New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana, as well as the state's top tourist destination. The Crescent City has a reputation for historical roots, hot and muggy weather, good food, good music and non-stop partying. Despite the damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans welcomes visitors to incredible restaurants, beautiful sites (such as the French Quarter and Garden District) and hot live music clubs.
Nicknamed the Big Easy by some, New Orleans has long had a reputation as a city of vice. However, the city also offers many attractions for families with children and those interested in culture and the arts. Its famous Creole food, nearby swamps and plantations, 18th and 19th century architecture, streetcars and museums offer a unique cultural experience travelers will never forget.
Famous festivals like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival bring in tourists by the millions, and are the two times of the year when one needs to be sure to book accommodations well in advance to be sure of a room.