I
ts nigh on impossible to think of New Orleans and not think of Mardi Gras. And while Fat Tuesday in the Big Easy is reason enough to visit, this is a city that seems to celebrate every week of the year. You will never be at a loss for things to do, places to see, tasty treats to eat & drink and some of the world’s most interesting, resilient and welcoming residents.
Have a local drink and food
The best place to start in New Orleans (given the type of heat that can hit this place) is with a refreshing drink and what better tipple than the Sazerac – a home-grown variation on a cognac cocktail spiked with a bit of Absinthe to set the southern mood.
Follow with a stop at (let’s be honest) just about any restaurant or hole-in-the-wall selling food. The cuisine here is incomparable and you’ll be hard pressed to have a bad experience. Go one step further and go on your very own craw-fishing expedition and serve yourself!
Enjoy nature
Next up, head to the birthplace of Jazz in the Tremé and join in a second line (BYO handkerchiefs & umbrellas) or check out the Lafitte Greenway which connects the Tremé to City Park. With sculpture and botanical gardens, the New Orleans Museum of Art and a kid’s amusement park, this pretty green space will keep you occupied for hours.
The French Quarter
No New Orleans experience is complete without a trip to the French Quarter and Royal Street is the perfect place to start. Day or night, this area is a hive of activity. Stroll past the ornate balconies, soak in the culture and don’t forget to stop for a drink and a bite (several times!) along the way!
If you’re not already tired out, don’t forget to check out the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, the Garden District, Bayou St. John or Jackson Square. And maybe consider coming back for more next year!
