Tour Historic New Orleans

The name “New Orleans” brings to mind the soulful sound of the saxophone, street performers, Mardi Gras masks and sugar-dusted beignets. Home of the Jazz Age, New Orleans, Louisiana offers unforgettable sights and tastes to experience. Here are some of the best spots you won’t want to miss when you visit this alluring city.

Entryway and storefront of the The Two Court Sisters restaurant. — **The French-style architecture** of The Two Court Sisters gives the restaurant a charming continental feel.

Bon Appétit

French culture permeates the streets of New Orleans. More importantly, it flavors the cuisine. On Royal Street, follow the sound of live music and you will find Café Beignet, home of the best beignets in the city.

New Orleans store front of Cafe Beignet filled inside with eating patrons. — **With its cute, classic café appeal**, the sign for Café Beignet attracts the attention of customers on Royal Street.

The café is small, but romantic in both architecture and atmosphere. Its tiny courtyard welcomes customers with bright curved ceilings and white heart-shaped chairs. In most cases, it’s the tempting smell of the beignets that brings people to this quaint café.

Three freshly sugar-dusted beignets displayed on an ornate, green metal chair. — **Indulge your sweet tooth** at Café Beignet, where one order is three freshly sugar-dusted beignets.

Antoine’s Restaurant in the French Quarter is famous for its authentic Creole cuisine as well as its rich history.

New Orleans street front signage of Antoine's restaurant. — **The oldest restaurant in New Orleans**, Antoine’s Restaurant’s sign attests to its long history.

Each room is themed and luxuriously decorated. Waiters are often more than willing to show guests around and explain the restaurant’s history.

The Green Room at Antoine's Room lined with photographs of past Mardi Gras Queens. — **The luxurious green rex room** at Antoine’s Restaurant, named after the Mardi Gras Rex Carnival Krewe, is lined with pictures of past Mardi Gras queens.

The entry to the Mystery Room accented by arched doorways and brick walls. — **A dark wood archway** and brick walls accentuate the theme of The Mystery Room. The book Dinner at Antoine’s by Francis Parkinson Keyes was inspired by this room.

Across the way from Antoine’s, on St. Louis Street, stands Leah’s Pralines, home of the best pralines in New Orleans. Handcrafted daily with fresh ingredients, Leah’s pralines, fudge squares, frosted pecans and their very own praline sauce are world renowned. Be sure to buy a batch for friends back home before you leave.

Historical Hotels

When it comes to accommodations, most hotels in the French Quarter don’t merely offer a room, but a story as well. The Cornstalk Hotel, for instance, was built as a private home in 1816. Since it became a hotel, notable celebrities have stayed within its walls. It’s believed to be the place where Harriet Beecher Stowe was inspired to write Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Black rod iron gate opening to the walkway up to the Cornstalk Hotel. — **With a reputation for being haunted,** the Cornstalk Hotel has hosted a number of guests and even celebrities.

Located on Royal Street is the famous Hotel Monteleone. Established in 1866, the Monteleone has made a name for itself as a luxury hotel.

Street view up at the Hotel Monteleone and fire escapes and balconies of the building next to it. — **The towering** Hotel Monteleone stands out on Royal Street.

The pearl-white walls and eye-popping crystal chandeliers add a regal feel.

Crystal chandelier hanging from an ornate ceiling with a photograph of the hotel's founder, Antonio Montelone on the wall. — **Crystal chandeliers add to the grandeur** of the hotel and illuminate the face of the hotel founder Antonio Monteleone.

Its popular Carousel Bar is the only revolving bar in the entire city. With 25 seats on a rotating bar, guests can enjoy the French Quarter view while sipping their favorite drinks and listening to live jazz music.

The signage for The Carousel Bar on the front window and a view of the people inside the rotating bar. — **Designed as a brightly lit, circus-clad merry-go-round,** the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone, is the only rotating bar in the whole city. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to sit here.

Getting Around

A little insider tip for the popular destinations: Taking a streetcar is your best bet. The St. Charles streetcar will take you straight from the French Quarter to the Garden District. Along the way, snap photos of French-styled buildings, such as St. Louis Cathedral, watch the street performers and watch the sun go down along the Mississippi River.

Pink flowered hedges in the foreground and behind it a majestic white cathedral. — **St. Louis Cathedral’s white majestic walls** beautifully contrast with the lush pink flowers freckling the outside hedges.

Of course, if a streetcar is not your speed you can always take a charming carriage ride.

A mule pulling a carriage behind it walking through the French Quarter. — **For a quintessential French Quarter experience,** take a mule-drawn carriage ride.

All That Jazz

Music can be easily found on every street corner. Live concerts at Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street will give you an experience of authentic jazz music. Established in 1961, Preservation Hall continues to host jazz concerts 350 nights a year.

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