregon and Washington. Over 28% of the population speaks Spanish, especially in southern cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. After all, California borders Mexico at its southern end and is an excellent jumping-off point for those who wish to experience the Baja Peninsula.
Most visitors will want to plan at least a week for a trip to California and even longer if they want to visit multiple regions of the state and the national parks. The best area for first-time visitors to California to . . . .
Visitors to California will be pleased with the abundance of organic food options and endless vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Malibu is a great place to find an organic meal, with eateries like Malibu Farms offering vegan ceviche and lobster mac and cheese. Also, be sure to try Mexican and Asian cuisine, as some of the best are found in the Golden State. From dim sum to traditional mole, your tastebuds will thank you.
how to get around
Getting around New Orleans is easy. Depending on where you are staying, the city is quite walkable, especially if you have accommodations in the French Quarter, the Warehouse/Arts District, Downtown, or Uptown. If you’d rather cruise by bike, there are blue bike rentals throughout the city. Just download the app and register. It’s simple and convenient. One of our favorite ways to enjoy exploring the city is by streetcar. No trip to New Orleans is complete without riding the iconic brown and green carts down Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue. Another mode of transportation is rideshare options. Uber and Lyft are also readily available throughout the city for your convenience.
Where to stay
315 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Eliza Jane is a boutique 4-star hotel positioned perfectly between the French Quarter, Central Business District, and Arts District. Once a printing house and bitters factory, it is now a place where . . .
- Hotel
600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
A stone’s throw from the French Quarter, in the soul of the Deep South, lies the Ace Hotel. This 4-star hotel was once home to the legendary Maison Blanche Building (or White House in french), a famous department . . .
store in New Orleans. The hotel boasts effortless, intentional spaces in French Deco decadence with king beds, outdoor terraces, and more.
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Virgin Hotel
550 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70113
The Virgin Hotel is a boutique hotel located in Downtown New Orleans. It is only a stone’s throw from Cesar’s Superdome, The Smoothie King Center, and the French Quarter. The 4-star property is . . .
- Hotel