Written by Daryna Logvinova
New Orleans is home to jazz and lush jazz culture. This city is unlike any other in North America. It still retains an atmosphere of wealth and idleness, which is diluted and complemented by French grace, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese cultures. In this article, we take a look at the New Orleans attractions that every tourist should visit.
French Quarter
The French Quarter of New Orleans is thus the most attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. It was built up along the bend of the Mississippi River. The French Quarter is New Orleans’ premier historic landmark, thanks to its well-preserved colonial architecture. Some of the older buildings date back to the 17th century. They show French influence in architecture across the American continent, with arcades, wrought-iron balconies, red-tiled roofs, and picturesque courtyards. Currently, there are hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries here.
National WWII Museum
The National Museum of World War II is an outstanding military history museum. This museum is notable for the fact that it tells the history of the Second World War in an interesting interactive way. The museum was founded in 2000. It has been designated by the US Congress as America’s official WWII-themed museum. By the way, the national museum is divided into three sections. The first section is devoted to the war in the Pacific Ocean, the second is devoted to the war in the European theater of operations, and the third section is devoted to wartime aircraft. The museum is located in New Orleans’ CBD on Andrew Higgins Drive.
Preservation Hall
The Conservation Hall is a gem on a sightseeing tour of New Orleans. It is also one of the city’s most atmospheric attractions. In this seemingly unpresentable building, a real miracle was happening, which resulted in magnificent music – jazz. The birthplace of this genre is New Orleans. If you are a lover of music, let alone jazz, then this place is a must-see.
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a historic park. It is located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. In the center of the square, surrounded by trees and greenery, stands the equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson. This statue was placed on a pedestal in 1856. The park is dominated by the beautiful Saint-Louis Cathedral, with a white façade and tapered spiers. Louisiana State Museums are also in close proximity to the Cathedral.
Сabildo new orleans
The Cabildo is the City Hall of New Orleans. The Town Hall is located to the left of St. Louis Cathedral, in front of Jackson Square. It was built in 1795 as the residence of the Spanish governor. Remarkable as a historic building for the museum and its outstanding collection. The first city council met here in 1799, later it housed the Louisiana Supreme Court. However, today the Cabildo houses the Louisiana State Museum. The museum’s collection is mainly dedicated to the history of New Orleans and Louisiana. The town hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
City Park
New Orleans City Park covers over 1,300 hectares. Moreover, it contains many interesting tourist attractions. For example, the Botanical Gardens, New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Gardens. Of particular interest for children is the Carousel Park, the amusement garden, the story-land, and the water park. There are also tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course in the park. At the same time, the highlight of the park is an oak grove in which some trees are more than 800 years old.
Steamboat Natchez
A truly interesting experience can be a paddle steamer cruise – Natche. It was these paddle steamers that sailed the Mississippi in the 17th and 18th centuries. A steamboat cruise is a great way to experience the Mississippi River. Here you have a unique opportunity to look at New Orleans from a different angle, and for photographers, the opportunity to capture a panoramic view of the city. The river cruise takes two hours, during which there will be a live jazz band and buffet at all times.
Mardi Gras
New Orleans is famous all over the world for its lavish celebration – Mardi Gras. The carnival attracts people from all over the world who come here to enjoy the festivities. Moreover, during the excursion, you can go behind the scenes of this holiday and see how world-famous dolls are made. Visit the hangars of Blaine Kern Studios, one of the world’s leading big doll makers and an active participant in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade every year. Visitors will be able to see sculptural props, huge dolls, extravagant costumes, and all kinds of figures.
New Orleans Museum of Art
In the southern part of the City Park is the building of the New Orleans Museum of Art. This museum is one of the best of its kind in the south. It has an excellent collection of French and American art, as well as a pretty decent African and Japanese one. The permanent exhibition of the museum presents over 40,000 objects, from the Italian Renaissance to the modern era.
Above all, the museum is renowned for its collection of European and American works. For example, the works of Degas, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Pissarro, Rodin, Gauguin, Braque, Dufy, Miró, Jackson Pollock, Mary Cassatt, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of French art, including several important works by the French impressionist Edgar Degas, who lived with his mother’s family in New Orleans between 1871 and 1872.
Aquarium of the Americas
First of all, this place will be interesting for both children and adults. Along the waterfront in the city center, a short walk from the French Quarter is one of the largest aquariums in North America – the Aquarium of the Americas. Here you can see biological species that live in North, Central, and South America.
