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Endless history, attractive sights, friendly people, great music, delicious food and some of the biggest parties in the world. Yes, we’re talking about New Orleans.
The Big Easy, as it is often called, is a place where time stands still and music and art are everywhere. To experience it in all its glory, without the unbearable heat, consider booking your trip for this winter.
Whether you want to experience the week-long Mardi Gras celebration or discover the hidden charms of the city’s less-visited areas, New Orleans is the perfect winter getaway this year.
Below are 5 reasons why New Orleans is the place to be this winter:
Experience Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a special celebration for the Fat Tuesday holiday. Although some historians say it actually began in nearby Mobile, Alabama, nowhere else is it as celebrated as in New Orleans.
This five-day festival starts well before the official start date. But when it ends on Tuesday, the city will become quiet. Experiencing the incredible energy and celebrations the night before and waking up to the tranquility of the streets is one of the most unique travel experiences you can have.
If you come to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you’ll experience endless live music, parades, late-night parties, and quieter family-friendly events outside the famed debauchery of Bourbon Street.
The entire city features the traditional green, purple and gold colors, creating an unforgettable sea of colors, especially while adorning the city’s incredible architecture.
Green symbolizes faith, gold for power and purple for justice. Together they symbolize a very good time.
In 2024, the party starts on Friday, February 9 and runs until Tuesday, February 13. Don’t forget to book your accommodation early and take into account crowds during your stay.
The unique architecture, food and culture are like nowhere else
New Orleans was first inhabited by native tribes, then the French, then the Spanish, and finally the United States. It was shaped by colonialism, the evil legacy of slavery and the industries of the United States.
These historical events and diverse cultures have shaped the city into what it is today. The city takes you back in time as you walk around and admire the architecture.
What is sometimes more impressive than architecture? It’s food, of course. The city’s dishes were created from a blend of indigenous, African and European cooking traditions and ingredients to create something unique and famously delicious.
Non-stop music and nightlife
Music flows through the streets of New Orleans. It’s the birthplace of American jazz and there are live music venues on almost every corner.
You’ll find parades of marching bands during funeral processions, street performers performing every style of music imaginable, and packed bars and speakeasies full of people letting loose.
For any newcomer to the city, a visit to the famous French Quarter is a must. Establishments such as Preservation Hall, Toulouse Theater and the House of Blues are all places where you can party all night and see the best live music of your life.
This year the city’s popular Jewel of the South bar was added The 50 best bars in the world list. From the famous Sazerac cocktails that combine French absinthe with bourbon to the striking interior, this New Orleans watering hole is something special.
You’re connected everywhere in the US and Canada
There are great deals and plenty of flights connecting New Orleans to other cities in North America. Breeze airways This year, more than a dozen new direct routes have been added between cities like Los Angeles and Tampa, and prices are still low.
However, the city is not only connected by air. You can always turn your trip to the Big Easy into an unforgettable road trip. Several highways, including I-10 and I-55, connect the city to other major cities in the country.
If you’re traveling to a city known for its unique charm, why not take the train? Several cities, including Chicago, LA, New York and soon Mobile, will be connected to New Orleans by rail.
Good weather
Let’s face it: New Orleans can be hot and uncomfortable. The high humidity and scorching heat of summer and much of fall and spring mean that most people on their travel itineraries spend time under the air conditioning.
In winter, however, you can spend all day wandering the streets with pleasant temperatures, often between 50° and 65° Fahrenheit. You may even see snowfall in the city, although this is rare.
Winter is also the time when the North Atlantic Ocean calms down and the threat of tropical storms disappears. New Orleans has been hit by devastating hurricanes throughout history; the last major hurricane was the devastating 2005 Hurricane Katrina.
Besides the small chance of brief snowfalls and morning frosts, winter is the perfect time to experience the city without being exhausted by the heat. You can party longer, see more sights, and spend more time chatting with locals and other travelers.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
