Whether you’re the type of tourist who likes to blend in with the locals or the type who likes to observe and explore, New Orleans will make a strong first impression!
The Big Easy is the spiritual home of jazz music, the birthplace of American Voodoo, and a good place for ghost hunting (yes, you read that right!). Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is one of the most unique cities you’ll see in the US. So here are enough reasons to visit New Orleans that you will get in this article. Stay with us till last to know more.
So, if you’re a first-time visitor or if you’re thinking about including NOLA (an acronym for New Orleans), here are some of the most interesting things to see and experience:
Top Reasons Why You Choose New Orleans For Vacation
There are many reasons that you will not regret visiting Orleans. Orleans is full of fun and adventurous city where visiting is worthwhile.
Are You Ready for a Party?
New Orleanians are carefree people with a zest for life, music, and good times together. The motto of the city is “let the good times roll,” which is a perfect depiction of how the locals see life. Sure, we’re living through some tough times, but why make them even tougher by being anxious and sad about the whole situation?
If you like the spirit and enjoy mingling with the locals, make sure to visit Bourbon Street in the French Quarter during the evening. The street is plain during the day, but at night it turns into a bustling, vivid area with people happy to see another day go by.
Oh, and if you like festivities and carnivals, New Orleans is the place to be in for Mardi Gras! The Crescent City is one of the three locations in the world (next to Brazil and Venice) where Mardi Gras lasts for two weeks with almost daily festivities, music, dance, and fun.
Find Some Ghosts
Did you know that New Orleans is the most haunted city in the US? NOLA and its culture have deep connections with the world of the occult, so you may be lucky enough to have a special encounter with some of the specters that still linger in the world of the living.
If you’re among the skeptics, we recommend reading/listening to some stories the locals have to say. You’ll soon realize that the bloody and dark history of the city is enough reason for people to think the spirits of the deceased have unsolved businesses.
We think skeptics and believers should set their preconceptions aside and try a seance or a guided ghost tour in a mule-drawn carriage. Both experiences are unique, and you can brag about them on social media!
A quick tip: If you’re a student on a budget looking for ways to reach New Orleans, look for a travel program that fits your needs and budget.
Jazz is Everywhere
Jazz is not just a musical genre; it’s a cultural current that carries the hopes and dreams of its creators. It’s also the result of a unique scenario that brought together people from very different backgrounds.
Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New Orleans’ population was the most diverse in the South. The city was home to people of French, German, African, Italian, Caribbean, English, and American descent, which led to a mixture of traditions, stories, and music. This was the foundation for jazz music, and New Orleans is where it all began.
So there’s no wonder that everywhere you look, especially in today’s French Quarter, you’ll hear live jazz. And, if you want something else, take a few steps ahead, and you’ll find bebop, blues, and swing.
And, if you’re not strapped for cash or time (if you are, check these tips on how to save money on travel), why not take a jazz cruise down the Mississippi River? The journey is memorable, and it will give you a better feel for the sounds that are still very much a part of Louisiana.
The Vue – Orleans’ 360° Observation Deck
Did you know you can have an aerial cultural experience in New Orleans? Well, you won’t be flying, per se, but you will be above the city, admiring the view, and learning about the past, present, and future of Crescent City.
The Vue is one of the tourist spots you cannot miss if you want jaw-dropping shots of the city’s skyline. But it’s not just about the social media clout – you’ll be impressed by the 360° indoor and outdoor observation decks that allow you a new perspective from the height of its 34th floor.
Plus, you can turn the viewing experience into a learning experience by using the devices available to access information about the culture, music, and history of New Orleans.
Pay Your Respects at St Louis Cemetery
When you first visit a city, you often don’t think about paying a visit to the local cemeteries, right? In these situations, things are different.
In New Orleans, the cemeteries are true cities of the dead, with tombs and mausoleums above the ground. The above-ground tombs were a solution to the city’s positioning at or below sea level, but nowadays, it’s one of the ways to attract tourists.
Visitors can book a tour of one of the most interesting cemeteries (St Louis) or wander around on their own. Regardless of what you choose, you may want to look for Nicolas Cage’s pyramid mausoleum (not yet inhabited) and the tombs of other celebrities.
Have a Spooky Halloween
You can’t visit New Orleans without having an encounter with Voodoo culture and traditions. And, if you happen to be there on Halloween, you’ll have the chance of a lifetime to experience the “real thing.”
The Voodoo Experience is a tradition in NOLA, and the festival happens every year around Halloween. People gather outdoors under the oaks and listen to music designed to summon the spirits and awaken the desire to dance and have fun. It’s a lot of fun, and you can easily connect with some eccentric and interesting people!
