{"id":66332,"date":"2018-01-14T22:47:36","date_gmt":"2018-01-15T04:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=66332"},"modified":"2018-02-22T11:19:26","modified_gmt":"2018-02-22T17:19:26","slug":"8-essential-new-orleans-experiences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2018\/01\/8-essential-new-orleans-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"8 essential New Orleans experiences"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is no better time to visit New Orleans<\/a> than this year, as the city kicks off celebrations to celebrate its 300th birthday. More than 130 registered festivals will take place throughout the year, so whenever you visit you\u2019re sure to find plenty of great food and music among the sights and sounds of this colorful city. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, here are eight experiences every visitor should tick off their lists when exploring a city that captivates both visitors and locals alike.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 10 great places to eat in New Orleans<\/a><\/p>\n

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Flickr CC: Mim<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

1. Walk with the dead<\/h2>\n

Travel back in time, tracing the city\u2019s history while touring its cemeteries, dubbed Cities of the Dead. There are 42 cemeteries in the metro area, with many of the deceased interred above ground, due to the city\u2019s high water table and elevation below sea level. The St. Louis Cemetery No.1\u2014the fourth oldest in the city\u2014is the burial site of voodoo queen Marie Laveau, former mayor Ernest \u201cDutch\u201d Morial, and chess master Paul Morphy. Also keep an eye out her for the odd-looking pyramid tomb\u2014that belongs to actor Nic Cage. Consider a walking tour or\u2014gasp!\u2014a haunted ghost tour.<\/p>\n

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Flickr CC: Steven Guzzardi<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

2. Fuel up with traditional beignets and chicory coffee at Caf\u00e9 du Monde<\/h2>\n

Start your morning with a cup of chicory-flavored coffee and an order of warm, sugary beignets<\/em>. Tourists flock to the often-crowded tables at Caf\u00e9 du Monde in the French Market, taking a break from perusing the colorful stalls of crafts and souvenirs. For a quieter interlude, visit Caf\u00e9 Beignet at one of its three locations. The original Royal Street spot is housed in a converted 1800’s carriage house in the French Quarter, and features indoor and outdoor seating.<\/p>\n

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Flickr CC: Paul Frederickson<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

3. Get buzzed on Hurricanes from Pat O\u2019Brien\u2019s<\/h2>\n

Sidle up to the bar or\u2014just because you probably can’t in your hometown\u2014enjoy one on the go. We recommend the latter so you don’t miss any people-watching while strolling along Bourbon Street (thanks, open-container policy). This sweet rum libation was invented at the bar, located on St. Peter Street, in the 1940s. It\u2019s served in a glass shaped like a Hurricane lamp. Patrons flock to the bar and piano lounge at this location, as well as the courtyard restaurant on Bourbon Street.<\/p>\n

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Flickr CC: Derek Bridges<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

4. Indulge in a\u00a0 delicious brunch at Brennan’s<\/h2>\n

There is no better place to head for brunch than Brennan\u2019s on Royal Street, where taste buds have been satisfied since 1946. Cap your meal off with bananas foster, invented at Brennan\u2019s Vieux Carre Restaurant on Bourbon Street in the early 1950s. The decadent dessert combines bananas, rum, banana liqueur, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter. It\u2019s made tableside and served over vanilla ice cream.<\/p>\n

ALSO: Join Orbitz Rewards and earn travel rewards on your next N’awlins trip\u2014on flights, hotels, even some restaurants!<\/a><\/p>\n

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5. Learn to cook Cajun and Creole cuisines<\/h2>\n

Bring some Cajun and creole cuisine back home with a class from the New Orleans School. Learn how to make typical local dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish \u00e9touff\u00e9e<\/em>, shrimp and grits, bananas foster and pralines. Whether observing and then sampling food prepared by a local chef in an open demonstration or engaging in hands-on cooking with a small group as you create and then eat a meal you have prepared under the watchful eye and of a professional cook, it\u2019s a great way to learn about the city while enjoying its noteworthy cuisine.<\/p>\n

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6. Take a street car (not named Desire)<\/h2>\n

Let the good times roll, literally, while traveling through the city on one of its famed streetcars, the oldest in the United States. Take the St. Charles (the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world), to see some of the city\u2019s historic homes, or opt for the Canal Street or Riverfront lines, though it\u2019s best to avoid rush hour and right after school lets out, when cars can be very crowded.<\/p>\n

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Preservation Hall | Flickr CC: Infrogmation of New Orleans<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

7. Tune in to the world’s best live jazz<\/h2>\n

With all the historic mingling of cultures in New Orleans, it’s no surprise that it’s one of America’s top music cities. The jazz scene is especially strong here, and yuo hear it in watering holes throughout the city. Head to historic Preservation Hall, established in 1961 and playing traditional New Orleans Jazz nightly at 5pm, 6pm, 8pm, 9pm and 1am. Meanwhile, the 21st<\/sup> Amendment at La Louisiane features live blues, jazz and swing music nightly in a bar that pays tribute to the Prohibition era, mobsters and speakeasies.<\/p>\n

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Flickr CC: ScubaBear68<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

8. See the making of the Mardi Gras parade<\/h2>\n

Celebrate Mardi Gras all year long with a visit to Mardi Gras World, located on the Riverfront at Blaine Kern Studios. Sculptors and painters work year-round on the floats New Orleans\u2019 krewes use in Mardi Gras parades. This attraction offers daily tours where visitors can watch artists in action and view floats from past parades, a favorite especially for families with young children and parade enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss the chance to celebrate 300 with New Orleans. This festive city is always in a laissez les bons temps rouler<\/em> state of mind.<\/p>\n

\"Orbitz,<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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