New Orleans Travel Guide
New Orleans is a city that is Native-American, European, African, Caribbean and American. A city that was pummeled so fiercely by Hurricane Katrina in Aug. 2005 that a congressman said it should be bulldozed, as rebuilding it would be too costly.
In what was once a swamp infested by snakes at the mouth of the Mississippi, the city was held in turns by the French, Spanish, again the French but finally by the United States. It is the most colorful city in America and heavily influenced by black slave culture, reflected in its music, cuisine, and architecture.
The city is the Mecca for jazz and blues lovers and the tradition continues as strong as ever. The annual Mardi Gras doesn’t have a fixed date, it’s usually held between Feb 3 and March 9 depending on Ash Wednesday of the Christian calendar.
Frenchmen Street is where the authentic local action happens. This four block street is alive with music, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The drinks and eats are cheaper and it’s a trendier and hipper version of Bourbon Street. Nearby is the Palace Market which opens daily from 7 p.m. to 1 p.m. and sells homemade art and souvenirs.
The French Quarter is a Historic National Landmark and the soul of New Orleans. It was, as the name suggests, set up by the French in 1718 and the street names are still listed in French. Although very charming, the hotels here can be expensive. Bourbon Street is the Quarters main attraction and filled with street performers and noisy bars and can be intimidating for some. This area can be explored by a mule-drawn carriage or you could bus service that passes through. If you need a different perspective, take a Steamboat Natchez Cruise.
Garden District has located 5 km from the French Quarter and has the city’s most beautiful homes as well as gardens. New Orleans famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is also in the same neighborhood.
New Orleans Swamp Tours are unique to the city. Situated in the Mississippi Delta, the land is marshy and has a mix of salt and freshwater. Tour companies use air-boats or flat-bottomed boats and tourists can spot raccoons, alligators, turtles, snakes, bald eagles etc.
City Park is great if you have taken kids along. New Orleans is not really kidding friendly so City Park will be a welcome relief. The park is really huge and boasts of 26 tennis courts, 12 soccer fields, in addition to a small theme park and more than 2,000 varieties of plants spread over 1,300 acres.
One doesn’t have to wait for the Mardi Gras, almost every week there is some kind of celebration happening and tourists flock the year round. Book early and you will be able to avail of many discounts and offers. For your foreign exchange needs, visit www.BuyForex.com and experience the ease of buying forex at the most competitive rates. EbixCash World Money multi-currency forex card has pin/chip security and can be used at ATMs too. Buy travel insurance as well for your journey.
