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.
Located in the upscale Arts District one block from the New Orleans Convention Center. Walking distance to the French Quarter, National D-Day Museum, Louisiana Children's Museum, Riverwalk, Harrah's Casino, and Cruise Ship Terminals. Interested in taking a site seeing tour? Many tours depart from the hotel daily.Of course, finding a good place to eat is not usually a problem here in New Orleans, the hotel is within walking distance to many famous restaurants such as Emeril's, Mulate's and The Praline Connection. Hop aboard the world-famous St. Charles Streetcar just 4 blocks away and head Uptown to the Garden District or to the legendary Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.Whether it's business, leisure, or a combination of both, The Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Downtown is the right choice. For the business-minded, the hotel offers a complimentary, 24-hour business center, and all 284 guestrooms and suites feature an oversized work desk plus two telephones each with two phone lines, data port, speakerphone, and voice mail. Take advantage of complimentary high-speed Internet access to make conducting business from your room more productive. All guests will appreciate the microwave, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, clock radio and On-Command movies in every room plus the fitness center, the heater outdoor rooftop swimming pool & whirlpool sun deck offering magnificent views of the city skyline. After all, they don't call this city The Big Easy for nothing.
Contact Information: 1001 South Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States 504-525-0044
This modern day indoor market place is conveniently located close to the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center and the Aquarium of the Americas. This strategic positioning makes it easily accessible to families touring the museum and to businesspersons hoping to quickly pick up some souvenirs during lunch. Riverwalk Market Place is located on the Mississippi River at the junction of Poydras, Canal, and Julia Streets. It is home to 120 stores and restaurants filled with the best gifts, tastes, and styles in New Orleans.
Contact Information: 1 Poydras Street, Suite 101, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 522 1555
From the gates of Lafayette Cemetery you can see the lavish above-ground vaults and tombs of the families that once lived in the surrounding Garden District mansions. Mansions that were built by American newcomers when the French Creoles made them unwelcome in the older part of the city. Gates are open during working hours, but it is not advisable to walk about the grounds alone. Guided tours are offered by Save Our Cemeteries.
Contact Information: 1400 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 566 5011
New Orleans's very own queen of the night has her own shop located in an unassuming mall known as the Rink. Anne Rice, vampire novelist, is one of the biggest names in and out of New Orleans. You can find her growing list of Rice related products here at this store. Many of the plots are written to involve local restaurants, homes, and specific areas in the Crescent City, thus making her all the more popular with the locals. The shop is dedicated to the characters of Anne Rice's novels and features jewelry, clothing, and accessories.
Contact Information: 2727 Prytania Street, The Rink, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 899 5996
The Shops at Canal Place is New Orleans' answer to a shopaholics paradise, with huge names like Saks, Fifth Avenue, Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma and Kenneth Cole. Lose yourself here, but make sure you have the money to do so. Located just a stones throw away from major hotels, this place is frequented by rich travelers and the upscale folk.
Contact Information: 333 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 522 9200
This carnival is the Crescent City's biggest party of the year and one of the best-known celebrations in the world. Taking place annually on Fat Tuesday (the day before Lent on the Christian calendar) and the days leading up to it, parties begin in the morning and last until midnight. The parades are put on by social clubs called Krewes. Beautiful floats with costumed Krewe members roll down the streets all day long for a week, throwing all kinds of things from the floats to the watching crowds. The most cherished of the "throws" is a golden coconut, which can be had at the Zulu parade on Mardi Gras day. Mardi Gras is also knowned for drunken revelry and streets overflowing with people. If you want to avoid some of the worst of it, make sure you go to some of the uptown parades instead. Please note that prices for everything from hotel rooms to food go through the roof, so bring lots of money and make reservations up to a year in advance.
Contact Information: 1 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Aquarium Of The Americas is a world-class aquarium with state-of-the-art exhibits, allowing visitors young and old to experience underwater nature first hand. Visitors immerse themselves in the major marine and submarine habitats of North and South America, including the Caribbean Sea and the Amazon Rainforest. The aquarium also features thousands of fish, reptiles, and birds native to these habitats.
Contact Information: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 581 4629
Directly across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter and Canal Street is the West Bank neighborhood of Algiers. A free shuttle will take you to the place where Mardi Gras is created. You may catch the artists and builders of the world famous floats hard at work. There is a gift shop where you can buy Carnival memorabilia, so you can say you have seen Mardi Gras and have something to show for it. Mardi Gras World is a fun trip for children, as a chest full of costumes affords them the chance to dress in true Carnival style.
Contact Information: 233 Newton Street, New Orleans, LA 70114, United States +1 504 361 7821
Mignon Faget draws her inspiration for her exquisite jewelery from the Crescent City she loves. Her objects of adornment are uniquely hand-crafted in a shop on Magazine Street. There are nine different collections, each identified by its unique name, such as Schema II, Botanical, Romanesque Return and Sea. All pieces are inscribed with Mignon Faget's signature, guaranteeing its exceptional quality. You may view some of her pieces at the main studio display room. A few of the styles include gold, silver, or bronze d'or fashioned into pendants, rings, bracelets, shirt studs, cuff links and many more.
Contact Information: 3801 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States +1 504 891 2005
From the critter-filled swamps of Louisiana to the grasslands of Africa, you can explore some of the Earth's most intriguing habitats and the creatures that dwell within them at this world-class zoo. Rated one of the top zoos in the United States, it features two rare white tigers as well as Komodo dragons. One of the newest exhibits, Jaguar Jungle, focuses on the people and animals of Central America, including the mysterious Mayan culture.
Contact Information: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States +1 504 581 4629
Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, the following description may no longer be accurate. Please consider this when making your travel plans.
Whenever you are in New Orleans for business or pleasure, a must stop is Magazine Street. This is the street that has it all no matter what your shopping needs are. Whatever you're looking for, be it women's fashion (Total Woman), men's fashion (Style Lab for Men), vintage clothing (Recycled), children's clothing (Pippen Lane), shoes (Feet First), or accessories (Filly Handbags & Accessories), Magazine Street is the place to be. When you start to work up an appetite, try seafood (Casamento's Restaurant), French cuisine(Lilette Restaurant), Mexican (Nacho Mama's Mexican Grill), southern (Upperline Restaurant), farmer's markets (Crescent City Farmers Market), chocolates (Blue Frog Chocolates), cafe's (PJ's Coffee and Tea Co.), or bars (St. Joe's Bar).
Contact Information: Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 342 4435 / +1 866 679 4764
New Orleans' infamous Bourbon Streets runs the length of the city's French Quarter—although "Upper Bourbon Street" is what comes to people's mind when they think of the eight block stretch famous for its crazy nightlife scene, lined with bars and clubs of any genre. This street is probably best known for its involvement in the Big Easy's greatest festival, Mardi Gras. Definitely a one stop destination if a crazy night out in New Orleans is on the agenda.
Contact Information: Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 410 2396
Royal Street is one of the oldest streets in the city, well known for its businesses, that deal in antiques and artwork from all over the world. This impressive street is surrounded by French and Spanish colonial architecture on all sides and emanates a distinct old-worldly look. The shops dotting this street are filled with consumers having an eye for quality, authenticity and detail. The quality of merchandise is unmatched and sometimes, just talking to the shop owners can be an educative experience. Make this street your next shopping destination for all that is antique and unique.
Contact Information: 417 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 800 672 6124
The only riverfront shopping and dining experience in the French Quarter, Jackson Brewery or JAX, as it is affectionately called, boasts of more than 100 shops and restaurants offering regional and international food and merchandise. Some of the more familiar names include the Sunglass Hut and Victoria's Creations. JAX also has many great places to stop for a quick lunch while touring the quarter. This is a great place to bring visitors because of its pristine beauty.
Contact Information: 600 Decatur Street, Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 566 7245
Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, the following description may no longer be accurate. Please consider this when making your travel plans.
From the famed beignets of the "Cafe Du Monde" to the fabulous farmer's/flea market (going strong since 1812), this shopping experience incorporates buying, dining and entertainment all within a five block radius of the famous French Quarter. The Market boundary begins on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square. While you stroll through you may see any number of items, including candy, cookware, spices and mixes, clothes, fresh produce, crafts and toys, memorabilia, and even gator-on-a-stick. The Market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free for browsing.
Contact Information: 1100 North Peters, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States +1 504 522 2621
Jackson Square, in the heart of the French Quarter, has been around since the 1700's, it was originally known as the "Place d'Armes". The center of the park showcases a large statue of Andrew Jackson. The square is surrounded by historic buildings including the St. Louis Cathedral, which is a minor Basilica. The square was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
Contact Information: Saint Peter Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States +1 504 410 2396
If the name "New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum" does not bring you inside, nothing will. There are Voodoo walking-tours featuring artifacts and sacred objects related to the realm of "voodoo." Learn everything you wanted to know about this spiritual practice and its history in the Crescent City. There are also guided swamp, plantation and cemetery tours. Be sure to stop by the gift shop to pick-up a voodoo doll, love potion or T-shirt.
Contact Information: 724 Dumaine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States +1 504 680 0128
The Cathedral of St. Louis IX, King of France, began as a minor basilica, but became an established parish in 1720. The graceful beauty of the St. Louis Cathedral and its surrounding courtyards makes it a sight to behold. Located on a bank of the Mississippi River, the cathedral is considered one of the greatest symbols of Catholicism on the North American continent! It is open Monday to Saturday 7:30a onwards.
Contact Information: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States +1 504 525 9585
This French-market coffee stand, established in 1862, offers a menu of dark coffee and chicory, beignets, white or chocolate milk and freshly-squeezed orange juice. Cafe Du Monde is one of the most popular places in New Orleans for singles, couples and families. You may have to wait for a table during the busiest morning hours. While the coffee is certainly good, most people come for the famous, fresh-from-the-fryer beignets. They are brought to your table in such a hurry that they are still hot when you take that first melt-in-your-mouth bite. If you feel hungry at anytime of the day, hop in to devour this delicious array!
Contact Information: 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States +1 504 525 4544
This structure was built between 1795-1799 to house the city council when New Orleans was a possession of Spain. Today the Cabildo is the flagship of the Louisiana State Museum. Interactive exhibits illustrate the history of Louisiana from European explorations to the post Civil War Reconstruction era. This stunning museum is located on Jackson Square near the St. Louis Cathedral. Group tours are available. The museum is closed on legal holidays. Adult entry is $6.
Contact Information: 701 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States +1 504 568 6968
From the famed beignets of the "Cafe Du Monde" to the fabulous farmer's/flea market going strong since 1812, this shopping experience incorporates buying, dining and entertainment all within a five block radius of the famous French Quarter. The French Market boundary begins on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square. While you stroll through you may see any number of items, including candy, cookware, spices and mixes, clothes, fresh produce, crafts and toys, memorabilia and even gator-on-a-stick. The Market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free for browsing.
Contact Information: 1008 North Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States +1 504 522 2621
Whenever you are in New Orleans for business or pleasure, a must stop is Magazine Street. This is the street that has it all no matter what your shopping needs are. Whatever you're looking for, be it women's fashion (Total Woman), men's fashion (Style Lab for Men), vintage clothing (Recycled), children's clothing (Pippen Lane), shoes (Feet First), or accessories (Filly Handbags & Accessories), Magazine Street is the place to be. When you start to work up an appetite, try seafood (Casamento's Restaurant), French cuisine(Lilette Restaurant), Mexican (Nacho Mama's Mexican Grill), southern (Upperline Restaurant), farmer's markets (Crescent City Farmers Market), chocolates (Blue Frog Chocolates), cafe's (PJ's Coffee and Tea Co.), or bars (St. Joe's Bar).
Contact Information: Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States +1 504 342 4435
