Royal Street is one of the oldest streets in the city, well known for its businesses that deal in antiques and artwork from all over the world. This impressive street is surrounded by French and Spanish colonial architecture on all sides and emanates a distinct old-worldly look. The shops dotting this street are filled with consumers having an eye for quality, authenticity and detail. The quality of the merchandise is unmatched and sometimes, just talking to the shop owners can be an educative experience. Make this street your next shopping destination for all that is antique and unique.
Mardi Gras World is where Mardi Gras comes to life with the creation of Mardi Gras floats. Here, you can catch the artists and builders of the world-famous floats hard at work. There is a gift shop where you can buy Carnival memorabilia, so you can say you have seen Mardi Gras and have something to show for it. Mardi Gras World is a fun trip for children, as a chest full of costumes affords them the chance to dress in true Carnival style. When in town, Mardi Gras World makes for an unmissable family attraction.
Located adjacent to the Louisiana Superdome, this arena serves as a venue for concerts, festivals, conventions, banquets, exhibits and trade shows. It is also home to the New Orleans Hornets and a number of sporting events like the Nokia Sugar Bowl Basketball Classic. Check out the Smoothie King Center for some of New Orleans' biggest events.
The center of all cultural activities, the French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. The city of New Orleans was built around the main square of what was then known as the Vieux Carré, after the city's founding in 1718. However, most of the area's buildings come from the early 19th Century, when the city was acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. Although originally settled by French Creoles, by the early 20th Century they were mostly gone from the French Quarter, and bohemian culture began to boom in the area. Architectural delights like Jackson Square and its Saint Louis Cathedral are highlights of the neighborhood. The French Quarter's single most famous landmark, Bourbon Street, is a nightlife mainstay, being the main drag of Mardi Gras celebrations. Replete with rich architectural history and cultural implications, the French Quarter truly encapsulates New Orleans' vibrant spirit.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a world-class aquarium with fascinating, state-of-the-art exhibits that allow visitors both young and old to experience underwater nature first-hand. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the major marine and submarine habitats of North and South America, including the Caribbean Sea and the Amazon Rainforest. The aquarium also features thousands of fish, reptiles, and birds native to these habitats. Kids can especially enjoy the experience of looking at colorful fish and even touching some beautiful aquatic creatures such as sting rays.
This structure was built between 1795 and 1799 to house the city council when New Orleans was a possession of Spain. Today, the Cabildo is one of the flagships of the Louisiana State Museum. Interactive exhibits illustrate the history of Louisiana from European explorations to the post Civil War Reconstruction era. This stunning museum is located on Jackson Square near the St. Louis Cathedral. Group tours are available. Here, you can explore local and regional artifacts that explore aviation history, hurricanes, sports legends, architecture, art, and more.