The Big Easy’s vibrant music scene; rich history; and blend of African, French and American cultures make New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the liveliest cities in the South. New Orleans doesn’t just transform into a place of lights and color during Mardi Gras, however. This Mississippi River-adjacent city features many neighborhoods and squares adorned with colorful facades, intricate balconies and bright lights year-round.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, named after the world-famous jazz musician hailing from the city, sits 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. The terminal is served by Interstate 10, with bus service between the airport and downtown New Orleans also available. Rental car facilities and airport shuttle services also provide passengers with connections to hotels within the Central Business District of New Orleans.
LODGING
The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Situated in a 19th-century building, within walking distance of attractions including Bourbon Street, this luxury property offers elegant accommodations and access to a rooftop pool, fitness center, spa, bar and Italian restaurant. Some rooms feature bay windows and clawfoot tubs.
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 648 1200
hilton.com
Maison de la Luz
Enjoy original artwork within contemporary rooms at this 5-star property. Located a few minutes from Lafayette Square, Maison de la Luz boasts a chic lounge offering nightly wine and cheese events. Rooms feature complimentary WiFi, some with freestanding soaking tubs.
546 Carondelet St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 814 7720
maisondelaluz.com
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Indulge in the utmost luxury. Sitting within the French Quarter, the hotel embraces the history of the city with Neoclassical interiors and a farm-to-table restaurant serving Southern cuisine. Enjoy a high-end spa, lounge and bar, club- level spaces, and room and suite options.
921 Canal St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 524 1331
ritzcarlton.com
DINING
Galatoire’s
Where better to enjoy authentic Creole cuisine than Galatoire’s, a staple eatery in New Orleans? Dine within a century-old building and savor upscale French-Creole dishes like chicken Creole and crawfish etouffée.
209 Bourbon St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 525 2021
galatoires.com
August
This contemporary Louisiana restaurant allows diners to enjoy fine French fare beneath a chandelier-draped ceiling. Within this 19th-century space try Duck Three Ways, pan-seared grouper or, for an all-en- compassing experience, the chef’s tasting menu.
301 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 299 9777
restaurantaugust.com
Doris Metropolitan
Drawing from Middle Eastern culture, this upscale restaurant and butchery offers the finest cuts of steaks. The award-winning institution elevates classic cuts of meat, all complemented by savory sides.
620 Chartres St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 267 3500
dorismetropolitan.com
ATTRACTIONS
Bayou Swamp Tours
Various companies offer round-trip swamp tours of the nearby bayous of New Orleans. Wildlife parks and preserves like Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge and Jean Lafite National Historic Park and Preserve invite visitors to venture through swamps and spot gators in their natural habitats. Book a trip with popular tour operators like Cajun Encounters Tour Co.
55325 US-90, Slidell, Louisiana
tel 504 834 1770
cajunencounters.com
French Quarter
No visit to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the heart of the city with colorful buildings, energetic nightlife, and restaurants and bars serving Cajun fare and strong cocktails. Street performers often grace the Quarter, and St. Louis Cathedral towers over the crowded streets. The neighborhood especially buzzes with life during Mardi Gras.
frenchquarter.com
National WWII Museum
Part of the Smithsonian Institution’s outreach program, this museum delves into the American experience in World War II. Within you’ll see an enigma machine, Sherman tank, Higgins boat, fighter planes and other artifacts on display.
945 Magazine St., New Orleans, Louisiana
tel 504 528 1944
nationalww2museum.org
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