The vibrant city of New Orleans has so much to offer. And while most people will think of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street as the main attractions, those aren’t the only areas of interest to visitors. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was devastating for the city, but the people and the communities of New Orleans have bounced back and today it is a stronger and more resilient city than it was before the hurricane hit.
The city also has some wonderful accommodation to offer, and if you want to be right at the heart of the action, then a stunning boutique hotel near Bourbon Street is the perfect base from which to enjoy the best that this wonderful destination has to offer.
Live Music Venues And Bars
New Orleans has a wonderful reputation as a destination with great night life, and the French Quarter is where you’ll want to be to make the most of this particular aspect of the city’s culture. There are regular festivals held throughout the year, including a wonderful jazz festival, but venues such as Fritzels and Maison Bourbon are among the places that regularly have live bands playing. The other aspect of going out in the city is the wealth of bars available, and Pat O’Brien’s Bar is where you will find the original Hurricane cocktail created by Pat himself. Other bars such as the Carousel Piano Bar and May Baily’s Place are also great places to enjoy a drink.
Activities Around The Mississippi
The area around the river is one of the most popular places to relax and to enjoy the atmosphere of New Orleans, and you will find some of the best river views available from the French Quarter or while taking a ride on the Algiers Ferry. One of the most popular activities is to take a cruise along the river, as this gives a great view of the area. Many cruises will also include visits to the Audobon Zoo and a range of food and drink options. If you don’t want to spend money on the river cruise, one free alternative is to take the Algiers Ferry from Canal Street over to Algiers Point, which offers some great views of the city and the river.
Mardi Gras
One of the biggest events in the annual calendar in New Orleans is Mardi Gras, and it is a festival of live music and costumed parades where the city’s most flamboyant and exciting side is revealed, with thousands of visitors coming to share in the experience. The celebration takes place in the two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday every year, although you would be wise to book your accommodation well in advance. If you can’t visit the city during Mardi Gras itself, you can visit Mardi Gras World which is where many of the floats are made, and has a display of thousands of different costumes, props and figures.
Staying At The Dauphine Orleans Hotel
Set over three separate buildings in the French Quarter, this beautiful boutique hotel has been designed and furnished to tastefully work with the historic nature of the buildings. Despite being aware of the history of the hotel, you will also find many modern benefits here including a flat screen television with cable TV, along with internet access. There is also a nice outdoor saltwater pool, which is a lovely place to relax if you need a break from the busy city outside the hotel walls.
The rooms at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel are comfortable and welcoming, with large comfortable beds fitted with tempur-pedic mattresses, and beautiful bathrooms. The facilities in the room are also good, with a bathrobe and hair dryer, bottled water and a coffee maker to make those morning wake up calls from the clock radio a little easier to answer!
Have you ever been to New Orleans? If so, what were some of your favorite attractions?
Disclaimer: Dauphine Orleans hosted me during my time in New Orleans. All opinions are my own, though.
New Orleans is on my short list of American cities to visit … this post makes it even more so!
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The vibrant city is very amazing place to visit. I think every tourist need to visit this place.