Mysterious New Orleans: from the Mississippi to the World of Magic

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New Orleans is a city that captivates its visitors almost immediately. Located on the Mississippi, the history and culture of the southern metropolis enchants travelers and gives them the opportunity to discover the birthplace of jazz, voodoo traditions, and rich gastronomy.

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No matter where we go in the world, New Orleans is a place that is on every travel bucket list. Here you can expect not only the famous Mardi Gras experience – although it is a truly fantastic experience! – but for much more.

The history of New Orleans is fascinating and diverse. The city, founded by the first French settlers, has now become a symbol of cultural diversity. the French Quarter, located in the heart of the city, preserving the charm of the past.

Don’t miss Jackson Square, where the famous St. Louis Cathedral and picturesque surroundings welcome you. A visit to the Voodoo museum is also an exciting opportunity to learn about the city’s spiritual heritage.

Are you ready for this unforgettable getaway? Here are the top 10 things to do in New Orleans

Taste life

New Orleans is a real gastronomic paradise. The world of flavors here is so fascinating that I present here the tastiest local food in the city.

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In addition to discovering the flavors, I definitely recommend taking part in a food tour.

Tip: New Orleans: French Quarter walking tour with tasting

Did you know that the local cuisine is a dynamic mix of French, Spanish, African, German, Italian and Indian influences.

  • Po Boy: In the early 1900s, farmers and dock workers were the original „poor boys” who made this sandwich a staple of New Orleans street food. According to the story, during the strike, the residents of the city thought that the „poor boys” needed a quick and simple meal, and this is how the sandwich made of roast beef stuffed in a French baguette, with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise was born
  • Beignets: Café Du Monde is a MUST in New Orleans. I’d even say it’s an institution. Not only is their coffee incredibly delicious, but they also have some delicious beignets.
  • Oysters: raw, fried or stuffed into a po’boy. In business since 1840, the world-famous Antoine’s Restaurant claims to be the birthplace of the Rocefeller oyster. It is the oldest restaurant in New Orleans
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  • Jambalaya: this African-Spanish-French dish is a mixture of rice, vegetables and seafood, meat and all kinds of spices.
  • Dumplings: when you hear about the New Orleans Holy Trinity, they talk about peppers, onions and celery. Decide whether you prefer Creole (shellfish) or Cajum (chicken) gumbo
  • chicory coffee and king cake: New Orleans has its own coffee culture. this port city was an important hub for the coffee trade from Central and South America. The French influence can also be seen in many cafes.

Tip: If you are interested in Colombian coffee growing  or want to gain an insight into the world of Brazilian coffee,  to taste the café au lait, which is a real double Espresso is made using Arabica coffee and, of course, adding milk. At the famous Café du Monde in New Orleans, coffee beans are paired with ground chicory roots.

 Roaming in the French Quarter:

this is the oldest and most famous part of the city. This historic district boasts distinctive architecture, cobbled streets, cozy balconies and a rich cultural heritage. The area is full of bars, restaurants and music venues, where the rhythms of jazz can be heard from every corner. Take a stroll through the iconic sites of Jackson Square and St. Luisa Cathedral, which add historical depth to the area. The French Quarter is the true essence of the magic of New Orleans, where the past and the present meet in perfect harmony

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Try the local cocktails

Get a taste of iconic New Orleans. Some of the most popular drinks include the Sazerac, Hurricane and Purple Voodoo Drink. If you only had 3 drinks during your trip, this would be the sample of the trio

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Tip: the most popular Pub tours:

Extra tip for the passengers of the Victoria Residential ship: the ship’s deck music in the Neptun Lounge, the Mix and the Ocean bar, order one of these cocktails to your liking

Pharmacy Museum

Did you know that the first licensed dispensary in the United States is located in New Orleans? The building that houses the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum was built in 1823 and was originally a pharmacy. The first licensed pharmacist, Louis J. Dufilho Jr., opened his pharmacy.

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The museum displays the tools of 19th century pharmacy and historical medical objects such as leech bottles, scalpels and various potions.

  Tip: You can book the tours here Pharmacymuseum

Voodoo tour in the heart of New Orleans

Marie Laveau is the city’s most famous voodoo priestess, often referred to as the „Voodoo Queen.” Tours usually touch on places where she lived, worked, and was spiritually connected, including St. Louis Cemetery NO 1, where Marie Laveau’s grave is located

  Tip:      Voodoo and Vampire Tour

                A Walk in cemetery No.1 of Louis Cemetery

Extra tip: ask your guide about the different spellings of Vodou, Vodoun and Voodoo

Listen to jazz

Jazz in New Orleans is not just music, but an integral part of culture, history and lifestyle. Visit Bourbon Street, this famous street in the French Quarter is full of jazz bars and clubs where you can hear live music almost every day. If you don’t want to wander alone, you should book your tour here  Tremé African American and Creole History Tour https://gyg.me/e3K4OxJC

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Tip: if you manage to stumble upon a New Orleans jazz funeral, don’t miss it

Mardi Gras

Traditionally, it celebrates the period before Lent, i.e. the carnival season, which according to the Christian calendar is the last big celebration before Lent. In total, the festivities last for 2 weeks, but culminate in colorful parades during the 5 days surrounding Madri Gas. Most of the Parades go down St. Charles Avenue into the central business district. The celebration ends on Bourbon Street when the clock strikes midnight. After that, Lent begins

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Tip: download Calliope Digital’s free Parade Tracker app (available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod) to track your favorite parade in real time

Bonus

Want to visit one of New Orleans’ cemeteries? Please note that you will need a licensed tour guide for the iconic cemeteries

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Tip: Book a cemetery tour here: A Walk in Cemetery No. 1 of Louis Cemetery

Take the St. Charles Streetcar: Hop on a ride from the French Quarter to the Garden District. Streetcars are an iconic part of New Orleans, and it’s definitely worth a ride at least once!

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Tip: bring exact change, because the driver will not return anything

New Orleans is the jewel of the US South, famous for its rich history, diverse culture and unparalleled musical heritage. The city is the birthplace of jazz, with live music on the streets of the cozy French Quarter and nightlife on Bourbon Street. The Mardi Grass festival, with its colorful parades and extravagant costumes, is one of the city’s biggest attractions, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The gastronomy of New Orleans is also special, with the flavors of Creole, Cajun and French cuisine, so gumbo and jambalaya are an unmissable experience. All of this is permeated by the city’s mysterious voodoo tradition, which makes this unique place even more mystical.