New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans
Its not just for Mardi Gras! Search our Exclusive Directory for tourist attractions in New Orleans, Louisiana. Whether you want to wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic French Quarter, or visit the top flight art museums and galleries that dot this city, the culture will draw you in. Enjoy world-class music and architecture that is unabashedly opulent and quirky. This is New Orleans—something for the elegant and just as much for those who love funky and fun.

Our New Orleans, Louisiana Tourist Attractions page is part of the United States Tourist Attractions. We have our own comprehensive exclusive directory of tourist attractions located across the United States that are searchable by States, Regions and Categories. Just click on the Search our Exclusive Directory button and you will be able to search all of our tourist attractions sorted by category from our database on United States Tourist Attractions. While you're there, you can search the other areas around New Orleans if you want to expand your trip.

About New Orleans
There is always something going on in New Orleans. "L'aissez Les Bon Temps Roullez" or "Let The Good Times Roll" is what New Orleanians do best: enjoying life. New Orleans is also known as the Big Easy. The name came from a bar that was located in the Central Business District, (the American Sector of the city).

The French Quarter is the destination for most tourists. Jackson Square is the heart of the French Quarter. Visit with artists, museums and tour historical buildings. The Moon Walk provides a breath-taking view of the Mississippi River. Find information in our Directory about Mardi Gras, the French Quarter Festival, The Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest), the Spring Fiesta, riverboat cruises, and of course, New Year's Eve at Jackson Square. Don’t forget the nightlife! The streets are alive with people taking in all of the jazz and music clubs, not to mention Bourbon Street.

One can't discuss the French Quarter without mentioning music, in particular, jazz music. The French Quarter Festival attracts more than 250,000 people each year. Jazz lovers congregate from places as far away as Australia, England, Germany and the Netherlands. There are also plenty of activities to keep children busy, lots of tasty Cajun food, and tons of outdoor concerts. It gets hot and humid in New Orleans, so plan accordingly for daytime. April evenings and early mornings can sometimes be a bit chilly, however, so pack a few long-sleeved shirts, too.

And of course, - Mardi Gras. Celebrated on what is known as "Fat Tuesday," this event is renowned for its wild abandon. It is seen as the last chance to dismiss inhibition and party before the period of Lent begins, which marks a time of penance and fasting. The spectacle that takes place before Ash Wednesday is not for the faint-of-heart. People dance in the streets and wear brightly sequined costumes. Masks of all shapes, sizes, and styles are worn. People drape Mardi Gras beads by the dozens around their necks and wrists.

Want to share in the traditions of Mardi Gras? Follow the custom of baking King Cakes. A small plastic or metal object, usually shaped like a king or ring, is placed inside the dough. Serve the cake at a party and the person who gets the piece with the object in it is crowned, "King for the Day." As the tradition goes, the "King" gets to choose where the group will go to celebrate Mardi Gras and is supposed to be next year's party host.

Within two hours and you can be on the white sandy beaches of beautiful Florida! The closest beach to New Orleans is in Mississippi on the GulfCoast only about an hour away.
United States Tourist Attractions recommends staying in a hotel that is within safe walking distance of recommended attractions or on the streetcar line. Tour safely!