New Orleans - Central Business District

New Orleans is world famous for its elaborate Mardi Gras celebrations. People come from all over the world to enjoy the festivities that consume the city during this time period. For a glimpse of what's involved behind the scenes in this huge event visitors can stop by Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World in New Orleans. The Blaine Kern Studios make floats and are highly involved with the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans each year. They claim to be the leading producer of floats in the world.

On display at Mardi Gras World are sculptured props, huge floats, outrageous costumes, and all kinds of figures. Visitors can get a good sense of the size, color, and imagination that goes into the floats and the parade. Guided tours are offered regularly each day through the workshops where artists and sculptors work.

To the west of the Central Business District is the 272 foot high Mercedes-Benz Superdome, known most commonly as simply the Superdome and formerly as the Louisiana Superdome. It is one of the largest stadiums in the United States, with seating for 90,000 spectators. To the south are the Union Passenger Terminal and the Head Post Office.

The Superdome is used for sporting events, trade shows, conventions and concerts. It is home to professional and college football, including the New Orleans Saints, as well as the annual Sugar Bowl. It has hosted some of the great names in music over the years, from Frank Sinatra to the Rolling Stones.

The Superdome gained international attention in 2005, in the days following Hurricane Katrina, when it was used as an emergency shelter. It suffered damage during the storm and was closed for some time, and eventually reopened after much work.

In the center of the district is Lafayette Square, with three monuments, including one to Benjamin Franklin. On the west side of the square is the Gallier Hall, formerly the City Hall.

Near the Pontchartrain Expressway is the beautifully laid out Lee Circle, with a bronze statue of the southern General Robert Lee on a tall column. Close by is the Confederate Museum (929 Camp St.), which is devoted to the Civil War.

Lee Circle is the boundary between Uptown and Downtown New Orleans.

This museum claims to be the oldest in New Orleans, having been founded in 1891. Exhibits include old bloodstained uniforms, sabres and guns.

The hall was built as a meeting place for Confederate veterans, a place for reflection. Some personal items belonging to Jefferson Davis and Robert E Lee are on display.

To the west of the Pontchartrain Expressway is the 51-storey skyscraper One Shell Plaza, one of the city's tallest buildings.

The building's interior is a double tube featuring a steel core with a concrete perimeter.

The CBD is dominated by the 33-storey World Trade Center, from the viewing platform of which there is a breathtaking view over the city.