Tourist information and destination rating
Category: Cities, Local time: 00:54:02, Official WWW website:
www.nola.gov
Pros
breathtaking architecture
nice weather
delicious meals
bustling destination
jazz clubs
distinctive atmosphere
inexpensive
night life and amusement
Cons
uncomfortable summer temperature
chilly in winter
poor or deceitful service
unpleasant humidity
often rain showers
Suitable for
shopping
history
nightlife
cruises
study
active vacation
carnivals
health tourism
romantic vacation
Why to go there?
old&new architecture
skyscrapers
Transportation and means of transport
air
sea
international airport
Information and Facts
Last update: 2012-10-22 07:33:15
New Orleans is the largest city of the American federal state Louisiana . It is the most important harbor in the USA . It is situated in the south-eastern part of Louisiana on the banks of the Mississippi River.
City of jazz
New Orleans is a city of jazz. It is characterized by its easygoingness, good mood and a liberal way of life. Due to that, it is sometimes called The Big Easy.
A bit of history
New Orleans was founded in 1718. The city was named after the most powerful Frenchman of that time- Philip II, Duke of Orleans and the Regent of France. New Orleans was a French colony until 1763, when the Spaniards gained it. In 1772, the city became the capital of Louisiana. At the end of the 18th century, it was twice damaged by a fire, so the oldest historical monuments date back to the time of the Spanish reign. In 1801, the city was returned back to France . In 1803, New Orleans was sold to the United States. In 1849, it was the third biggest American city and the most important trade center of the USA.
Unique architecture in New Orleans
There are many narrow streets interlaced with wide boulevards in the city's historic center. New Orleans is known for its wide range of unique architectonical styles. The most beautiful quarter is the French Quarter. Among the most interesting buildings are e.g. the original houses called Shotgun houses, Creol townhouses characteristic by big courtyards and balconies with steel railings. On the St. Charles Street, there are the famous Antebellum homes. They are apartement houses of various styles such as the Greek Revival and Colonial style or the Victorian Queen Anne style.
Skyscrapers
In 1960s, the first skyscrapers World Trade Center New Orleans and Plaza Tower were built in the city. The highest building in New Orleans is the One Shell Square, built in 1972.
Other attractions
Among the most sought-after sites in the city are the New Orleans Aquarium, the ZOO, the Louisiana Children´s Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center.
Music festivals
Many famous festivals annually take place in New Orleans. The best known of them are the Mardi Gras Festival, New Orleans Jazz&Heritage Festival known as JazzFest and the Voodoo Music Experience.
Hurricane Katrina
In 2005, the city was heavily damaged by hurricane Katrina and the subsequent floods. The protective dams around the city did not manage to keep the swollen Mississippi River within its riverbed. The city is gradually recovering from the catastrophe and is being steadily rebuilt. Many hotels in the city have already been opened.