Part of a massive land deal brokered primarily by Thomas Jefferson on behalf of the young United States between France and Spain, New Orleans quickly became a wealthy port of call and King of the South leading up to the American Civil War.

Its citizens have always been made up of a unique and diverse cast of characters, including pirates, wealthy plantation owners, former slaves turned masters of voodoo, famous chefs like Emeril Lagasse, and musicians including the late, great Louis Armstrong.

The vibe you get from walking the streets in New Orleans is cut from the same mold that gave us Paris or Barcelona: days tempered by the languid heat and humidity of the American south, and nights filled with revelry, deliciously rich food and boisterous music of all kinds mingling with the cocktails and party favors that tend to always bring the party to the streets.

People also travel to the city for the week-long Mardi Gras celebration in February, as well as the summertime JazzFest, and the autumn’s Voodoo Music Festival all help to spell the city’s motto, which is old as the city itself: “Laissez les bon temps roulez.” (Let the good times roll) – indeed!