Mardi Gras might be over for the year, but that doesn’t mean New Orleans is down for the count. The Big Easy has nightlife, live music, and food down to a science; the whole ensemble can be a bit overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Whether you’re in the region for business or pleasure, do yourself a favor and explore some of these iconic New Orleans destinations.
The French Quarter
There’s not a Louisiana travel guide out there that doesn’t make mention of the French Quarter, and for good reason. This is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, dating back to the city’s founding by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville in 1718. Today, the sector offers abundant food and drink options as well as a historical feel unmatched in the United States. Be sure to have plenty of time on your hands when taking on this district. A number of iconic destinations fall within the confines of the French Quarter, such as…
The St. Louis Cathedral
As a general rule, the world’s grandest cathedrals reside in Europe. With a majestic and weathered cathedral of their own, New Orleans is one of the few US cities to defy this standard. Officially titled the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, this towering building is a true spectacle. It emanates both beauty and history, and is magnificent in the sunlight as it is cloaked in dusk. The cathedral is located in the French Quarter, so be sure to pay it a visit when you’re making your rounds. If you prefer branch and leaf to brick and mortar, you may also want to check out…
City Park
While Hurricane Katrina took it out of commission for a while, the New Orleans City Park is back and as beautiful as ever. This 1,300 acre swath of land plays host to abundant walking and biking paths, sprawling lawns, children’s attractions, and the oldest grove of mature live oaks in the world. A walk through this park is an excellent way to clear restore energy and work off some of the heavier New Orleans dishes. If you like a dab of history with your nature intake, you’ll probably enjoy New Orleans’ very own…
Garden District
Where the French Quarter is by turns exciting and jam-packed, the Garden District is a bit more serene. Known for some of New Orleans’ most famous architecture, the foliage-laden streets are the perfect place to escape bustling tourist districts. 19th-century mansions capture the eye and the imagination along each street. The area rewards desultory meandering, making it a great place to recover from a few days of strict itineraries. When you’ve had your fill of oak and ivy, you can stroll to the nearby intersection of Prytania St. and Washington Ave, where you’ll find the world-famous…
Commander’s Palace Restaurant
Established in 1890, the Commander’s Palace Restaurant was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America Hall of Fame in 2008 and is regarded as New Orleans’ most famous eatery. It’s upscale take on Creole cuisine spans from turtle soup to crawfish risotto. And don’t forget the wine — it’s expensive but decadent. While the popularity and price range of this restaurant run on the high end, it’s well worth it to take a bite out of New Orleans’ history. If you’re hungrier for history than food, you can get your yesteryear fix at…
The National WWII Museum
Even if you’re not an aficionado of history, the National WWII Museum has a lot to offer. A moving recollection of a devastating era, this massive tribute to the second World War is as educational as it is chilling. Some of the exhibits may be too disturbing for children, but don’t let that deter you from seeing it for yourself. You’ll need about 3 hours to see the museum in its entirety. Don’t forget to check out the award-winning 4-D film Beyond All Boundaries before you leave; it is widely regarded as the museum’s prominent feature. If you want an engaging day-trip minus the morbid undertones, consider visiting…
Mardi Gras World
Bummed that you missed Mardi Gras? Head over to Mardi Gras World for the next best thing. Their tours take you behind-the-scenes of Mardi Gras, offering a look at the creation of the fantastic floats and costumes that are iconic of the holiday. They also offer samples of king cake, an iconic treat that is consumed in droves during Mardi Gras. This type of pastry is notoriously difficult to find in the off-season, so getting the opportunity to try one is alone worth the cost of tickets.
The Big Easy has a lot to offer visitors—too much to capture in one article. There are a number of culinary and cultural hotspots that you’ll discover organically as you wander the city’s bustling streets. You’re going to want to settle into private and comfortable lodgings at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re on vacation or on the clock, treat yourself to a luxury vacation rental in New Orleans. Contact PC Housing today to find out more.