In terms of ambience, New Orleans is undeniably one of the most distinctive cities in America. It’s a melting pot of cultures. And New Orleans is famous for its jazz music, Cajun food, and outrageous Mardi Gras celebrations. Among plenty of other things. New Orleans is a multifaceted city with cultural diversity, from its music and food to its architecture and language. Do you need any more reasons to visit New Orleans? Well, we’ve got some.

From the French Quarter, aptly known as the crown jewel of New Orleans, to the Mississippi river and online slots games or table games in a riverboat casino, New Orleans has whatever you might be looking for.

Photo, Morgan Petroski.

French Quarter

New Orleans’ French Quarter is the city’s most popular attraction for tourists. The distinctive Creole/French Colonial architecture is the main draw along a bend in the Mississippi River. Still, the area is also an excellent place for authentic dining and world-class entertainment and accommodation.

Bourbon Street

A highlight of the area is indeed, Bourbon Street. It’s the most famous street in the French Quarter. While relatively tranquil by day, this street also transforms into a vibrant pedestrian destination after dark.

Frenchmen Street

Visit Frenchmen Street to hear some excellent jazz music played by some of the best musicians New Orleans has to offer. Frenchmen street is also the home of numerous restaurants that embody the Creole spirit. And the area is also a hot spot for many artists.

Photo, Morgan Petroski.

Jackson Square

Jackson Square, originally known as Place d’Armes, is undeniably the heart of the French Quarter. There is an equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson in the middle of the square, surrounded by trees and greenery. It was commissioned in 1856.

The white façade and cone-shaped spires of the St. Louis Cathedral dominate one end of the square. The Louisiana State Museums, Presbytere, and Cabildo are also located near the cathedral. With the Millhouse, the Moon Walk, the Riverboat Docks, and a variety of stores, the whole area is very attractively laid out along the banks of the Mississippi.

Preservation Hall

Known for jazz music, Preservation Hall is a humble old building in New Orleans. This venue is unquestionably embedded in New Orleans history still features traditional jazz by local artists. Seating is limited in the small building, which gives the event space an intimate feel. You can see what is happening in the evening if you walk past the door during the afternoon, as opening hours and events are listed every day.

Photo, Mary Hammel.

Garden District

In some ways, the Garden District is a stereotypical image of the Deep South that foreigners have. There’s plenty of stately mansions in the classic French Colonial style. The area is indeed prosperous, and boasts lovely trees and lush gardens.

Several companies offer guided tours of the area, which are great for learning about the history and seeing the sights. There are several 19th-century mansions with extensive grounds along First Street, Camp Street, and Prytania Street.

The Garden District is also home to several notable celebrities. Although there are many restaurants and boutiques here, it’s a bit harder to find lunch than expected because of the spread-out layout of the establishments.

Photo, Sebastien.

Downtown New Orleans

Audubon Park

There is an urban park south of the Garden District, known as Audubon Park. The park serves as the site of the World’s Industrial & Cotton Centennial Exposition of 1884. Even though it is a fair distance from the French Quarter, it is one of the top reasons to visit New Orleans, as it provides an opportunity to enjoy a different facet of the city.

The Audubon Zoo is also one of the highlights of the park. There is a good selection of exotic and domestic animals at this fun escape from the hum of the city. In addition to many other animals. You can expect jaguars, giraffes, leopards, elephants, orangutans, lemurs, rhinoceros. Also local favourites: alligators, including the exotic white alligator.

The Swamp Train runs through the sea lion exhibit, the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit, and the Reptile Encounter area in the zoo. Ticket prices are reasonable, and tickets are valid all day. The complete ride takes about 30 minutes. Also, a splash park known as the Cool Zoo is available so you can cool off during the hot Louisiana summers.

Photo, Renate Helgerud.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

At the foot of the French Quarter, this aquarium specialises in species found in North, South, and Central America in downtown New Orleans. More than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species can be found at the museum.

In the north, visitors can see freshwater fish of the Mississippi River and marine life from the Gulf of Mexico, revealing creatures that lurk beneath the surface of the water bodies native to the Americas. Furthermore, a 30-foot long tunnel leads to the Great Maya Reef, a submerged city designed to look like ruins. Fish can be seen swimming in between the ruins.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana is an incredible state, the most breathtaking city in the State has to be New Orleans, also boasting deep rich Creole and French Colonial History. There are so many reasons to visit New Orleans. The lively hustle, bustle, and undeniably exciting Mardi Gras festivities of Bourbon Street, or the quiet tranquillity of Audubon Park. New Orleans is possibly one of the prettiest cities in the world.