New Orleans: Visiting the Birthplace of Jazz

Visiting New Orleans is stepping into a vibrant tapestry of cultures, flavors, and rhythms. Well-known for its rich history, eclectic architecture, and legendary music scene, the city pulses with an energy that captivates many travelers from around the world. Welcome to New Orleans, Louisiana!

A city street in New Orleans.

My boyfriend planned this spontaneous trip to New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had no idea, but we came during Mardi Gras. I was ecstatic, but my Russian boyfriend, however, had no idea that Mardi Gras was. That gave us both a good laugh for the start of the trip.

Cafe Beignet

(Pictured: Enjoying some famous beignets at Cafe Beignet.)

Café Beignet is nestled in the heart of New Orleans and offers an authentic taste of freshly made beignets—pillowy, golden pastries dusted with powdered sugar. They were heavenly!

(Pictured: Having lunch at Cafe Amelie.)

New Orleans cuisine, known for its bold flavors, might not be for everyone. The city's food scene is dominated by spicy Creole and Cajun dishes, like gumbo and jambalaya. I grew up in a half-Korean household and I love spicy food, however, I have never really enjoyed these sorts of southern flavors. Seafood lovers might enjoy the abundance of shrimp, crawfish, and oysters, but if you're not a fan of shellfish, the options can feel limited. Even the famous po'boys and beignets, might not appeal to everyone due to their heavy, fried nature. Of all the destinations I have been to, I found New Orleans to be the hardest to find something that sounded good to me cuisine-wise. Now note, this is strictly personal to me and there are plenty of people who feel the exact opposite.

I loved the buildings in New Orleans.

The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. Its narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings adorned with intricate ironwork balconies. The district buzzes with life, from the lively sounds of jazz spilling out of bars to the tantalizing aromas of Creole cuisine wafting from restaurants. With landmarks like Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the bustling Bourbon Street, the French Quarter offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the heart of New Orleans.

(Pictured: Taking a stroll around the French Quarter.)

If you walk enough, you will eventually find the shores of the Mississippi River. This was very exciting for me to see in person, although it wasn't the prettiest body of water I have ever laid eyes on.

View of the Mississippi River

Taking a jazz riverboat cruise in New Orleans was a super exciting way to experience the city's storied connection to the Mississippi River and its rich musical heritage. As you glide along the river on a classic paddlewheel steamboat, the soulful sounds of live jazz music fill the air, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The scenic views of the city skyline and historic landmarks add to the charm, making it a perfect outing for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely daytime cruise or a romantic evening voyage, a jazz riverboat cruise offers a quintessential New Orleans experience. Plus, they served drinks! Whoo hoo!

(Pictured: Enjoying our riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River.)

Walking down Bourbon Street in the daytime.

Typically, Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras is an exhilarating spectacle of color, music, and beads. Typically, this celebration features parades, floats, and people drinking and dressed up in costumes. Although New Orleans was decorated for this event during our visit, because this was during COVID-19, this street was actually shut down by the police. We decided to make the most of it, however, and stroll around anyways.

(Pictured: Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras decorations.)

One thing that I thought was very unique about New Orleans was how their cemeteries are laid out. Typically, you see people buried beneath the ground, but here everything is above the ground as pictured below. I am not sure why, but I thought this was cool.

(Pictured: Cemeteries in New Orleans.)

New Orleans is a city that I believe truly stands alone. You are never going to visit another place on earth exactly like it. With its rich history and culture, there is so much to discover here during a trip. What are you waiting for? Come plan your next trip to New Orleans, Louisiana!

The Mississippi River at night.