Population: Approximately 220,000
Time zone: GMT -6 hours
Currency: US Dollar
Language: English
Int. dialling code: +1
Religion: Predominantly Christian
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Julia Buckley
Travel Editor, The London Paper
www.thelondonpaper.com
"New Orleans - it's not like anything you'd expect from a US city. The French Quarter's got an air of crumbling, Venetian hush, the Garden District's all palatial white clapboard mansions and Magazine Street's as trendy as it gets. And of course it's music central, and reinvents itself every generation. Stay off Bourbon Street, and you'll have much of it to yourself."
As one of the oldest cities in the US, New Orleans straddles the Mississippi River and has become known as the birthplace of jazz and a multicultural hotbed of activity where festivals and celebrations throng the streets throughout the year. The largest city in Louisiana, New Orleans has one of the world's busiest ports which is fundamental to its economic infrastructure.
Affectionately known as the 'Big Easy', the city has earned its place in the public's affection through its affiliation with the birth and rise of jazz music. Struck by tragedy and Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, reconstruction of New Orleans has been an ongoing process, but the remarkable spirit of its residents has been a source of great pride for the city.
French Quarter: Arguably the most famous district of New Orleans, exploring the French Quarter of the city will recall the days of French and Spanish colonial occupation in the 18th century. Perhaps go bar-hopping along Bourbon Street, explore the galleries of Royal Street and step back in time in Jackson Square, all in the course of a single day.
Algiers: Crossing the Mississippi River by ferry will transport you to the district of Algiers, a neighbourhood first established in 1719. The journey will present the opportunity to experience excellent views of New Orleans itself, while arrival in Algiers offers the chance to join a memorable walking tour revealing the famous 'jazz trail'.
Garden District: Victorian architecture and excellently preserved southern mansions are the order of the day in the Garden District. Formerly a region rich with Creole plantations, the area was sold off to wealthy Americans in the 19th century, whose fortunes would fund the development of these palatial residences - each a far cry from the less prosperous neighbourhoods of New Orleans.
Did you eat at a fantastic restaurant or stay in a wonderful hotel in New Orleans? Maybe you discovered a hidden sight or you have a Louisiana travel tip that you want to share with other visitors?