The Big Easy
Exploring Nola
The French Market
1791 That's when the French market started, and it's still a thing today. This public flea market operates every day from 9 am to 6 pm. It has restaurants and shopping experiences boasting wear from all over the place. We saw African wares, a Christmas store, Latin goods, a soap company, handmade lace, just an eclectic mix as booming as the city itself. There's a lot to see, plus the original iconic Cafe Du Monde is here, so it is worth the visit.
Jackson Square and Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Jackson Square and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis are located just down the road from the French market. It's the site where the 1803 Louisiana Purchase happened. Right in the middle sits a statue of Andrew Jackson on a horse looming over the park. It's the city's central hub, filled with visitors, voodoo tours, and many people just hanging out in the beautiful space. The park faces the cathedral, which is open to walk in and explore when mass is not being held. In your head, you know the park is large, and the cathedral is massive, but standing in front of it, you get a grand-scale idea of all the history right there. Even more so, it's where you can find a cute little boutique store intermingled with street art vendors, museums flanking the space, tarot card readers in front of the cathedral, and beautiful trees in the area for hundreds of years, all in this one place. As odd as it seems to say, it all fits. They all melt together seamlessly.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans, which is apparent on every corner and down every street. I didn't know starting out that the daytime offers just as much to see as the nighttime does. Streets are tight, old, and busy, but right there, in the French Quarter, I found the BEST restaurant-made vegan burger I've ever had. The area is fascinating; around one corner, you see nothing but bars and local art, hear musicians playing on the street just because, then turn another, and there are spooky voodoo shops and signs for ghost tours. Honestly, it is a pick-your-poison experience. Also, when in the area, go visit the site of Marie Laveau's original house or Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo to learn something historic and uniquely New Orleans.