Usually associated with jazz music and vibrancy, Louisiana is a favorite state for both Americans and international tourists alike. The state has something for everyone whether you want to listen to live jazz, take an interesting swamp tour, taste lip-smacking Creole cuisine or place a few voodoo spells on your enemies. Indeed, Louisiana is a convenient all-in-one stop for everyone in the family.
Explore: Baton Rouge • Lafayette • Natchitoches • New Orleans
Perhaps the most famous destination in the state, New Orleans attracts a large number of travelers to its thriving Mardi Gras celebration that’s held each year in February. But even if you aren’t in the city for the festival, New Orleans has so many surprises. Meet and greet the quirky musicians and artists that roam about the sidewalk of Jackson Square and head to the colorful French Quarter with its stunning architecture and lovely cafés. Bourbon street is where jazz music comes alive in countless bars and cafés located along the street.
However, if these clichéd venues can’t pump up your adrenaline head for famed alternatives like Garden District, the Aquarium of the Americas or Audubon Zoological Gardens. Brave souls can also take a trip to the Voodoo Spiritual Temple and the Historic Voodoo Museum to learn eerie tricks like ‘Mama Cynthia’ in Kate Hudson’s spine-tingling suspense Skeleton’s Key, which was set in the very heart of New Orleans.
The capital of Louisiana and the second largest city, Baton Rouge boasts a very exciting riverfront where festivals are usually held. Despite being the capital, the city usually plays the role of underdog to New Orleans. The Old State Capitol and the New Capitol Building are the two major landmarks here while Mt Hope Plantation is a fine example of the typical architecture of southeastern Louisiana farmhouses.
In the south of New Orleans is the smaller but no less interesting city of Lafayette where the state’s history is unveiled in the city’s renowned Vermilionville Museum. The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is ideal for those into nature. Do not a miss a cruise down the bayou here in a green wooden boat.
New Orleans International Airport serves a number of domestic flights and some international flights. International tourists usually get a connecting flight from Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta or Houston to get to New Orleans.