If you’re anything like me you’ve seen the shows featuring New Orleans and you’re dying to visit and see if for yourself. A city rich in culture from its delicious food to decadent night life, it has it all. Though it’s not just the beignets you should discover (though definitely do, they’re delicious), there’s a whole array of fascinating points of interest you should check out to learn something new about the Mardi Gras capital of the US.
Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Bourbon Street isn’t named after the drink
Contrary to popular belief, the famous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter isn’t named after the liquor despite the cities party reputation. It got its name back in 1718 when the cities founder – Frenchman Jean Baptiste Le Moyne’s engineer, Adrien de Pauger, named Bourbon Street after the French Royal family who was ruling at the time, the House of Bourbon.
Delphine LaLaurie's Royal Street Estate
The most haunted city in America
There’s no lack of mysterious and supernatural legends walking the streets of New Orleans. The popular American Horror Story show directed by Ryan Murphy loosely delved in to the horror surrounding the tale of Delphine LaLaurie at her Royal Street estate, but there’s a whole history of restless souls, ghouls and spooks throughout the area. Will you be brave enough to explore?
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
The home of Voodoo in the US
A world of famous priestesses, mysteries and zombies, the often misrepresented world of voodoo has long been associated with New Orleans. The roots are found in West African Vodun, an age-old religion in Benin, Ghana and Nigeria carried over to the US by slaves brough to the south. If you’re interested in anthropology and understanding more of the local religious practices, there’s plenty of tours available to satisfy your curiosity of the surprising to some, wholesome practice of Voodoo.
Marigny Opera House
The first city in the United States to host Opera
Nowadays New Orleans is known for its jazz and blues scene, but back in the day (I’m talking about waaaaay back in the day) the Crescent City became the first place in the US to document an opera performance. In 1796, locals were treated to a performance of ‘Sylvain’ and it wasn’t long before it was known as the Opera Capital of North America.
New Orleans Mardi Gras
Let the good times roll
Lastly, New Orleans’ motto is ‘laissez les bon temps rouler’ loosely translated in English as ‘let the good times roll’ which is certainly fitting for the lively, vibrant and carefree nature you’re sure to experience on your visit.
I could go on about all the wonders of New Orleans, but it truly is a place you need to experience yourself. If you’re looking for your adventure, view all trips to New Orleans here.
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FAQs
New Orleans has a warm, humid climate, so pack light, airy clothes that you won't mind getting a little sweaty in. Also, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking in the French Quarter. And don't forget to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun!
What are 5 interesting facts about New Orleans? ›
7 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About New Orleans
- New Orleans was the first city in the United States to host Opera. ...
- NOLA is home to the most historic districts of any U.S. city. ...
- The longest continuous bridge in the world is located here. ...
- The St. ...
- A pirate helped defend New Orleans during the War of 1812.
New Orleans has a warm, humid climate, so pack light, airy clothes that you won't mind getting a little sweaty in. Also, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking in the French Quarter. And don't forget to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun!
What are 10 interesting facts about Louisiana? ›
- Origin of Name: Louisiana was named by Robert de LaSalle, an early French explorer, for Louis XIV, King of France.
- State Nickname: The Pelican State and Sportsman's Paradise. ...
- State Colors: Gold, White and Blue. ...
- State Boat: Pirogue. ...
- State Cuisine: Gumbo. ...
- State Musical Instrument: Diatonic Accordion (commonly known as.
Because of that isolation, the city was a hotbed of cultural innovation, distinctive developments including jazz, Creole cuisine, gospel music, jazz funerals and a sassy stew of cultures that are uniquely its own.
What is a fact about Orleans? ›
The first city in the United States to host Opera
Nowadays New Orleans is known for its jazz and blues scene, but back in the day (I'm talking about waaaaay back in the day) the Crescent City became the first place in the US to document an opera performance.
How old is New Orleans in years? ›
The history of New Orleans, Louisiana traces the city's development from its founding by the French in 1718 through its period of Spanish control, then briefly back to French rule before being acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
What is the #1 attraction in New Orleans? ›
Whether you're a life-long local or you're in town for your first visit to The Big Easy, there are plenty of things to explore for every taste and preference. French Quarter Phantoms has been voted Voted #1 in New Orleans & America's Top Ten for over 8 years in a row, so we know a thing or two about our city!
Is 3 full days in New Orleans enough? ›
While you might miss a few things, you can absolutely see all or most of New Orleans' greatest hits in three days. Our New Orleans 3-day itinerary will show you how it's done. Or, you can always chat with a New Orleans trip planner — aka Fora Advisor — to create a personalized itinerary.
Is New Orleans cheap to visit? ›
It's possible to spend a ton of money in New Orleans if you stay in an upscale (and probably haunted) hotel, eat exclusively at pricey restaurants, and only use rideshare. However, it's totally possible to have fun, eat well and see all the quintessential New Orleans sites, even if you're on a budget.
State Seal
- 1 Louisiana is the only state in the country with "parishes" instead of counties.
- 2 Louisiana is named after King Louis XIV of France.
- 3 Mardi Gras, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a world famous event. ...
- 4 Louisiana is home to a large population of Cajuns.
The city has a wide array of nicknames, ranging from more popular variants like The Big Easy and Crescent City to some you may have only heard once, like The Paris of the South and Crawfish Town. From something well-known to the most obscure, each and every one of New Orleans's nicknames has its own unique origins.
What is New Orleans best known for? ›
New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street.
What is New Orleans named after? ›
New Orleans was founded in 1718 as Nouvelle-Orléans by the French explorer Bienville. He named the city in honor of another French official, then Prince Regent of France Philip II, Duke of Orleans.
What dessert is famous in New Orleans? ›
Beignets. Louisiana is so proud of this sweet pastry that in 1986 the legislature voted the beignet the official state donut.
Why is New Orleans so French? ›
In 1682, the French laid claim to a huge chunk of North America and named it 'La Louisaine' in honor of the Duke of Orléans, who ruled France until the young Louis XV could ascend to power. Nearly two decades later, the French founded New Orleans for its prime position on the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.
