When you see the colours of purple, green and gold combined, you should only be able to think of one place: New Orleans! Located in the US state of Louisiana, New Orleans is a major port city of the country and is one of the oldest regions in the United States. Boasting a strong multicultural and multilingual heritage, as well as a strong presence of cuisine, architecture and music, New Orleans is often referred to as the most unique city in America!

New Orleans is the perfect destination for your next driving holiday because there is just so much to see and do here that you really do need a car to take it all in. If you decide to fly into this great city, there are two central locations from which you can pick up your rental car. However, if you wish to make this a road trip to remember, there are hundreds of locations across the country from which you can begin your driving journey. Upon arrival in New Orleans, you will discover the best music, cocktail hours, flea markets, antique shopping, nightlife and cheap food in the country. To narrow it down for you, here are a few of the city's best highlights:

1. The Museums

With so much culture and history, it is no surprise that New Orleans is brimming to the rim with historical and contemporary museums that depict the essence of American life. The National World War II Museum is a must-see for history lovers and patriots, depicting the American spirit through oral histories, powerful images and extraordinary artefacts.

For a more upbeat taste of this amazing city, the more contemporary museums are sure to offer something unique. The Presbytere celebrates the history of the Mardi Gras and is a colourful collection of the carnival's past, present and future. The American Italian Museum is also another interesting attraction to visit as it tells of the history of the Italian Americans in the Southeast. A visit to these places will allow visitors to gain an understanding of the growth and development of this uniquely vibrant city.

2. Mardi Gras

There are probably few people in the Western World that haven't at least heard of the celebration that is Mardi Gras! As one of the most famous Carnival celebrations in the world, Mardi Gras draws in millions of visitors each year and is regarded as the greatest free show on earth. This celebration of parades is unique in that it always varies in which specific subject it is depicting. The parades range from children's stories, legends, geography and famous people, to entertainment, mythology and contemporary and traditional literature. Mardi Gras is a celebration of parades, an abundance of beads and plenty of fun; definitely something you should see at least once in a lifetime!

3. New Orleans Music

As the birthplace of jazz, it's fairly safe to say that the music in New Orleans is one of the main drawing cards of the city. Home to music greats such as Louis Armstrong and Lenny Kravitz, New Orleans is a melting pot of musical inspirations and innovations. There seems to be music coming from every building, street corner and festival ground, with street performers, intimate clubs and jazz festivals, a prominent part of the local culture. Music holds a strong presence within the New Orleans community and holds the people together. Some may even say that it is the glue that keeps the city from falling apart, as it is a constant reminder of the history and past of this wonderful region.

4. The French Quarter

The land of the Creoles, more commonly known as the French Quarter, is bounded by Canal Street, Esplanade Avenue, Rampart Street and the Mississippi River. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon of driving, with stunning architecture and cathedrals looming overhead. Drive through the colourful streets and alleys and you will come across over 300 restaurants, a French market and some interesting hidden boutiques. This is the perfect place to get in touch with the roots of New Orleans and discover precisely what makes this city so unique and interesting.

5. Cajun Country

Cajun country is the heart of French culture in Louisiana and is the perfect location to drive to in your rental car. Driving through this country will take you past wild cypress swamps and some stunning scenery that is unique to this part of the country. Cross the Mississippi River on an impressive suspended brides and take in the vast acres of sugarcane fields that line the roadside. This pleasant drive is the perfect way to top off you trip to New Orleans as it will allow you to get back in touch with nature and enjoy some stunning wildlife.

New Orleans truly is an interesting and different place to visit. It is unlike anywhere in the country, and the colour and vibrancy of the city itself is essentially what will keep you coming back for more!

Christine Barton