New Orleans, founded in 1718, is a city rich in culture and history, often called the birthplace of jazz. Its unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences has shaped everything from its music and cuisine to its architecture. The French Quarter, the city's oldest neighborhood, is home to the famous Bourbon Street and vibrant Creole townhouses with wrought-iron balconies. Every spring, New Orleans hosts Mardi Gras, a centuries-old celebration marked by parades, masquerade balls, and colorful beads that draw millions of visitors from around the world.

Beyond the party scene, New Orleans is also known for its resilience. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, much of the city was devastated by flooding, but the community came together to rebuild and revitalize. Today, it’s a hub for artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs. The city sits below sea level and is protected by one of the most complex levee systems in the world. It's also home to the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world—the St. Charles Avenue Line—which dates back to 1835 and still rumbles through the city today.