WHAT TO SEE IN NEW ORLEANS – GUIDE (ALMOST) COMPLETE – CIAO VALENTINA
What to see and where to go if you have a few days to visit New Orleans. City of Jazz, the French Quarter, Mississippi and much more.
My experience in New Orleans was a little unusual. Originally scheduled to stay for 5 nights with a fairly extensive to-do list, I had to almost immediately reconsider my plans because a hurricane was on its way. On the second morning I woke up with more than a meter of water in the hostel reception and on the third day, in the early afternoon, I had to reschedule my flight to “escape” from New Orleans. Such a pity!
Certainly, bad luck with the weather, but one thing I promised myself when I ran into the first available taxi that took me to the airport: “I have to come back here!”… and I always keep my promises!
Anyway, I want to list what I managed to see in just 2 days. But before you start listing things to see here, you need to understand the city, and to understand the city you must first know the history. To the question, “how does New Orleans be so lively, unique and different from the rest of America?“, We can expect a rather interesting answer
First of all, when we say New Orleans, we think of jazz music and the seemingly infinite history that characterises this city in the south of the United States, crossed by the great Mississippi and overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
I want to tell you the story of New Orleans that fascinates me a lot. I know Wikipedia can do it too but I will try to be more concise and maybe even make you dream a little!
So …
In 1718 the arrival of the French in New Orleans who gave it its name. Orléans is a city located on the Loire River in France. The French influenced the local cuisine and architecture.
In 1763 New Orleans came under the dominion of the Spaniards who then influenced the city with Spanish architecture and cuisine.
In 1800 the French took back New Orleans which was then sold to America in 1803.
in short, a real tennis game!!
During the nineteenth century the port of New Orleans became one of the most important, thanks to the African slave trade, which brought slaves in large numbers. Aside from the slaves, one of the most active black free communities in the country lived in New Orleans.
In 1862 many Italians, especially from Sicily, arrived in New Orleans for the great job opportunities that arose. Sicilians bring influences from Italian cuisine leading to economic and cultural growth. This however led to the creation of America’s first mafia gang.
The twentieth century saw New Orleans slowly lose its value and in 2005 New Orleans was brought to its knees by Hurricane Katrina.
So, do you understand why this city has such a unique charm? All these influences that have existed since the 1700s can be found by walking through these streets. So where to go to feel totally immersed in this city and in its past?
French Quarter
The French Quarter is the oldest and most central district of the city. A must for all tourists, even those who have visited New Orleans more than once.
Inside the French Quarter, the most famous street is Bourbon Street. Here you will find street artists day and night who will entertain you with their jazz music. There are typical restaurants, souvenir shops and iconic places where it is worth stopping.
Still inside the French Quarter, stop at Jackson Square in front of which you will find the Cafè du Mond, a pastry shop open 24 hours a day where coffee and bignè (a sort of cream puffs) are served.
If you have the chance, walk ALL the streets of the French Quarter, they are a wonder! With their typical buildings, covered balconies full of flowers and the iron columns that in my opinion make them truly unique.
Garden District
Here you will find the typical colonial houses, beautiful, large, characteristic buildings that we Italians usually only see in films. I don’t know how many photos I took but I’m still convinced that I haven’t taken enough! I recommend stopping in front of the Soria Creel House, Adam-Jones House and also in front of the Beyoncé house. So, you can really say that you have seen them all (or almost all!).
Also, in the Garden District you will find this mural with Greetings from Nola. You can find this mural between Magazine Street and Josephine Street. A photo is a must.
Mississippi
There are many cruises that set off on the day on this famous and impressive river. If you have time, consider it as an option. Ask for information at your hotel or in the many information offices.
Due to the crazy weather I did not had the opportunity to visit the famous New Orleans Plantations or the tragic story that they represent. Here the slaves of America lived and many tours take place every day. If you have an opportunity put this on the to-do list.
Other useful tips:
– Avoid the summer period from May to September. There is a humid heat that exhausts you.
– New Orleans is very expensive and every single thing tends to cost an arm and a leg, like organized tours. So, I advise you to decide in advance what to do and what to leave out if you don’t want to spend a full salary.
– Check the areas to avoid through the reception of your hotel or hostel. Unfortunately, there is a lot of crime and you don’t want to find yourself alone in the “avoid” areas.
If it wasn’t understood, I fell in love with this city, it was a kind of Love at First Sight. I still remember: I arrived at the airport and got on a bus that took me not far from the French Quarter. I got off the bus, I felt the warm air and humidity, the lights, the jazz music in the distance and those vibes that are inimitable and I thought: “I want to move here!”.
In short, for me New Orleans was the icing on the cake of my one-month trip to America.
Also watch the video on my YouTube channel:
Read also other articles of interest such as: 1 DAY IN PHILADELPHIA – 11 ATTRACTIONS NOT TO BE MISSED
Read also SUSTAINABLE GUIDE TO THE CITY OF ANGELS: LOS ANGELES IN 3 DAYS
Read also SCAMS IN PARIS: GET TO KNOW HOW TO AVOID THEM.
And remember: Live, Travel, Laugh and Repeat
in a responsible way
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