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<\/div>\nWalk Down Bourbon Street!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the saying goes, \u201cWhen in Rome, do as Romans do.\u201d If you want to soak up the culture of New Orleans, there are few sacrosanct activities (and lifestyle choices) that peg you as a connoisseur of the culture. And don\u2019t be afraid if these are considered too predictable, or too \u201ctouristy.\u201d<\/p>\n \nHere are a few ways you can soak up the flavor of New Orleans:<\/p>\n \nParticipate in Mardi Gras<\/strong><\/p>\n \nThe Mardi Gras<\/a><\/strong> (Fat Tuesday) celebrations in New Orleans is among the best in the world, but be prepared for crowds. This is one of the main reasons to book discount airfare<\/a><\/strong> and visit New Orleans during the year, and a time where the city comes alive with music, masks and merriment. It\u2019s not that the party doesn\u2019t go on during other times of the year; it\u2019s just that Mardi Gras<\/em> is extra special and people go all out on that evening.<\/p>\n \nTake a Walk Down Bourbon Street<\/strong><\/p>\n \nIt\u2019s not a visit to New Orleans without walking through Bourbon Street, situated in the heart of New Orleans\u2019 oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter. It\u2019s famous for its bars and strip clubs, and features more Spanish than French influences on its architecture because although the French claimed Louisiana as a colony in the 1690s, a big fire broke out in 1788, destroying the city\u2019s buildings. The Spanish rebuilt many of the damaged buildings.<\/p>\n \nSoak up the Jazz<\/strong><\/p>\n \nNew Orleans is not the sole birthplace of jazz, but certainly the most famous, with artists that include Jelly Roll Morton and others. Jazz still oozes from every corner on Bourbon Street, and nightclubs. It is part of feeling alive in the city, and Sunday Jazz brunches and dinners (e.g. the legendary ones at Arnaud\u2019s Restaurant) are not to be missed.<\/p>\n \nSoak up the Creole Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n \nThis culture particularly sought to avoid Americanization, and while many people thought the culture was one of loose morals and such (hence the spread of several bars and brothels in the early period of New Orleans\u2019 history), it\u2019s really a great area for Creole food.\n<\/p>\n