Its free-spirited disposition and old world charm make the Big Easy a popular vacation for anyone who wants to take the formality out of visiting America's remarkable past. Filled with historic neighborhoods, lush bayous and vibrant haunts, New Orleans has a lot to offer.

A visit to the largest city in Louisiana is incomplete without walking the French Quarter. This National Historic Landmark is bounded by the Mississippi River, and stretches from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue.

The Quarter's most famous street is Bourbon Street. It is a common misconception that this street is named after the famous southern alcoholic drink. In fact, Bourbon Street is named after the royal family that ruled France during the founding of New Orleans. Today, it is the heart of the bustling quarter and one of the noisiest streets in all of the United States. This strip is filled with bars and strip clubs, all of which seem to be competing to be the loudest joint in the area.

A decadent evening on Bourbon will surely leave you hung over. A peaceful early morning walk on the strip, when the last of the previous night's partygoers has since gone to sleep, can be very invigorating. This street, as in most of the Quarter, is lined with stunning architecture that dates back the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Bourbon Street transforms into something else during the daytime, which is worth exploring.

Jackson Square is also a favorite spot on the Quarter. Named after Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States and erstwhile general of the victorious American forces during the Battle of New Orleans, the square is flanked by three historical buildings. At the center of the three is the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States, the Saint Louis Cathedral. The Cabildo and the Presbytere, on the other hand, are both important museums. The former was the old city hall; the latter was a courthouse.

Nearby are the Pontalba Buildings, which house restaurants and shops. The top floors of these buildings have the distinction of being the oldest rented apartments in the country.

Hopping on the New Orleans streetcar can take you to the Garden District, a National Historic Landmark and what seems to be a world away from the party that is the Quarter. As its name implies, the district is defined by lush gardens, immaculate lawns and beautiful houses reminiscent of the resplendent old South.

There are cemeteries near this district, which are popular tourist spots, too. Most cemeteries, such as the Lafayette and St. Louis Cemeteries, provide guided tours. The Metairie Lakelawn Cemetery even provides facilities for a self-guided tour. Want a haunted experience? These cemeteries also offer ghost tours.

Whether you're in it for a night of partying or a day of walking tours, New Orleans certainly has something for you.