6 things you MUST see in New Orleans

Where to stay in New Orleans:

Hotel Dauphine

How to get from the airport to city centre:

Uber/Lift 40-50$

Known as "The Crescent City, The Big Easy or NOLA". Upon arrival you will realize that this city has a mix of Spanish, French, African, Caribbean, Irish and Italian influences.

You can find a completely different food when you compare it to other states in the USA (Cajun cuisine), but you can also find French or Italian dishes. This city is also the origin of one of the most famous musical genres in history: jazz, which can still be heard throughout the streets.

A special city that combines music, unique architecture, delicious cuisine and rituals that come from ancient times such as voodoo.

Located in the state of Louisiana, where the Mississippi River flows into the city. The city was hit by nature in 2005 with Hurricane Katrina, which flooded and destroyed a large part of the city.

Despite all the suffering, when you visit this city you will find wonderful and unique places.

What to do in New Orleans:

1. French quarter:

In 1718 Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded New Orleans, and this street grew around the old square. In this square stands today the oldest and most emblematic neighborhood of New Orleans: the French Quarter.

Considered the heart of NOLA, delimited by the Mississippi River, Canal Street and Esplanade Avenue, it is one of the most touristic places, with numerous hotels, bars and nightclubs.

However, what really stands out is the colonial architectural style: double-story houses with long balconies and hidden patios. Many of these houses were built in the late 18th century, during the period of Spanish domain.

My favorite street is Royal Street with elegant antique stores and art galleries.

*Also the place to experience Mardi Gras in all its glory!

2. Jackson Square

Formerly known as "Plaza de Armas", it was designed as a military parade ground. In the middle of the square the statue of Andrew Jackson - president of the United States from 1829 to 1837 - on a horse dominating the square.

Next to the square is the St. Louis Cathedral. The church was renovated in 1850 and enlarged by installing 3 neo-Gothic spires.

Just in front of the square there's a famous café called " Café du Monde". Everybody says it's a must if you come to New Orleans and try the "beignets", but we went to "Café Beignet" and they were delicious, plus you didn't have to wait in line for 20 mins.

Close to Jackson Square you'll find the French Market. Large five-block market with stores, restaurants, music venues, food stands and various craft stands. If you are looking for an original souvenir then this stop is a must.

What to eat?: Muffuleta in Alberto´s Bistro

3. Bourbon Street

Known as the street that never sleeps, Bourbon Street is the busiest street in the French Quarter. Bourbon is a street where everything is mixed: decadence, curious characters, fun and an avalanche of tourists that circulate it day and night.

You can find many restaurants either upscale or more affordable such as Oceana (highly recommended). Where you will be able to taste the most famous dishes such as gumba or po-boys. In the streets you will find numerous drinking establishments, as it is one of the few cities that is allowed to drink in the street.

On Mardi Gras days you will find different parades of carriages with a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Interesting facts:

Bar Lafitte's Blacksmith shop: a tavern located on the corner of Bourbon Street and St Philip Street and is one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans.
Napoleon's House: bar and restaurant; former home of Mayor Nicholas Girod (Gumbo, Jambalaya and Po-boys).

In this district you can also find the Musical Legends Park which boasts numerous iron sculptures of the most famous representatives of jazz.

4. Canal Street

Besides the French Quarter, New Orleans has other areas worth visiting. One of the most famous streets is Canal St, which has a tramline that runs up and down the street. If you have the opportunity, I would recommend to ride one of the trams.

5. Cruise the Mississippi River

Highly recommended experience as it allows you to see New Orleans from another perspective. I recommend going during the day, because at night you can' t appreciate it as much.

We went at night and the trip took 2 hours. It is a cruise on the Natchez with a jazz orchestra. You also have the option to have dinner before the cruise starts.

6. Go to a Jazz Bar

New Orleans is the birthplace of one of the most famous musical genres in the world: jazz. It is a music born of a cross-cultural mix in which the influence of African-Americans predominates. Louis Armstrong: icon of the city (he has a park named after him).

Today the city offers a wide variety of musical offerings. There are many places where you can listen to these genres and even in the streets it is very common to hear it.

My favorite: Bamboula's -> Located in Frenchman Street: highly recommend this area as it's far from the chaotic bourbon street. This area is known to be less frequented for tourists.