"Travel writer Rick Steves expresses his viewpoint that a well-liked, frequently visited American city, popular among tourists, is the most entertaining within the U.S."
New Orleans, a city that effortlessly blends romance and intrigue, invites visitors to step into a world of colonial architecture, vibrant festivals, and a unique cultural tapestry. Rick Steves, renowned travel guide, highly recommends New Orleans as the "most fun" city in the United States, describing it as a place "bursting with culture and a contagious love of life" that thrives despite heavy tourism.
Founded by French colonists in 1718 and later controlled by the Spanish in 1762, New Orleans' colonial architecture offers a glimpse into its fascinating and diverse history. The city's winding alleyways provide a captivating historical experience, making a trip through them a must for history enthusiasts.
New Orleans offers a unique blend of European influences, evident in its architecture, jazz music, festivals, and cuisine. The city's vibrant culture is steeped in Creole influence, as evident in its unique dialect, mouthwatering cuisine, and beautiful music. Must-try dishes include beignets, gumbo, muffalatas, chargrilled oysters, jambalaya, and a variety of seafood dishes.
For music lovers, Preservation Hall on Bourbon Street is a must-visit. However, the street itself can be excessively bawdy, rowdy, and alcoholic, but it's worth a stroll to absorb the atmosphere, especially during Mardi Gras when it transforms into an epicenter of celebration. For those seeking a less touristy music scene, Frenchmen Street offers top picks like The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, and D.B.A., where live music can be found on almost every corner, with a diverse music scene that includes jazz, funk, rock, blues, and brass musicians.
New Orleans is also famous for its buzzing nightlife and spooky history. Ghost tours are great ways to learn about the mysteries and legends lurking behind almost every corner of the city. Voodoo plays a large part in New Orleans' culture, and visitors can learn more about its traditions at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.
A bus tour of the city provides a broad overview of its attractions, while a cruise down the Mississippi on the steamboat Natchez includes historical narration and points out interesting sights along the way. For a richer experience and reasons to return, Steves encourages visitors to delve deeper into the city's neighborhoods and cultural elements that make New Orleans unique.
In summary, Rick Steves’ top recommendations are to embrace New Orleans’ multi-layered history through its colonial architecture, dive into its vibrant jazz and festival culture, savor its distinctive culinary scene, and explore beyond the typical tourist hubs to understand the soul of the city. New Orleans is a city that some may find a bit much, but it's hard not to fall in love with its unique charm and vibrant energy.
New Orleans' cultural tapestry extends beyond its architecture, offering unique experiences for history enthusiasts and food-and-drink aficionados alike. Must-try dishes include beignets, gumbo, muffalatas, chargrilled oysters, jambalaya, and various seafood dishes, while music lovers should visit Preservation Hall on Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street for a lesser-known, more diverse music scene, or take a stroll down Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras for an unforgettable atmosphere. To delve deeper into the city's soul, visitors can explore its neighborhoods, enjoy live music, take ghost tours, or learn more about voodoo traditions at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.
