Travel with the Falcons: New Orleans

Travel

What to do in New Orleans.

Traveling to New Orleans to watch the Falcons? The Big Easy is an easy to fall in love with if you like nightlife, good food and jazz music. The Superdome, home of the Saints, opened way back in 1975. It is the largest domed structure in the world.

Jackson Square is the historic heart of New Orleans and a longtime National Historic Landmark. An iconic statue of Battle of New Orleans hero and future U.S. President Andrew Jackson dominates the city block-sized park. The large building -- St. Louis Cathedral -- is the oldest in the country. Jackson Square is located near the French Quarter and faces the Mississippi River.

Jackson Square may be the historic heart of New Orleans, but Bourbon Street is the heart of the hard partying French Quarter. Street musicians, bars, shops, and loads of tourists ply the busy thoroughfare all day and all night ... until police officers on horseback arrive and run everyone off. The street, named for France's once-upon-a-time ruling family, could be renamed "Cheap Booze" Street. New Orleans few strip clubs are also in the area, though none can hold a candle to Atlanta's.

Chicory Coffee isn't everyone's cup of ... errr ... tea, but the French pastries known as beignets usually are. The Jackson Square location is a great place to take a break and it's open 24/7.

The Mississippi River runs through New Orleans, and played a huge part in the city's history. The Riverfront area is near the French Quarter and offers great views of the mighty river and historic paddle-wheelers plying the muddy waters. After the mile-long walk along the river, consider a steamboat ride.

New Orleans' quaint streetcars are the oldest in the U.S. There are four lines, but tourists generally ride the St. Charles line that connects the French Quarter, Garden District and neighborhoods near Tulane and Loyola universities. The Riverfront line runs along the Mississippi River and includes the tourist-friendly area of Riverwalk.

Casinos are kind of new to New Orleans but have rapidly become a tourist favorite. Harrah's Casino and Hotel is located just south of Canal Street (which is just south of Jackson Square) near the river, so it is easily accessible.

The Columns Hotel epitomizes Old South elegance. Sipping mint juleps and other classic cocktails in the Victorian Lounge Bar or on the large porch during happy hour for a treat you will always remember. The historic hotel is located on St. Charles Avenue.

Romantic horse drawn carriages are everywhere, but most notable in the French Quarter and the Garden District, home to the best-preserved historic Southern mansions in the U.S. Located on high ground, the Garden District (which should be called the Victorian Mansion District) did not suffer as much as other neighborhoods during and after Hurricane Katrina. The world-famous Commander's Palace restaurant is here but you will need a reservation.

Tired of the nightlife? The National World War II museum is easily accessible by the St. Charles streetcar and is crammed with artifacts from the "Big One." The museum focuses on the U.S.'s involvement in the war, particularly the Normandy Invasion. Planes, tanks and many other instruments of war are on display.

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Traveling to New Orleans to watch the Falcons? The Big Easy is an easy to fall in love with if you like nightlife, good food and jazz music. The Superdome, home of the Saints, opened way back in 1975. It is the largest domed structure in the world.

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Allyson Phillips (center), Laken Riley’s mother, prays at UGA’s Tate Plaza on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, during a memorial service for her daughter. Riley was attacked on Feb. 22, 2024 while running in Oconee Forest Park on the UGA campus and killed. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

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Photos: Cedar Grove defeats Cairo in first round of state tournament

PHOTOS: See the 'Places in Peril' across Georgia for 2026

PHOTOS: Tyler Reddick wins again at Autotrader 400

PHOTOS: Hundreds honor Laken Riley with 5K, memorial on UGA campus