Amazing 27 photos from the New Orleans, USA

The city of New Orleans is known for many things: jazz music, delicious Creole cuisine, and stunning architecture. The southern city is also steeped in history thanks to its well-preserved neighborhoods like the famous French Quarter, which dates back to the 1700s. Keep scrolling to see what you shouldn't miss on your next visit to the Big Easy.

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The French Quarter is New Orleans' oldest neighborhood. It was established by the French in 1718, which is why it's also known as the Vieux Carré (old square in French).

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Just like the city itself, the neighborhood is a true melting pot, with not only French influences, but also Italian, Spanish, African, and Irish.

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The architecture is striking and, ironically, mostly Spanish, since most of the neighborhood was rebuilt after a fire in the late 1700s, when the city was under Spanish rule. The buildings boast colorful shutters that open out onto balconies that feature intricate ironwork and pretty plants.

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Bourbon Street lies in the heart of the French Quarter. Its unmistakable neon signs lead to some of the best nightlife in the city.

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It's also known as the focal point of Mardi Gras.

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Arguably, New Orleans is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, which last for two weeks during the second half of February and include music, parades, and beads...

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...and plenty of drinking and partying. It's a great time to visit if that's your thing.

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All that partying will put you in the mood for a po' boy sandwich, a Louisiana staple that's served on a sub roll and can be filled with anything from fried shrimp to roast beef. Parkway Tavern and Grill is a favorite among locals.

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Jackson Square is another must-see in the French Quarter. The square was originally called the Place d'Armes...

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... but it was later renamed to honor General Andrew Jackson, who won the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. Besides the general's statue, the square also features the St. Louis Cathedral and beautiful gardens.

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Historic horse-drawn carriages line the square. The carriages are a fun way to see the surrounding neighborhood.

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Or you can hop on the St. Charles Streetcar line, which is the oldest operating streetcar line in the world.

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The line has been in operation since the early 1800s, and the trains still have wooden seats and no air conditioning.

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No trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at Café Du Monde.

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The restaurant is known for its beignets — square French doughnuts piled high with powdered sugar — and their chicory coffee.

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The original café was opened in 1862. The wait staff still wears these signature hats today.

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The French Quarter isn't the only neighborhood that's home to stunning architecture. The historic homes in the Garden District are part of the Southern charm that permeates the city.

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The Garden District is also home to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, the oldest of the seven city-owned cemeteries in New Orleans. The maze of above-ground tombstones will make you feel as though you're stepping into another era.

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If you find yourself in the Garden District and in the mood for brunch, head to Commander's Palace Restaurant.

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First opened in 1880, the restaurant is an institution, and the perfect spot for elegant Creole cuisine and great jazz music.

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You'll hear jazz all over New Orleans. The city's rich cultural history greatly contributed to the birth of early jazz music.

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The city is full of piano bars, and many of them feature "dueling" pianos.

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Another one of New Orleans' essential restaurants, Napoleon House, has been around since 1914. It started off as the house of Nicholas Girod, who was the city's mayor in the early 1800s.

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Ordering the house's muffuletta is a must. The sandwich is stacked with deli meat, cheese, and olive salad all piled onto Italian bread.

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The New Orleans, USA

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Welcome to New Orleans...