When in Rome do as the Romans do, so the popular saying goes.  In New Orleans, it’s much the same.  Do as the New Orleanians do saturate your feelings in every way, comfort you with its stunning culture and rejoice everything that makes New Orleans America's enthralling yet unique destination.

From the early 16th to the late 17th century New Orleans was witness to a host of inhabitants who came attracted by its proximity to the mighty Mississippi and flourished here.  The French, Spanish, English, the Confederates and finally the Americans left lasting impressions on the city and fashioned the cultural ethos of the city that flourishes to this day. The Haitian revolution of 1791 brought an influx of refugees and several thousands more arrived from the area in Central Africa now known as Benin. In the 19th century, New Orleans was a dominant port in the Caribbean as trade flourished along the river for produce such as fruit, sugarcane, tobacco and run.

In the mid 1800s, New Orleans became a large attraction for visitors with its Parisian couture and fabulous cuisine from around the world. Settlements grew around the French Opera House where theatre and musical companies performed; this area is known as the French Quarter today.  Creole was the term used to describe New Orleans for its amalgamation as a permissive society alongside European immigrants and colonials who flourished as builders and musicians. Today, the people of New Orleans are a mix of French, Spanish, African and West Indian ancestry who refer to themselves as Creoles.

New Orleans' history is synonymous with music, earning the name "Jazz City" with a culture spawning several sub genres of music. The city offers a veritable journey in music; from the clubs, churches, concert halls, streets, everywhere there is music. The pageantry of the Mardi Gras and the beautiful floats is a popular attraction drawing millions of visitors.  Options for entertainment, culture and performing arts are rich and diverse as is the cuisine that ranges from American to Asian, Continental to Chinese, Mediterranean to Mexican, French, Italian, Japanese and Thai.  Several bakeries, barbecues, bistros, coffee shops, bars, fast food places, food carts and family restaurants offering a variety of seafood and Creole cuisine are also famous.

A trip to the French Quarter is a feast for shopping, dining, art, entertainment and architecture. Other must visit tourist spots are the Zoo, Aquarium and Insectarium.  Leisure and sports activities include fishing and golfing.
 
A stunning range of accommodation perfect for every taste and budget is available. Quaint and enchanting boutique properties, homely B&Bs, modern high rises and service apartments offer something for everyone.  All of them provide excellent and classy service with a touch of warmth and that homely feeling that makes you want to come back for more - a complete blend of old world, Southern hospitality.