Tours

New Orleans is not a big city, but it does have an extensive and dynamic history that can overwhelm the first time tourist, but there are many venues for visitors to successfully experience one of the most captivating places in the world.

Cabildo Near Jackson Square Park, you can tour the Cabildo, where the official transfer of the Louisiana Purchase took place, and St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. Dine at Antoine's. To get a feel for 18th Century living, tour the Old Ursulines Convent and Madame John's Legacy, the city's oldest buildings.

Musee Conti Wax Museum Visit the Musee Conti Wax Museum, then the Historic Voodoo Museum, and the Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum above Arnaud's Restaurant on Bienville. Mardi-Gras paraphernalia and memorabilia are also on display, along with an impressive jazz exhibition, at the Old U. S. Mint.

Magazine Street Walk down Magazine Street and browse the many shops. Then walk over to Julia Street, an area recently dubbed the Arts District in honor of the Contemporary Art Center, which honors local artists with exhibitions and performances. Dine at Casamento's. Two major museums in this area are the National D-Day Museum and the Confederate Museum. After browsing the eclectic shops and galleries along Magazine Street, walk a few blocks over to St. Charles Avenue and catch a ride on the famous New Orleans Streetcar. Sit back and enjoy the voyage along the most scenic avenue in the city in one of these ancient streetcars which are an integral part of the city's history.

Garden District This is a gorgeous area of the city, lush with crepe myrtles, magnolia trees, and jasmine bushes. It is truly a stroller's paradise. There are also many small galleries in this area. Visit the Davis Gallery, the Cole Pratt Gallery and the Mario Villa Gallery. Dine at the Upperline Restaurant. Also be sure to check out the displays at The George & Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art.

New Orleans City Park Louis Armstrong Park is a nice place to spend a few hours. The St. Louis Cemetery Number Two is on Esplanade Avenue, just before New Orleans City Park. Grab a bite at Venezia. The Park is home to the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Botanical Gardens.

New Orleans has a long list of commercial tour packages that cover every conceivable angle of the city's historical highlights.

Walking Tours Magic Walking Tours ( +1 504 588 9693/ http://www.neworleansmagictours.com/ ) Haunted History Tours ( +1 504 861 2727/ http://www.hauntedhistorytours.com/ ) Historic New Orleans Walking Tours ( +1 504 947 2120/ http://www.tourneworleans.com/ )

Wildlife Tours Cajun Pride Swamp Tour ( +1 800 467 0758/ http://www.cajunprideswamptours.com/ )

Culinary Tours New Orleans Culinary History Tours ( +1 504 427 9595/ http://www.noculinarytours.com/ )

Bus Tours Gray Line Tours ( +1 504 569 1401/ http://www.graylineneworleans.com/ )

Boat Tours Robin Street Wharf ( +1 504 522 2551 )

Ghost Tours Haunted History Tours ( +1 504 861 2727/ http://www.hauntedhistorytours.com/ )