The Big Easy is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States and is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. The vibrant Mardi Gras atmosphere of Bourbon Street and the city’s proximity to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico make New Orleans the ideal vacation spot for families, spring breakers, and single men and women alike. Despite devastation from Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans continues to be a spirited city filled with bars, clubs, restaurants, and tourist attractions that provide enjoyment for even the most discriminating traveler. Enjoy the sights and sounds as you delight in the party atmosphere, nibble on some of the freshest seafood in the country, and enjoy the many shops along Bourbon Street and New Orleans’ famed Riverwalk.

	Top rated hotels
	1. Terrell House Mansion 1441 Magazine St (CBD (Central Business District)) 4. Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans 300 Bourbon Street (CBD (Central Business District)) 2. Quality Inn & Suites 210 O'Keefe Avenue 5. Le Richelieu 1234 Chartres Street (Faubourg Marigny/Bywater) 3. Windsor Court Hotel 300 Gravier St. (CBD (Central Business District)) 6. Hotel Monteleone 214 Royal Street (CBD (Central Business District)) View more New Orleans hotel info »«

	Top rated attractions
	In New Orleans 1. Step into the Past at San Francisco Plantation About 40 minutes from downtown New Orleans, the San Francisco Plantation is an excellent example of older architectural styles and a great “off the beaten path” stop on your trip to Louisiana. The plantation was built in 1856 and has since been fully and authentically restored. Features of the original home included faux marble and faux grain wood. The plantation is now home to one of the largest and finest collections of antiques anywhere in the world. Since this home was built before the Civil War, many slaves worked on the property and a list of them can be found on the plantation’s Web site.  « hide 2. Sail the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez Cruise The Steamboat Natchez offers several cruises on the Mississippi River for interested New Orleans travelers. The dinner jazz cruise offers a buffet with freshly-prepared food and live jazz music. The harbor cruise is a 2-hour cruise through the French Quarter with an optional Creole lunch, Calliope music, and historical information about the sights on shore. You can also opt for the aquarium zoo cruise, which travels from the Aquarium of the Americas to the Audubon Zoo on a riverboat called the John James Audubon.  « hide 3. Get Up Close and Personal with Aquatic Life at the Aquarium of the Americas The Aquarium of the Americas is the ideal attraction for families with small children who can’t enjoy the rowdy crowds of Bourbon Street. The Aquarium has a number of exhibits including alligators, sea lions, and frogs. Children can get involved with educational programs and there is also an IMAX theater in the Aquarium where educational films can be enjoyed. The Aquarium also has a full gift shop for those who want to purchase souvenirs so they can always remember their trip.  « hide 4. Learn a Little Magic at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is not your everyday tourist attraction. In the past, New Orleans had quite a vibrant voodoo community and you can experience a little slice of their lives by visiting the Voodoo Museum. Filled with items from the voodoo culture, you may find talismans, paintings, and suspicious mixes for “fixing” your boss or getting a love interest to fall in love with you. You can find many unique souvenirs here, a far cry from the Mardi Gras beads and doubloons you find at almost every New Orleans gift shop.  « hide 5. Experience the Art & Music of Jackson Square Jackson Square isn’t exactly a hidden gem of New Orleans, but the things that take place around Jackson Square are often unexpected. You may encounter a woman on stilts, a man painted with silver body paint, or a henna tattoo artist all on the same side of the street. Cross over and you might find a painter and a jazz musician on the other side. Jackson Square is almost like an impromptu marketplace for tourists. When you’re done experiencing the sights and sounds of the square, you can head over to Café Dumond for a warm beignet, a New Orleans favorite.  « hide 6. Revel in the Debauchery of Bourbon Street New Orleans is home to one of the most famous streets in America – Bourbon Street. Home to the annual Mardi Gras parade, Bourbon Street has a party atmosphere 365 days a year. The street is filled with hotels, shops, bars, nightclubs, and great restaurants offering Cajun cuisine, fresh seafood, and juicy steak. During Mardi Gras and many other days of the year, people fill the balconies along the street and throw Mardi Gras beads at passers by. Bourbon Street is the perfect attraction for anyone who wants to take a walk on the wild side.  « hide 7. Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Riverwalk New Orleans is located on the Mississippi, which means you have many opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. Riverwalk is no exception. Located on the Mississippi River, Riverwalk is a collection of some of the best shops in New Orleans, along with restaurants and bars. You can spend an hour there, or spend the entire day buying souvenirs and other must-haves that you can’t get back home. Outside the Riverwalk Marketplace are gorgeous views of the Mississippi and a Spanish fountain that’s perfect for picture taking with travel companions.  « hide 8. Learn How Mardi Gras is Made at Mardi Gras World Mardi Gras is a fabulous celebration that includes many parades. A staple of these parades is the intricate floats that glide past spectators and offer the chance for float riders to throw candy and souvenirs to those lining the street. Mardi Gras World is where many of these floats are made. You can step into the actual shop and view floats in progress as well as finished floats that have been used in past parades. You’ll also get the history of Mardi Gras from your tour guides and may even get to take home some souvenir beads or doubloons – often thrown from the parade floats.  « hide View more New Orleans attractions » « View less New Orleans attractions

	Top rated restaurants
	1. Cajun Cabin Cajun Cabin, New Orleans, features authentic Cajun cuisine in an atmosphere that distinctly Cajun in flavor. When you’re not sampling the delicious food, you can try your hand at dancing to the live Cajun music that plays every night.  « hide 6. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, New Orleans, is a restaurant based on the shrimp business of the main character in the movie Forrest Gump. The menu includes fresh seafood prepared in a number of ways and steak for the land lubbers. There’s also a Gump Store where tourists can purchase kitschy souvenirs to take home.  « hide 2. Gumbo Shop Gumbo Shop, New Orleans, is a French Quarter restaurant serving up some of the best Cajun cuisine. It’s also a tourist spot where t-shirts and other souvenirs can be purchased so you’ll always remember your trip to New Orleans. You can also grab some Cajun recipes to try at home.  « hide 7. Morton’s Steakhouse Morton’s Steakhouse, New Orleans, is a widely-known steakhouse with an excellent reputation. Patrons can enjoy a steak cooked in a number of ways and munch on appetizers and side dishes. These moderately priced entrees are the perfect reward after a long day of sightseeing.  « hide 3. Olivier’s Creole Restaurant Olivier’s Creole Restaurant, New Orleans, is a family-owned creole restaurant where patrons can enjoy sumptuous creole food that’s prepared from recipes that have been in the family for generations. The moderate prices are an added bonus for eating at this restaurant.  « hide 8. Besh Steakhouse Besh Steakhouse, New Orleans, is a twist on the original steakhouse concept. Diners can enjoy traditionally prepared steaks or try something a little different. The restaurant’s chef also offers some more unusual choices and incorporates the flavor of New Orleans cuisine into many of the dishes. Grab a reservation if you can, because Besh can get pretty crowded.  « hide 4. Acme Oyster House Acme Oyster House, New Orleans, is a popular destination for anyone who enjoys fresh seafood. Raw oysters are one of the most popular orders and the restaurant also offers Po-Boys, the New Orleans version of a traditional sandwich. The raucous atmosphere and souvenirs make Acme Oyster House the ideal place for tourists to take a break.  « hide 9. Shula’s Steakhouse Shula’s Steakhouse, New Orleans, is in a group of restaurants owned by NFL football player and Coach Don Shula. The steaks are excellent in quality and the menu also includes appetizers, drinks, and side dishes. This is an ideal sport for sports enthusiasts to enjoy a great steak.  « hide 5. Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill, New Orleans, is a seafood restaurant offering some of the freshest seafood available, including fish, oysters, and shrimp. The more adventurous might want to try alligator sausage or sweet potato catfish for a flavorful treat. The restaurant’s décor is one of the highlights of visiting this restaurant.  « hide

	New Orleans Insider tips
	1. Beware of Pickpockets on Bourbon Street Bourbon Street is one of the most famous streets in the world, which means it’s crowded and busy. Pickpockets can make a living just grabbing wallets and loose bills from their victims, so don’t carry a lot of cash on you. You should also try to wear a bag that’s close to your body, like a zippered pouch, so pickpockets won’t have as much of an opportunity to grab your money.  « hide 2. Alcohol Safety New Orleans is known for its bars and nightclubs. Many visitors enjoy drinking the many unusual cocktails that are available at places like the Original Dungeon and Pat O’Brien’s. Exercise caution when drinking with people you don’t know. Never leave your drink unattended in a crowded bar and keep an eye out for anyone that looks suspicious or dangerous.  « hide 3. Avoid Alleys & Side Streets Many of New Orleans’ main thoroughfares are brightly lit and crowded with people. Stay away from side streets and back alleys that are dark and don’t have a lot of people using them. This way, you can avoid being pick pocketed, mugged, or even worse.  « hide

	New Orleans nightlife
	In New Orleans 1. Circle Bar The Circle Bar opened in 1999 and took over a popular New Orleans establishment known as the Fleur de Lee. The nightclub has the atmosphere of a house party and is often crowded with late night partiers. Drink specials are offered during happy hour and live music can be enjoyed by anyone who stops by.  « hide 2. House of Blues The House of Blues is a chain of live music venues dedicated to the jazz and blues music of the U.S. When you walk into the New Orleans location, you’ll be greeted with low lights and a sophisticated ambience with blues music being piped in with speakers. They have a full menu and also have live music featuring some popular blues, swing, and jazz bands.  « hide 3. Palm Court Jazz Café The Palm Court Jazz Café offers a combination of food and live music that is unmatched in many other New Orleans nightclubs. The menu includes New Orleans favorites like gumbo and seafood, along with soups and salads. There are live jazz festivals throughout the year, giving this nightclub a relaxed atmosphere.  « hide

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