About

Known for its music, its cuisine, its architecture and its annual Mardi Gras Festival, New Orleans is located along the Mississippi River in south-eastern Louisiana. The French Quarter is its most famous neighbourhood, and its attractions include Bourbon Street, the French Market, Jackson Square and Preservation Hall where you can still go to hear jazz concerts. You can take a streetcar through the Garden District, which is lined with antebellum mansions, or a real steamboat, the Natchez, down the river. Some of the famous New Orleans foods to try include beignets, pralines, gumbo, jambalaya and red beans and rice. You can also tour the ornate Saint Louis Cemetery with striking monuments and above-ground tombs. Outside of the city, visit Cajun country or take a fascinating swamp tour.

Getting to and from

Louis Armstrong International Airport is around 11 miles west of downtown. The Jefferson Transit Authority operates the Airport-Downtown Express, E2, which takes about 50 minutes to get to the city. The Regional Transit Authority operates the other airport express bus, Line 202. For a fee, Airport Shuttle goes to several New Orleans locations. Airport limousines, taxis and rental cars are also available.