Bourbon Street

Once the main drag of New Orleans, Bourbon Street stretches across the length of the French Quarter. Known as the epicenter of the party, Bourbon Street has been entertaining New Orleans guests and residents since the early 1700s. Visitors flock to Upper Bourbon Street, especially during celebrations such as Mardi Gras, for famous taverns, bars and watering holes. Spend time at some legendary Bourbon Street hangouts such as the Cat's Meow, Razzoo and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop.

Shopping is yet another attraction of this well-known stretch of road. Stop in at tourist shops or restaurants featuring local Creole and Cajun cuisine. After the party, head to the Best Western hotel in the French Quarter of New Orleans for some well-deserved sleep.

French Market

A staple of the French Quarter, the French Market is a lively gathering of goods and groceries nearly two centuries old. Neighboring the Louisiana State Museum's Old U.S. Mint, the market is a stopping point along the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. Browse through hundreds of vendor booths selling everything from souvenirs of New Orleans to fresh produce and fashion.

Stop by the New Orleans Visitor Center, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, or stop in for coffee and Beignets at Café du Monde. The French Market also hosts a number of festivities, so check the calendar for when you're in town, and check into the Best Western hotel in the French Quarter.

Harrah's New Orleans

Settled in the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown New Orleans, Harrah's New Orleans is the casino of the Big Easy. This casino houses over 2,000 slot machines and more than 90 game tables, as well as many eateries and gift shops. Harrah's New Orleans also brings the streets of Crescent City inside, as you'll notice with the impressive Mardi Gras theme.

Harrah's New Orleans gives visitors convenient access to nearby attractions, including the French Quarter with its famed Bourbon Street and French Market. Harrah's also neighbors a Best Western hotel in downtown New Orleans, so hit a few tables, then hit the sack.

Haunted History Tours

Looking for a thrill during your trip to New Orleans? The Haunted History Tours of the French Quarter is your answer. Choose from ghost tours, vampire tours, and voodoo tours set in the after hours of the Vieux Carré. Tours in the Quarter meet at Rev. Zombie's Voodoo Shop - less than a mile south from the Best Western hotel in the French Quarter.

Test your nerves by touring the dark streets of New Orleans' oldest neighborhood, and hear of the spirits of the Big Easy. Haunted History Tours stem outside of the Quarter as well, so check out Haunted Garden District Tours and Cemetery History Tours.

Jackson Square

A National Historic Landmark since 1960, Jackson Square has been an icon of the French Quarter and central New Orleans for two centuries. This open-air courtyard is home to artists, shops, eateries and street performers all ready to impress. Named after President Andrew Jackson, visitors may admire the likeness of President Jackson on horseback, or visit the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo Museum, and the Presbytère Museum.

Stop in for lunch or dinner at Muriel's in Jackson Square - with the ideal contemporary creole menu for a taste of authentic New Orleans. This historic structure allows guests to choose from the bistro, the balcony, the courtyard bar and the séance area for you mystery fans. After dinner, check in to one of two Best Western hotels in the French Quarter, and enjoy the rest of your stay in New Orleans.

Magazine Street

A major avenue in of New Orleans, Magazine Street follows the Mississippi River through the central part of the city and the French Quarter. Magazine Street becomes Decatur Street once it hits the Vieux Carré, and passes past Audubon Park housing Audubon Zoo in uptown New Orleans.

Enjoy your time along Magazine Street and the many area attractions. Rest comfortably with Best Western hotels while visiting New Orleans, where you'll find convenient access to the must-sees of the Quarter.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Jazz up your trip to New Orleans. Since 1970, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, commonly referred to as Jazz Fest, lights up the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots with music, food and shopping. Taking place the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May, previous headliners have included Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Ella Fitzgerald.

Have fun in New Orleans, as you browse through the crafts of artisans from around the world, or sample the treats of local creole cuisine. With a multitude of Best Western hotels in the New Orleans metropolitan areas, you won't have a far drive after the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Old U.S. Mint

Set on the edge of the French Quarter, the Old U.S. Mint, otherwise known as the New Orleans Mint, was first established in the mid 19th century. Listed as a National Historic Landmark and neighboring the famed French Market, the mint is currently a sector of the Louisiana State Museum, and is open to the public. Visitors not only get to enjoy the exhibits of this cultural center, but the fact they are standing in the oldest structure that was formerly a U.S. Mint.

Visit the Old U.S. Mint from Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests may also check out the Louisiana Historical Center on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. After exploring this important structure, check into the nearby Best Western hotel in the French Quarter during your stay in New Orleans.

Saint Louis Cathedral

While in the lively city of New Orleans, include plenty of time for touring some of the well-known landmarks. One such landmark in Jackson Square, is the beautiful Saint Louis Cathedral, an icon of the French Quarter. Constructed in the early 1700s, this historical Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France, remains the country's oldest Catholic cathedral still in use. Although rebuilt and remodeled throughout the years, it is continually being restored to ensure the cathedral will last for many more years to come.

This Greek Revival style cathedral is open to the public, allowing visitors the opportunity to admire the tranquil inner setting inside. Be sure to view its scenic painted ceiling, marble altars and the painting of Saint Louis Venerating the Crown of Thorns.

While at the cathedral, browse the selection of rosaries, statues and various religious items available in the two gift shops or enjoy a self-guided tour of the neighboring Old Ursuline Convent. Once you're done strolling the grounds, check into the nearby Best Western hotel, within walking distance of Saint Louis Cathedral, for an enjoyable night's rest. Schedule plenty of time for touring the vibrant French Quarter area of New Orleans.

Satchmo Summer Fest

One of the most prominent jazz festivals in New Orleans, and even the world, the Satchmo Summer Fest commemorates the one, the only Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. Since 2001, Armstrong's 100th birthday, the streets of the French Quarter has filled with attendees of this beloved celebration. Hosted at the Old U.S. Mint neighboring the French Market, the Satchmo Summer Fest is three days of hot food, and even hotter jazz.

Check out the exhibits, seminars and mini-parades of the festival, then fill up on all famed creole cuisine that only New Orleans can provide. Check into one of many Best Western hotels in New Orleans, and make sure you attend all three days of the Satchmo Summer Fest.