This city is the world capital of jazz. Check out what's worth visiting.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans , wreaking havoc throughout the city. As the authorities had predicted, the levees failed, flooding over 80 percent of the city. It was one of the worst natural disasters in US history.

Few believed at the time that the Louisiana metropolis would ever recover. Thanks to massive financial support from the federal government and the overwhelming determination of its residents, New Orleans did indeed recover from the disaster. Twenty years after the natural disaster, it bears no resemblance to the Katrina victim of yore.

Tourists gradually began returning to the city. Founded by French settlers almost 300 years ago, the metropolis has always been one of the most popular destinations in the United States. It was here that the sounds of excellent music resounded, and local restaurants served authentic cuisine appreciated by Americans and visitors alike. Over time, the real estate market and tourist infrastructure began to develop.

What is worth visiting in New Orleans?

When planning a trip to the USA, it's definitely worth considering a visit to the world's cradle of jazz. This vibrant city offers numerous attractions. Besides a stroll along the Mississippi River, a visit to the charming Garden District , a popular celebrity destination, is a must-see. It boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Among these styles are Greek Revival , which draws inspiration from classical Greek architecture; Italianate , which draws inspiration from the country villas of Renaissance Italy; and Victorian style, where Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock and pop star Beyoncé have their residences.

The Garden District is also home to Lafayette Cemetery – one of the most famous and picturesque burial grounds in the US, filled with historic, ornate tombs and mausoleums. The cemetery has appeared on screen several times, including in the thriller "Double Jeopardy" and the cult horror film "Interview with the Vampire."

New Orleans' signature landmark is the historic French Quarter . Bourbon Street, the city's most popular street, is home to jazz clubs, traditional eateries, and bustling bars. Here, you can sample dishes featuring alligator meat, among other dishes.

A little further on, the French Market offers local specialties and handicrafts from local artisans and designers. Creole cuisine is particularly popular, featuring oysters, crawfish, and gumbo —a hearty soup with seafood, meat, and rice. Jackson Square is also worth a visit, where you can listen to street performers perform in front of the neo-Gothic St. Louis Cathedral.

New Orleans is also famous for its legendary Carnival parades, most notably Mardi Gras , or the local Shrove Tuesday. This lavish event takes place annually at the end of Carnival, just before Lent. A colorful procession, symbolized by colorful costumes, dancing, and song, winds through the city.

Museum lovers will also find something to enjoy during their stay in the Louisiana metropolis. Suffice it to mention the Jazz Museum , which offers a glimpse into the rich tradition of a city where jazz music is an integral part. The exhibits there tell the stories of the genre's greatest legends, such as Louis Armstrong and Thelonious Monk.

Also worth visiting are the National World War II Museum, the McKenna Museum of African-American Art, the Louisiana State Museum , and the small but unique Voodoo Museum . Interestingly, the latter houses an exhibition devoted to the Polish roots of this religious cult.

" It turns out that the Black Madonna, popular in Haiti, is a copy of the portrait of Our Lady of Częstochowa. This was brought to Haiti in the early 19th century by Polish legionnaires who sailed with Napoleon's soldiers. They were supposed to suppress the slave revolt, but some Poles sided with the rebels," traveler Paweł Brun "Pablo," who published the three-volume book series "To Go, Not to Go?", told PAP Life.

Another must-see attraction in New Orleans is the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) , whose extensive collection includes masterpieces from French Impressionists to Native American works. Outside, the beautifully landscaped Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden boasts over 90 modern sculptures.