A romantic, candlelit dinner at Antoine’s or a fiery Cajun feast. A crazy, colorful Mardi Gras parade or a cool jazz brunch. With its delicious mish-mash of European and African cultures and cuisines and centuries of enchanted history, New Orleans has excitement in abundance for any kind of traveler. Whether you’re on the hunt for Anne Rice’s vampires or a peek at her imposing pre-Civil War mansion, you’ll find all the advice you need for a perfect vacation in this handy guide, including:A complete overview of cuisine, including famous restaurants and undiscovered gems, and the scoop on classic local fare like po’boys, jambalaya, and beignetsHints on checking out the famed French Quarter and other neighborhoods of this one-of-a-kind cityTips for enjoying the Crescent City’s legendary nightlife, from jazz, Cajun, and zydeco to the hippest clubs and hotspots for gay and lesbian travelersFive great New Orleans itineraries, including one-to-three-day outings, spooky excursions, and honeymoon toursThree delightful day trips out of the city: Cajun country, the plantations of the Great River Road, and the indescribable swamp tourMardi Gras must-dos, top historic attractions, activities for kids, parks and gardens, and much moreLike every For Dummies travel guide, New Orleans For Dummies, Second Edition also includes:Down-to-earth trip-planning adviceWhat you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skipThe best restaurants and hotels for every budgetLots of detailed maps Read Less