The Julia Street Cruise Terminal at New Orleans, Louisiana

Jackson Square

Jackson Square lies at the center of New Orlean’s celebrated French Quarter, the sole intact French/Spanish era settlement standing in the United States. Several important buildings surround the square, like the 1795 Cabildo, the place where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803, the 1724 St Louis Cathedral, with beautiful St Anthony's garden and the 1791 Presbytére, today the Mardi Gras museum.

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street, lined with hotels, bars, boutiques, strip clubs, jazz club and restaurants, is the best known street in New Orleans. Visit Pat O'Brien's bar, famous for its cocktail known as the Hurricane. Relax at the Old Absinthe House, where in 1874 the infamous Absinthe House Frappe was devised by the owner - sip some Herbsaint, a lawful alternative to Absinthe. Call at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, now a bar, located in a 1722 creole cottage.

Moonwalk

New Orlean’s enjoyable riverwalk, named the Moonwalk, starts at the small Artillery park above Jackson square. The walk heads southwards, following the west bank of the Mississippi, as far as Canal Street. The path is a popular spot for street performers and you’ll probably hear jazz playing, and see human statues, escape artists and clowns.

St Louis Cemetery No 1

The 18th century raided cemeteries of New Orleans are unique in the United States. The beginnings of the above ground crypts is disputed, some say it may be due to the high water table, others that it was a Spanish Roman Catholic custom. In St Louis Cemetery No 1 Voodoo followers spookily mark voodoo queen Marie Laveau’s tomb with three Xs to cast spells. It’s a short walk from the French Quarter to the cemetery.

St Charles Streetcar

The celebrated St Charles Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world. The streetcar’s route is a 7 mile journey starting at Canal Street then going along the complete length of St Charles Avenue to Carondelet Avenue. As the tram goes down St Charles Avenue you’ll see dozens of historic New Orleans mansions in the leafy Garden district.