New Orleans, Louisiana is an iconic city influenced by African, French, and American roots. It's best known for its party city vibe during Mardi Gras and on Bourbon Street, but there's much more to the city than that.
How to Spend a Weekend in New Orleans
- Go to a crawfish boil - The best (and cheapest) way to enjoy a crawfish boil is at a friend's place. But if you don't know anyone in New Orleans, you can always buy some at restaurants or order them to-go from vendors.
- Take a Bayou tour - If you never leave the streets of NOLA, you're missing out on half the city. Head to the swamps to see alligators, pelicans, bullfrogs, turtles, and more. You can even go hunting, fishing, or crabbing if you fancy it.
- Tour the French Quarter by foot - Yes, this is the district home to Bourbon street, but it's also home to magnificent architecture. From theaters, to churches, to courtyards, the French Quarter features buildings with purposes that vary as much as their influences, which range from Spanish, to French, to Caribbean, to American.
- Visit the Aquarium of the Americas - It might sound underwhelming to go to an aquarium when you're in a city as upbeat as New Orleans, but this is one of the top aquariums in the US. It features a walk through tunnel and a 400,000-gallon saltwater tank filled with stingrays and massive sharks.
The Big Easy is about more than nightlife, jazz, and creole cuisine. These are all worth experiencing in their own right, but take the time to also appreciate the city's softer side. First, take a walk and tour the Bayou. Then you can head to Bourbon Street.
This guest post was authored by Joseph Pineiro.
Ms. Career Girl was started in 2008 to help ambitious young professional women figure out who they are, what they want and how to get it.
