We love to talk about travel, but we also like to talk about the places you enjoy traveling to the most. To get to know the cities you frequent, we put out our feelers. We surveyed Americans on our AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia® Facebook channel, asking which U.S. destinations are your favorite to visit.
The results are in, and the majority of respondents picked New Orleans! What’s so great about it? See for yourself! And in the meanwhile, here are some tips for exploring the city at its finest.
Eat:
Wondering where to eat in New Orleans? There’s no better way to start your day in town than with some sugary, powdery goodness at Café Du Monde. Here you’ll find the most scrumptious beignets. Pair your deep-fried pastries with some coffee and chicory (an endive plant that adds a chocolatey flavor). The original coffee shop opened in 1862, but now there are several locations sprinkled around town.
For lunch and dinner, crawfish, gumbos, and po’boys are on the menu. The Original Cajun Seafood boasts some of the tastiest in town, and it’s no doubt where the locals eat in New Orleans. The best part of all? There are three locations in NOLA, so you won’t be embarrassed when you find yourself going back for every meal.
Play:
Looking to explore the city in a unique way? Spend an evening aboard the Creole Queen. Let the sound of Dixieland jazz music serenade you, as you cruise along the mighty Mississippi River. Dine on Creole cuisine and search the shoreline for the city’s most famous landmarks.
Next, get to know a slightly spooky side to New Orleans with a Cemetery & Voodoo Walking Tour. During the adventure, the guides will reveal local legends and the history behind Creole burial customs and Voodoo magic. You’ll see this city in a whole new way!
Perhaps the best way to experience NOLA is with a stroll around town, listening for the sound of live music drifting out of venues and lingering on street corners. Nearly anywhere is a good place for an impromptu concert, but start your music hunt on Frenchmen Street. From there, rent a bike and venture to other nearby districts, following the sounds of music.
Stay:
When it comes to where to stay in New Orleans, the options are endless. Consider stepping into the charming setting of the Inn on St. Ann that dates back to 1830. Steeped in history, this cozy accommodation invites you to sit under the shade of the oak tree in the courtyard and admire its architecture and antique décor.
Another option is to stay at the lovely Ace Hotel. Decked out with three restaurants, a pool, and even a nightclub, you may find yourself tempted not to leave the hotel grounds. The local attractions are too good to miss though, from Lafayette Square to the National WWII Museum.
New Orleans is teeming with adventure, history, and delicious cuisine. Find out for yourself why this city was voted the top destination!
Header Image via Yelp/Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
