New Orleans: Getting Around the Crescent City

New Orleans goes by many names, including Crescent City, the Big Easy, and the acronym NOLA. As you think about navigating New Orleans, it’s helpful to understand the context of its nickname the “Crescent City.”   New Orleans is known as the Crescent City because the Mississippi River curves around the city in a crescent shape.    The city is built on the river’s natural levee on high ground, which contributes to the crescent shape.   The nickname was first used in 1835 by Joseph Holt Ingram in his book, The South-West, where he described the city as being built around the river’s “graceful curve.”

The map below will be helpful in gaining your bearings as you navigate the City.

Also know, that regardless of where you are in the City, you are likely never more than 15-20 minutes from your next destination.   New Orleans is compact with little time-consuming travel.   

The wedding activities are primarily centered around Mid-City, the Lower Garden District and the neighborhoods of Uptown and Carrollton.  As you research where to stay these are areas you may want to prioritize based on your interest.  More detail and resources can be found under “Where to Stay.”