New Orleans ranks 1st in global destinations by New York Times

One of the oldest cities in the United States just became a top destination in the world. Earlier today, the New York Times published its list of 52 Places to Go in 2018, and New Orleans ranks No. 1. It stands as one of 10 U.S. locations listed in this year’s roundup.

The publication praised New Orleans on its diverse culture, food and hospitality scene, and monumental 300-year celebration. It also listed some of New Orleans’s most anticipated developments, including construction on Bourbon Street, developments along the Lafitte Greenway, and the upcoming Sazerac House in the Central Business District.

And this is just the beginning of an exciting 2018 in the Big Easy. The city and several organizations have many tricentennial events planned until December of 2018. Now that Carnival season has started, we’ll also see some tricentennial tributes during the city’s unique Mardi Gras celebration.

Though, if you’re lost for ideas on your next visit, or looking for ways to celebrate New Orleans, check out our updated winter 2018 pocket guide. You can also jump into history with a map of the best historic homes and most iconic locations in the city.

• 52 Places to Go: A starter kit for escaping the world. [New York Times]