New Orleans, Louisiana- What to Expect

So you’re looking for a getaway that has it all? From mouth-watering foods to the groove, from a diverse culture to a thick layer of heritage; Look no further as the big easy wont let you down. Known as the Jazz capital of the world, the city of New Orleans is one of America’s most unique cities, with a vibe that you simply can’t find anywhere else. Well known for its Cajun cuisine, and outrageous Mardi Gras celebrations, the city is a melting pot of cultures with a diversity that is reflected in everything from the music and food to the language and architecture. This Riverfront city has something for everyone.

Here are a few things that come in handy while planning your trip to this beautiful city:

1. The Winter Months Last through Dec to March with an average high of 16.2°C and an average low of  8.3°C.
2. An Average meal for one person costs about 18.07$ in a non-expensive restaurant.
3. A Pint of Domestic Drought Beer costs about 5.35$on an average.
4. A Litre of gas Costs 0.81$.
5. A monthly Travel pass on regular rates would cost around 73.60$.
6. The monthly rent of a 1BHK a little off the City Centre is about 1,357.60$.

Main Attractions:

1. The French Quarter of New Orleans is the biggest tourists attractions when it comes to New Orleans. Set along a bend on the Mississippi River, the main attraction here is the architecture, but it is also a great area for dining and entertainment. A visit the bourbon street is a must, crowds gather at this location and every day seems to be a celebration of life and diversity – mixed with a few bowls of gumbo and some really well mixed fishbowls.
2. Mardi Gras is New Orleans’ signature event, with celebrations that span over a two-week stretch, ending with the finale on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Festivities incorporate almost daily parades and all kinds of fun and celebrations that increase in intensity as the event draws closer to the end. Onlookers crowd the balconies and sidewalks to watch the parades and catch strings of beaded necklaces tossed from the outrageously decorated floats.
3. Preservation Hall is a quiet old structure that has long been an establishment in New Orleans recognised for jazz music. The historic hall still features legendary jazz by local musicians. The construction is small, producing a private setting, and seating is limited. Opening times and events are listed on the door each day, so if you are walking past in the afternoon you can see what’s happening in the evening.
4. The National WWII Museum is an outstanding memoir with engaging displays and documentary pieces that tell the story of WWII as it was fought in Europe and in the Pacific. The gallery is split into three shares, with one section dedicated to the war in the Pacific, another devoted to the war in Europe, and a third structure that houses WWII aircraft. A production entitled Beyond All Boundaries, produced and narrated by Tom Hanks, is shown in the 4D Theater, with chairs that rumble as tanks go by on the screen, and stage props that turn the film into a full-on sensory experience. As visitors move from room to room through the exhibits, short black-and-white documentary style film segments give a real-life look at how the items on display were involved in the war. Oral histories add to the impact.
5. Jackson Square is the central square in the core of the French Quarter, formerly known as Place d’Armes. In the centre of the square, surrounded by trees and greenery, is an equestrian statue (1856) of General Andrew Jackson. Standing tall at one end of the square is the landmark St. Louis Cathedral, with its white façade and cone-shaped spires. Also in the neighbourhood of the cathedral are the Presbytere and Cabildo, both Louisiana State Museums. The area in front of the cathedral, along the iron fence that surrounds the square, has long been an artist’s hang out, and nearby are shops and restaurants, making it a popular spot for tourists.
6. On the north front of Jackson Square is the St Louis Cathedral, a landmark construction in New Orleans. It was built in 1794 on the site of two earlier churches and is known for being the United States’ oldest cathedral in continuous practice. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1987. The cathedral was built through offerings from Don Andres Almonester de Roxas, a Frenchman who spent money from his fortune to reassemble New Orleans after the second great fire.
7. New Orleans City Park covers more than 1,300 acres and comprises of numerous attractions, including the New Orleans Botanical Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden. Of Distinct interest to kids and families are the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, Storyland, and the newly added City Splash water park, which is still a work in progress. Also on site are tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course, as well as beautiful areas for walking. The park claims to have one of the world’s largest stands of mature live oak trees, with one that is almost 800 years old
8. The Cabildo, next to St. Louis Cathedral, was built in 1795 as the residence of the Spanish governor. It is noteworthy both as a historic structure and for the museum and its exceptional collection. The first town council met here in 1799, and the Louisiana Purchase was agreed to here in 1803. It was at one time the Louisiana Supreme Court, but today the Cabildo houses the Louisiana State Museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum’s collections focus largely on the history of New Orleans and Louisiana, particularly the people of Louisiana and the many ethnic groups that make up the population today.