New Orleans – The Big Easy

The city of New Orleans is located in the American state of Louisiana in the Mississippi River delta. With just under 390,000 inhabitants, New Orleans is neither one of the larger metropolises in the world nor in the USA. Nevertheless, the Mississippi metropolis is not only extremely well known in America, but is also familiar to many people around the world. This is due to the numerous special features of New Orleans, which also make the city a popular destination among city holidaymakers. Some of the attractions that make New Orleans so well-known and popular are briefly described below.

History of the Big Easy

The history of the city begins in the early 18th century. At that time, Louisiana was still a French colony and the Frenchman “Jeane Baptiste Le Moyne” recognised that the area on the Mississippi was a good trading centre. A small settlement called “La Nouvelle Orléans” was therefore founded. The assumption that trade could flourish at this location, which was very well-connected to the river, proved to be correct and more and more people moved to the settlement. At first, it was mainly the French, but later more and more Spaniards and Creoles also settled here. In the early 19th century, the city was taken over by the USA, which led to more Anglo-Americans settling in what is now New Orleans.

In the period that followed, trade flourished, and the city grew in importance. After the American Civil War, its popularity increased again and New Orleans attracted numerous immigrants from Europe. After all, the city’s reputation for prosperity preceded it. This wealth also meant that many inhabitants enjoyed life and liked to spend their money on amusements. As a result, more and more brothels, bars, and gambling halls opened, which is why New Orleans became associated with easy living. This also led to the name: “The Big Easy”, as New Orleans is still called today.

Anzeige

Sightseeing in New Orleans

Anyone visiting an interesting metropolis usually wants to see some sights of the city in question. This is, of course, also possible in New Orleans. There are some exciting buildings that are worth a detour. These buildings are not only worth seeing, but also reflect an aspect of the city’s history, i.e. the influence of the various cultures of the immigrant city. The “Madame John’s Legacy” house clearly recognises the “Lousiana Colonial Style” typical of the state. The Creole influence is reflected in the “Hermann-Grima House”, which was built in the so-called “Federal Style”. The fact that European immigrants also characterise the cityscape can be seen, for example, in the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral. This gleaming white religious building was built in the “Greek Revival style”. The Victorian architectural style is also frequently represented in New Orleans. One example is the “Gallier House” in the famous “Bourbon Street”.

In addition to buildings worth seeing, city tourists should also visit a few other attractions. After all, New Orleans has some interesting parks and zoological facilities that are well worth a visit. There is the “City Park” directly in the city, which is perfect for relaxing a little during sightseeing tours. Just outside the city is the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, a huge park. Visitors can not only go for a walk there, but also take part in guided boat tours. These tours lead through marshlands and, with a bit of luck, participants can observe alligators, snakes, or turtles in their natural environment. These and other animals can also be found in the Audubon Zoo, although there are enclosures separating visitors and animals. It is also fascinating to visit the Aquarium of the Americas, an aquarium where you can marvel at many aquatic creatures.

Museum-goers will also find exciting exhibitions in New Orleans. Art lovers, for example, should pay a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art. This art museum exhibits works from a wide range of eras. From contemporary art to exhibits dating back to the time before Christ, everything can be found there. Museum visitors can also marvel at works of art by great masters such as “Renoir” or “Gauguin”. The “Historic New Orleans Collection” museum, on the other hand, is of more interest to tourists interested in history. This exhibition provides extremely comprehensive information about the eventful history of New Orleans.

Anzeige

Cultural highlights of the Mississippi metropolis

City tourists who want to immerse themselves in the special New Orleans way of life should definitely visit the old town, also known as the “French Quarter”. This area is the best place to experience the culture and the certain lightness of the “Big Easy”. City tourists can get a taste of this by strolling through the neighbourhood’s shopping streets. However, the lightness becomes really tangible when you immerse yourself in the nightlife of the Mississippi metropolis. An evening stroll along Bourbon Street, the city’s entertainment mile, is highly recommended. Countless catering establishments such as restaurants, bars and various establishments with live music provide varied entertainment. Incidentally, live jazz music is played in many pubs, as this style of music originated in New Orleans. One of these establishments is the extremely well-known “Preservation Hall”.

If you are in New Orleans at carnival time, you have an entirely different opportunity to get to know the culture and lifestyle of the people of New Orleans. After all, the carnival event “Mardi Gras” always takes place at this time. The celebrations last for around two weeks and end on Shrove Tuesday. Visitors to the city have the opportunity to take part in various celebrations, events, balls, and parades.