Welcome to New Orleans!
New Orleans
New Orleans in Louisiana is a unique city blended with the cultures of Native Americans, Europeans, West Indians, and West Africans. This uniqueness is reflected in this city’s music, food, and architecture. Jazz is considered to be born from New Orleans. Founded by French Mississippi Company in 1718, New Orleans today is among the busiest ports with cargo movements of manufactured goods, steel, coffee, and rubber.
Geography and Climate
Situated on both east and west banks of Mississippi River 169 km upstream Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans spreads over 907 sq. km. The entire city comprises of land over and under sea level in equal proportions with the embankments hollowed and ridged. Originally this city was built on high ground to prevent the impact of hurricanes. Later levees or floodwalls were constructed along the river banks to keep the city free from floods. The highest point of this city is six meters above sea level while the lowest spot is two meters below it.
New Orleans stands the risk of frequent hurricanes. Being close to Gulf of Mexico, its climate could be classified as humid subtropical. Summers are hot and humid with temperature as high as about 33°C. Evenings are pleasant with temperature of about 22°C. Winters in New Orleans are cool with day temperature reaching 18°C and night temperature dipping to 7°C. Precipitation is high, totalling more than 160 cm annually. June to August are the wettest months while October is driest.
Getting in and around New Orleans
New Orleans is well connected by air, roads, rail, and waterways. There are cheap flights connecting New Orleans to capital city Washington DC, and other state capitals of the United States. Louis Armstrong International Airport of this city is reached by direct flights from European, South American, and Mexican destinations. Cheap flights are regular between New Orleans and Central American capital cities.
New Orleans has a number of major highways connecting it to the rest of United States. US-90, US-61, I-10 and I-55 are major highways that take you to this port city in Louisiana, USA. Intercity buses also travel to New Orleans from nearby and distant cities. New Orleans could also be reached by train from Chicago, capital city of Illinois.
For commuting within New Orleans, public transport might be availed. New Orleans Regional Transit Authority operates buses and street cars for convenience of commuters. Rented cars are available at reasonable rates from travel agencies and hotels. Jefferson Transit operates to and fro services between city and airport.
New Orleans accommodation
New Orleans thrives with travellers throughout the year. Business travellers and holiday tourists have a wide choice of staying in super deluxe hotels or cheap accommodation. Depending on your preferences and budget, you could select a hotel or guest house as per your wish. Cheap accommodation is popular among budget travellers or tourists planning to spend a number of days in New Orleans.
New Orleans tourist attractions
History of New Orleans dates back to early eighteenth century when it was established by French settlers for trading. French establishments are still visible in French Quarter, the most attractive tourist destination in New Orleans. Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street stand out with buildings, restaurants, and bars designed in colonial French architecture.
French Market is an outstanding place for buying artefacts, craftwork, coffee, chicory and other food items. St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square is another structural highlight inside French Quarter. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a thrilling place for your entire family with an insectariums and cinema hall.
National World War II Museum is a major tourist draw of New Orleans. ‘Superdome’, a 76,000 capacity stadium is the venue for football matches. Harrah’s Casino is a gambler’s delight in New Orleans.
Things to do in New Orleans
Boat cruises are a remarkable activity while visiting New Orleans. A cruise on the finest boats for a couple of nights and days introduces you to the effervescent lifestyle of this city and its surrounding areas. Chalmette Battlefield is a fascinating excursion where you get to visit site of Battle of New Orleans. A planetarium house and interpretation centre adds to the attraction of this place.
Mardi Gras is a colourful festival of two weeks preceding Fat Tuesday. Krewes organise float parades, and exciting celebrations for all to enjoy. New Orleans being the birth place of jazz holds a fascinating Jazz and Heritage Festival in April and May. You are exposed to an invigorating renditions of jazz, folk, Afro-Caribbean, blues, gospel, country and Latin music.