New Orleans, that steamy, edgy and colourful port city that sits astride the famed Mississippi, is without a shadow of a doubt the most bewitching location in the United States, and firmly deserves its places as one of the world’s most desirable spots for a holiday. A vibrant melting-pot of cultures, languages and cuisines from Europe, the Caribbean and Africa, the place hums with activity day and night. If you visit New Orleans prepare to have your senses assaulted by a riot of sounds and flavours, to wander the streets by day catching a melody on every street corner, and catch the vibe in the jazz clubs by night, hitting the pillow late. Once experienced, New Orleans stays with you forever. Here are ten must-dos in the BigEasy…
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, meaning Fat Tuesday, is a two week-long festival featuring parades, balls, wild parties and music events, that begins after Twelfth Night (January 6th). It’s virtually impossible to encapsulate in mere words the experience that is Carnival, you need to see it for yourself. It’s imperative to book your accommodation early as the city’s hotels, apartments and spare rooms fill up months in advance. With a myriad events happening all around the city, one essential is to follow the major parade as it goes around, the krews on each float tossing baubles and coins into the crowd.
Explore the Literary Scene
Over the years New Orleans has played host, and inspiration, to a staggering number of literary giants, including Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote, both of whom lived here for a time; Anne Rice; Ernest Hemingway, and of course Mark Twain. A statue of Ignatius S Reilly, antihero of one of America’s greatest comic novels A Confederacy of Dunces, is to be found on Canal Street. Tours of key locations are available for fans of the authors, and there is a thriving second-hand bookshop scene for those who love to browse the shelves.
Steamer Ride on the Mississippi
Mark Twain took his name from steamboat terminology, and was a qualified pilot of these iconic crafts. The quintessential way to see New Orleans and the river, authentic steamboats still operate cruises , often combined with dinner and jazz. It’s an intensely pleasurable experience to sail back in time, in true Southern style, on one of these gorgeous vessels.
The French Quarter
New Orleans’ best-known district, the bars, cafes, restaurants and nightspots of the French Quarter are abuzz with music, predominantly jazz. Bourbon Street is unmissable, although it’s very touristy, so for a slice of authenticity, head to nearby Frenchmen Street. And keep your eyes up – the gorgeous European architecture, often Spanish-influenced, is a major attraction.
Cocktails!
Several popular cocktails have their origins in New Orleans – the Hurricane, a sweet rum-based drink is believed to have been first created in a speakeasy, the password to get in, “Storm’s Coming”, and there’s also the Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz, perfect for a hot day, and the Obituary, an absinthe and gin mix that can floor you if you’re not careful.
Grub’s Up
You’ll need something to soak up all that alcohol, and luckily New Orleans’ history of welcoming immigrants from around the world has resulted in the United States’ most distinctive and delicious cuisine. Enjoy a plate of jambalaya or gumbo, a traditional beignet, or one of the legendary Po’Boys, a French-bread stick filled with roast beef or seafood, absolutely mouthwatering. And if the sun is beating down hard, a flavoured ice, known as a Sno Ball, is the ideal solution.
Katrina Tour
In 2005 New Orleans was devastated by a tropical hurricane that caused the levees to fail, flooding the city and causing unimaginable levels of damage. Several sections of New Orleans remain in virtual ruins, and taking a tour with a knowledgeable local gives you an in-depth insight of the terrible extent of the destruction, and its effects on the population.
Bayou Boat Trip
The lush waterways of the New Orleans bayou are teeming with fascinating plants and animals, including alligators. Many guided tours operate, but for a real rush, we recommend taking a ride on an airboat through this exotic and mysterious landscape.
Streetcar Ride
A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams, gave Marlon Brando perhaps his greatest ever role. In the play, Blanche DuBois arrives in New Orleans to throw herself on the mercy of sister Stella and her husband Stanley. One of the most memorable scenes, as Stanley tries to call his wife down to him so they can reconcile, is often recreated by enthusiastic members of the public at the Pontalba Apartments during the Literary Festival. Why not rip off your t-shirt and give your lungs a workout?
The Garden District
The most scenic part of the city, the Garden District is populated with beautiful 19th century mansion houses, huge oak trees and, of course, gardens. If you’re in town, be sure and spend an afternoon just wandering around with a camera, especially to the scenic Lafayette Cemetery No1, with elegantly carved headstones aplenty. Anne Rice’s fictional vampire Lestat was buried here.