Since New Orleans isn’t too far away from both where my family lives and where I went to school, I’ve had the chance to make day trips down several times over the years. On every trip, of course, the main focus was on the French Quarter with its European architecture, lively street performances, world famous cafes and bars, and its constant bustle of activity and fun. These pics all come from trips in 2015 and 2023.
Here is St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter.
Some of the French architecture—with colorful buildings and ornate balconies—throughout the quarter.
More historic buildings and scultpure
A view across the business district towards the Mississippi River bridge
It’s not particularly big, but the New Orleans Audubon zoo is by a large margin one of the most beautifully landscaped and decorated zoos I have ever seen–from its entrance fountain to the Asian architecture elephant pens to its Classical sculpted sealions den and more.
In contrast to the grand balconied structures at the heart of the French Quarter, you can find rows of simple but brightly-colored homes at its outskirts.
Street cars run along the main thoroughfare of Canal Street.
There are also a number of old neighborhoods like the Garden District with classic homes and mansions.
There are lots of fancy hotels throughout the city
and it was fun to splurge a bit and stay in one for a night.