Explore the city where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures created jazz and Creole cuisine
8 min readNew Orleans, Louisiana
Quick summary
Best time to visit
February to May (Mardi Gras in Feb/Mar)
Best for
Music, food, history
Recommended days
4-5 days
Nearby airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans (MSY)
New Orleans is a city unlike any other in the United States. It is a melting pot where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences have simmered for three centuries to create something completely unique. Known as the birthplace of jazz, the city breathes music on every corner, from the clubs on Frenchmen Street to the brass bands in the French Quarter. Its architecture tells the story of its different colonial rulers, while its famous Creole and Cajun cuisine is a testament to its diversity. In "The Big Easy," life is celebrated with passion, whether during the revelry of Mardi Gras or a simple Sunday dinner.
Why visit
The French Quarter with its Spanish colonial architecture
World-class live music: jazz, blues, zydeco, and brass bands
Creole and Cajun cuisine: gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and po'boys
Legendary festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest
Fascinating history, from voodoo to historic plantations
The Spanish footprint in the French Quarter
Although founded by the French in 1718, New Orleans was under Spanish rule from 1763 to 1803. During this period, two great fires (in 1788 and 1794) destroyed almost all the original French architecture. The city was rebuilt by the Spanish with strict building codes to prevent future fires, using brick, stucco, and the iconic wrought-iron balconies. Landmark buildings like the Cabildo (former Spanish city hall) and the Presbytère in Jackson Square are perfect examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Furthermore, Spanish influence mixed with African and French traditions to create Creole culture, evident in dishes like jambalaya (a cousin of Spanish paella) and in the city's rich demographic diversity.
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