From its sweet sounds of jazz to its colorful street characters, New Orleans offers visitors a party atmosphere all year long.
With so many beautiful hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and rental houses available, you won't have any problem finding a great place to stay. Once you have settled in, you can begin planning your days and nights. Don't worry. You'll have plenty to see and do!
One of the cheapest forms of entertainment in New Orleans is to just stroll along its streets or take a seat and people watch. You never know what you might find when you turn the corner. Street entertainment ranges from musicians to human statues, painted all in silver or gold.
Jackson Square, located in the heart of the French Quarter, is home to a vast array of fortune tellers. Some use tarot cards, while others will gladly read your palm. Street artists display an amazing selection of art for sale. You can watch them as they work. The French Market is an eclectic flea market. Here you can purchase fresh vegetables, Cajun spices, dried alligator heads, voodoo dolls, unusual wind chimes, beautiful jewelry, and more. Surrounding the French Market are several wonderful restaurants and gift shops.
Don't forget to stop in to the famous Café Du Monde for café au lait and beignets. You can rest your weary feet as you sit outside listening to the soft sounds of the blues while you check out the many colorful characters that wander around the town.
Don't limit yourself to the streets that surround Jackson Square, however. You can venture over to Royal and see extraordinary antique furniture, paintings, and other household accessories. Be sure and wander into the many art and photo galleries.
Of course New Orleans's Bourbon Street is famous for its many clubs. Be prepared. You are stepping into a different world when you walk this street. Ropes of beads and wonderful jazz bands are standard any night of the week. You can also try your hand at a little singing at one of the many karaoke bars.
If you like to play the slots or sit at a blackjack table, Harrah's Casino is the perfect place for you. It is also conveniently located near the downtown area. Close by is the Aquarium of the Americas. It is known as one of the most modern aquariums of the world.
Once you've experienced the French Quarter and all that it has to offer, it is time to take a ride on one of New Orleans' famous street cars. Travel along St. Charles to the Garden District. Here you will see homes painted in a variety of lovely pastel colors. These private homes boast beautifully manicured lawns, inviting columned porches, and elegant balconies. You can also take a self-guided walking tour.
Speaking of tours, there are several cemetery tours available. If you don't sign up for one of these tours, you really need to visit at least one of New Orleans' historic cemeteries and see the acres of imposing tombs. Stick close to your sweetie because you don't want to get lost here!
You can venture a short distance away from New Orleans and take a swamp tour. These guided boat tours take you into the Honey Island Swamp or the Atchafalaya Swamp where you'll usually see native nutria and plenty of alligators. You'll need to keep your hands in the boat but have your camera ready!
New Orleans offers so many activities and attractions for visitors to see and do. Known as the City of the Dead, you can experience all of this southern city's peculiarity and charm while having the time of your life.
