Perhaps the most 'foreign' and exotic of all American cities, New Orleans is a world in itself. French, Spanish, West Indian, and African influences have combined to produce a masterpiece of balconied colonial homes and ante-bellum mansions, Creole seafood delicacies and a pinch of voodoo, all accompanied by the immortal rhythms of jazz, which were invented here.

New Orleans is known especially for music history, culinary delights and its world-famous Mardi Gras celebration.  The most visited attractions in the city, including the Faubourg Marigny, French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street, Garden District, Audubon Park and Zoo and St. Charles Avenue, were largely spared from hurricane damage and the city is encouraging visitors. According to the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, "The historic and cultural experience that attracts more than 10 million people to New Orleans each year is as rich, charming and welcoming as ever. There are more than 27,000 hotel rooms here, and our famed restaurants and music clubs are humming. The 150th anniversary of Mardi Gras was a coming out party for the city, which just celebrated an equally historic New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. It’s no surprise that the New York Times recently named New Orleans the “Comeback of the Year.” "