New Orleans is one of America’s most unique cities, with a vibe you simply can’t find anywhere else. Known the world over for jazz music, Cajun cuisine, and outrageous Mardi Gras celebrations, the city is a melting pot of cultures with a diversity that is reflected in everything from the music and food to the language and architecture. Founded in 1718, it is one the nation’s oldest cities and has an atmosphere rich with a mix of French sophistication, Creole, Spanish, African-American, Caribbean, Irish, Italian, Haitian, German, and Vietnamese, all creating an energy that can be described as something greater than the sum of its parts

Most of the action for tourists is centered around the French Quarter, with the infamous Bourbon Street at the heart of the district. Along the Mississippi River, which borders the French Quarter to the south, are horse-drawn carriages waiting to take visitors on a tour, the Steamboat Natchez docked along the shore, and tourists lined up to buy beignets. Beyond the French Quarter, the city has many quaint areas worth exploring, from the trendy Warehouse District to the posh Garden District.

New Orleans is a great walking city, with many attractions located in or near the French Quarter, but to explore the Garden District, you may want to hop on a historic street car. Buses are also a great way to get around, particularly for visiting attractions like the zoo that are further afield.