While New Orleans is best known for its annual Mardi Gras festival, it is busy all year round, and there is no shortage of things to do.

The French Market District, located inside the French Quarter, is worth a visit, with dozens of tables filled with everything from Mardi Gras masks to vintage clothing and accessories. And, of course, Bourbon Street offers a wide range of food and drinks, from fine wines and spirits to artisanal cheeses and pastries.

For good value cuisine, head to the Gumbo Shop on St. Peter Street or dine in one of the dozens of neighborhoods that evoke vintage New Orleans.

Locals go to Frenchmen Street, just outside the French Quarter, to hear great music, but if you still want more of the New Orleans music scene, head to the city landmark Snug Harbor. If you venture into the French Quarter and have a glass of locally brewed Abita beer, you can enjoy some cool jazz as well. Catch good Zydeco music or make blues, soul, or rock 'n' roll along Bourbon Street.

Local cuisine is one of New Orleans' top attractions, and you can visit dozens of local restaurants in one weekend. Creole and Cajun staples find their place on many Southern cuisine-inspired menus.

The Cabildo was the seat of the Spanish colonial town hall and is now the Louisiana State Museum. Located in the French Quarter, this central park was known as the place where Louisiana gained U.S. territory in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase. This area has a deep history in the South, and there is a rich history to discover in this beautiful Louisiana area.

Several unexpectedly popular tourist destinations are New Orleans' cemeteries that sit above ground because the city is well below sea level. And if you have the chance to visit New Orleans for more than a few days, you should go on a swamp tour, which are nearby and make a fun afternoon adventure.

New Orleans' subtropical climate means you can expect fairly warm weather, but pack an umbrella. The best time to visit is in the fall when the humidity is low and the temperature is mild. Wherever you go, there is always an attraction or event to see.

The famous French Quarter in New Orleans has a lot to offer visitors, but parking can be tricky. Staying in this area means you can walk to most of the attractions, which is a bonus as it is one of the most popular areas in New Orleans.

If you want to enjoy the city's extraordinary nightlife, you can stroll up and down Bourbon Street all throughout the evening and witness fun happening before your eyes. Sports fans will need to keep an eye on the NFL schedule to see if the Saints are playing when they're in town.