New Orleans has always been a see-it-while-it’s-still-there sort of destination. The city has always been surrounded by water, and mad-as-hell hurricanes have always threatened to whid in off the Gulf of Mexico. From the beginning, Mother Nature has had her own plans for the sinking, bowl-like floodplains, reclaimed swamps and natural levees on which the city stands. New Orleanians don’t just live with that fact. They’ve made high art out of it. Their city has always been a rare, tragic beauty. And, Katrina be damned, New Orleans is still here, folks, with its swelling love of life and a new, fresh eye on the future.

Get back to the Big Easy, baby! Always unique, New Orleans is on the rebound with its gumbo pot of eclectic arts, legendary live music, Southern hospitality and unbeatable cuisine. Our longtime New Orleans author ladles out tips on how best to savor this essential, historic American city.

Introducing New Orleans

City Life

Mardi Gras & Jazz Fest

Arts

Architecture

Music

Food

History

The Wrath of Katrina

Sights

Walking Tours

Eating

Entertainment & Nightlife

Shopping

Sleeping

Excursions

Directory

Glossary

Index

Maps

Rebuilding New Orleans