AMERICAN travelers can get a taste of the most romantic city in the world without ever leaving the States. The French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana , boasts Paris' influence in its music, food, and architecture - and visitors don't have to pay the European airfare price for the City of Love experience. Known as the Crown Jewel of New Orleans , the historic French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in the city.
Nola was developed in 1718 around the district's central square, which is called Vieux Carré, or Old Square in English. The area, especially famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, resembles France because the city was founded by French colonists so they could control commerce on the Mississippi River. While it may not be as chic as walking along the Seine or seeing the Eiffel Tower, travelers can still have a bohemian adventure by wandering around Bourbon Street.
READ MORE ON NEW ORLEANS Visitors can start off their trip with coffee and pastries from the historic Café Du Monde, which is famous for its French-style beignets. For dinner, you can try Antoine's Restaurant's iconic French-Creole cuisine, which is considered the city's oldest restaurant since it opened in 1840. You'll likely hear music with French influences from street performers or coming out of venues while walking the roads of New Orleans, which is considered the birthplace of jazz.
Jazz music's origins started in the 18th century when slaves in the New Orleans area would gather in the city's Con.