The winds of change are blowing with palpable excitement as we anticipate the inaugural launch of Microsoft Envision in an entirely new setting—New Orleans. For the first time, this prestigious event is stepping into the cultural richness of one of America’s most soulful cities. With Envision’s reputation as a catalyst for innovation and forward-thinking business solutions, the host city seems an ideal match. New Orleans offers not just a backdrop, but a personality—one as bold and expressive as the technologies and ideas that will be discussed at the conference.
Microsoft Envision presents a powerful opportunity to engage with transformative solutions and listen to the voices shaping tomorrow’s industries. Attendees will hear from influential leaders, explore breakthrough technologies, and participate in meaningful conversations about the future. Yet, the event promises more than insight—it offers an experience. The city of New Orleans invites visitors to step beyond the conference hall and into a world filled with history, music, and celebration.
This guide is designed to help you make the most of your visit, whether you’re staying for a few days or extending your trip. Through fun facts, cultural highlights, and practical tips, you’ll find everything you need to immerse yourself in the spirit of the Big Easy while staying connected to the forward momentum of Envision.
Welcome to the Big Easy
New Orleans is more than a destination—it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a story being told through every street corner and every brass note. Nicknamed “The Big Easy,” the city has long been associated with a slower pace of life, a love of leisure, and a sense of joyous indulgence. It’s the hometown of jazz, the stage for Mardi Gras, and a cultural crossroads that fuses French, African, Spanish, and American traditions into something entirely its own.
Located along the Mississippi River, New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana and widely regarded as the cultural gem of the South. From its vibrant music scene to its iconic architecture, the city delivers sensory experiences at every turn. It is a place where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony, where old traditions are honored even as new ones take root.
April in New Orleans brings warm, welcoming weather. Daytime highs hover around 25°C (77°F), while evenings cool down to a comfortable 16°C (61°F). With the arrival of spring comes the festival season, which means the city will be alive with color, music, and celebration. The time zone is Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC/GMT -6 hours.
A City Steeped in Stories
Every city has its myths and legends, but New Orleans has turned its stories into a living tapestry. From its French colonial beginnings to its role in American expansion, the city has always been a place of transformation and rebirth. In 1803, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million—a monumental deal known as the Louisiana Purchase. This acquisition nearly doubled the size of the young nation and forever established New Orleans as a strategic and cultural hub.
It was in New Orleans that jazz was born, a musical genre that would go on to influence blues, rock, and popular music around the world. Louis Armstrong, one of jazz’s greatest pioneers, called this city home. Jazz, which originally meant “energetic or vigorous,” remains the city’s heartbeat, flowing through its clubs, bars, and street corners.
There are countless lesser-known but equally fascinating facts about New Orleans. Poker, for instance, is believed to have originated here, with its first commercial game reported by British actor Joseph Crowell in 1829. The term “Dixieland” has roots in the city’s former currency system—the Louisiana Dix (French for ten) was so prominent that English-speaking traders dubbed the region “Dixie.”
Even the nickname “The Big Easy” has a backstory. Coined by local columnist Betty Guillaud, it was meant to contrast the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City—“The Big Apple”—with New Orleans’ more relaxed and indulgent way of life.
Sweet Treats, Haunting Tales, and Living History
New Orleans has a flair for combining pleasure with tradition. Its culinary scene is a feast for the senses, and there’s no better example of this than the beignet—a fried dough pastry sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar that has become a symbol of the city. You’ll find locals and tourists alike gathered in cafés, savoring this sweet indulgence with a cup of strong coffee.
But behind the sweetness lies a city of deeper intrigue. New Orleans is widely regarded as America’s most haunted city. Its streets echo with tales of ghosts, voodoo practitioners, and historical mysteries that have never quite been solved. Yet for every ghost story, there’s a monument to resilience: New Orleans played a vital role in securing Allied victory during World War II, contributing manpower, shipbuilding, and innovation. This legacy is honored at the National World War II Museum, a major attraction that draws millions of visitors annually.
Architecturally, New Orleans stands apart from the typical American skyline. The city boasts more National Historic Districts than any other U.S. city—twenty in total. Walk down almost any street in the French Quarter or Garden District and you’ll be treated to a mix of colonial-era townhouses, Greek Revival mansions, and Italianate façades, many adorned with iron balconies, lush courtyards, and ornamental columns.
Even shopping takes on a uniquely local flavor. At Blue Frog Chocolates, located uptown on Magazine Street, visitors can purchase handcrafted chocolates molded into classic New Orleans shapes. It’s a shop that captures the spirit of the city in every bite, offering both charm and indulgence in equal measure.
Celebrating Culture and Creativity in the Crescent City
New Orleans is a place where celebration isn’t confined to the calendar—it’s a constant state of mind. The city moves to the rhythm of festivals, and even the quietest of streets can suddenly erupt in music or dance. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to a familiar favorite, the city offers a wide range of experiences for every kind of traveler. While Microsoft Envision focuses on the future of technology and leadership, the city itself remains grounded in a long tradition of community, storytelling, and revelry.
Attending Envision during the spring provides a perfect opportunity to witness New Orleans at one of its most energetic times. April marks the start of the city’s famed festival season, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate food, literature, music, and heritage. You’ll find the cultural calendar brimming with events that showcase the best of what New Orleans has to offer, creating a seamless blend between your professional itinerary and your explorations.
For many, the most memorable moments in New Orleans happen outside scheduled tours and plans—while wandering a side street and stumbling upon a second-line parade, or hearing live jazz from a corner bar just steps away from a historic monument. This part of your journey is about embracing the unexpected and allowing the city to unfold in its timeless way.
Top Attractions Worth Your Time
One of the most fascinating aspects of New Orleans is how close the past and present coexist. Historical landmarks are not preserved behind glass—they are living, breathing spaces that continue to serve their communities. If you plan to take a break from the Envision agenda, these sites offer unforgettable glimpses into the heart of the city.
The French Quarter
Often called the Vieux Carré, the French Quarter is the oldest and most iconic neighborhood in New Orleans. Walking through its narrow streets is like stepping back in time. The buildings here range from 100 to nearly 300 years old and reflect Spanish, French, and Creole influences. You’ll see arcades, wrought iron balconies, red-tiled roofs, and vine-covered courtyards where live music spills into the night air.
The district is filled with restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and historic hotels. It’s also home to Bourbon Street, a stretch known for its nightlife, jazz clubs, and party atmosphere. But beyond its festive façade, the French Quarter is a deeply cultural space, housing gems like the Old Absinthe House and the famous Preservation Hall, which offers nightly jazz performances by legendary local musicians.
City Park
Covering more than 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and a beautiful escape from the city’s lively downtown. It’s the perfect spot for a morning walk or an afternoon stroll between Envision sessions. The park features a botanical garden, an 18-hole golf course, and opportunities for boating on Big Lake. Families and solo travelers alike enjoy the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art, located at the park’s edge.
Art lovers can explore the adjacent sculpture garden, which features modern and contemporary pieces displayed beneath the canopy of ancient live oak trees. With its wide open spaces, scenic views, and cultural venues, City Park invites a slower, more reflective kind of experience.
St. Louis Cathedral
Towering over Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral is not only the city’s most photographed landmark—it’s also a vital spiritual and historical site. Originally built in 1794, it holds the distinction of being the oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States. The structure’s neo-Gothic spires rise dramatically against the sky, while the inside offers stunning stained-glass windows, religious art, and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the energy of the French Quarter just outside its doors.
The cathedral has hosted numerous important events, including a visit from Pope John Paul II in 1987. Its location at the center of Jackson Square makes it a natural starting point for exploring the French Quarter, with street artists, musicians, and tarot readers often gathering in the surrounding plaza.
National World War II Museum
Recognized as one of the most comprehensive museums of its kind, the National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience during the Second World War. Through immersive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and personal accounts, it captures the courage, sacrifice, and innovation that helped shape the modern world.
Highlights include the “D-Day Invasion of Normandy” exhibit, a replica of a troop transport, and the “Home Front” exhibit, which shows how American society was transformed during the war years. A 4D film titled Beyond All Boundaries, produced and narrated by Tom Hanks, brings the story to life through special effects and historical footage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, the museum offers a deeply moving and educational experience.
Steamboat Natchez
To truly appreciate New Orleans, you must see it from the water. The Steamboat Natchez offers a classic riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River, evoking the romance and adventure of an earlier era. The ship features vintage wooden paddle wheels, brass fittings, and an onboard steam engine that you can view during the journey.
Cruises typically last around two hours and include options such as a daytime harbor tour or an evening jazz dinner cruise. As the boat glides past the city’s skyline, guests enjoy live music from local bands, narration on historical landmarks, and a buffet dinner featuring Creole favorites. It’s a serene and scenic way to end a busy day at the conference.
New Orleans Museum of Art
Located within City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is the city’s oldest fine arts institution and home to an impressive collection of nearly 40,000 works. The collection spans centuries and continents, with notable holdings in French, African, and American art.
Beyond its permanent galleries, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions that highlight regional artists and explore timely cultural themes. Whether you’re interested in classical painting or modern sculpture, NOMA offers a well-rounded view of artistic achievement with strong connections to the city’s own creative identity.
Local Traditions and Seasonal Festivals
The city’s event calendar is always full, but springtime holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Festival season begins in earnest in March and April, coinciding perfectly with the arrival of Microsoft Envision. If your schedule allows, attending a local festival offers an unforgettable window into the spirit of New Orleans.
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
For lovers of literature and Southern culture, the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival is a must-see. Dedicated to the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who called New Orleans his spiritual home, this five-day event includes writing workshops, poetry readings, stage performances, and panel discussions. It also features the famous “Stella and Stanley Shouting Contest,” a theatrical tribute to A Streetcar Named Desire that draws visitors from around the world.
This festival celebrates not only the life of Tennessee Williams, but also the city’s broader literary and cultural heritage. Events take place throughout the French Quarter, allowing you to explore iconic venues while engaging with authors, academics, and artists.
An Invitation to Explore
The beauty of New Orleans lies not just in its landmarks but in its ability to surprise and delight in unexpected ways. Whether it’s a jazz trio playing in a tiny bar, a mural tucked into a quiet alley, or a spontaneous parade passing by your hotel, the city invites exploration at every turn.
As you navigate between Envision sessions, allow yourself to wander. Visit a hidden courtyard café. Stop to listen to a street musician. Chat with a local artist selling paintings in Jackson Square. Each of these moments will enrich your experience and create memories as enduring as any keynote or presentation.
This is not a city that demands your attention—it earns it. And for those willing to slow down and look a little closer, it offers something rare: a connection to history, art, and community that feels immediate and alive.
Practical Knowledge for Visiting New Orleans
Attending Microsoft Envision is not only a chance to engage with industry leaders and explore the future of innovation—it’s also a unique opportunity to experience New Orleans as more than just a visitor. The city’s charm is not found only in its famous attractions, but in the everyday rhythm of local life. Knowing how to navigate the city, where to eat, how to travel, and what to expect from the culture can enrich your visit in meaningful ways.
New Orleans is a city of warmth—both in terms of weather and personality. Locals are known for their friendliness and willingness to help, often greeting strangers with a smile or even a spontaneous conversation. Though the city carries French roots, don’t be surprised to find that French isn’t widely spoken anymore. English is the dominant language, with a distinctive Southern and Creole flair.
Before diving into where to go and what to eat, it’s helpful to understand the city’s layout and how to get around. New Orleans is relatively compact, but orientation can be confusing for newcomers. Streets wind through historic neighborhoods rather than following a neat grid. Learning the local lingo and a few key directional cues will go a long way in helping you explore with ease.
Getting Around the City
Navigating New Orleans is an experience in itself, blending old-world charm with modern convenience. While the city is very walkable—especially in the French Quarter and nearby districts—you’ll likely need a mix of transportation options to make the most of your visit.
Streetcars
The most iconic and beloved mode of transportation in New Orleans is the streetcar. These vintage railcars have been operating for over a century and are an excellent way to get around while soaking in the city’s character. The main streetcar lines run along Canal Street, St. Charles Avenue, and Rampart Street, connecting major attractions like the French Quarter, Garden District, and City Park.
Fares are affordable, ranging from about $1.25 for a single ride to $9 for a one-day Jazzy Pass, which provides unlimited rides. Be sure to carry exact change, as streetcars do not provide change upon boarding.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Traditional taxis are available throughout the city, particularly around hotels and major landmarks. However, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft tend to be more convenient and are widely used by both locals and tourists. Wait times are usually short, and prices are reasonable.
If you’re traveling from the airport or between neighborhoods that aren’t well-served by public transportation, a rideshare is often the most efficient choice.
Buses and Pedicabs
New Orleans has a public bus system operated by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which covers most areas of the city. Buses accept the same fare system as streetcars and can be tracked through a mobile app. Pedicabs—bicycle-powered rickshaws—are also a fun and leisurely way to get around short distances, especially in and around the French Quarter.
Walking and Biking
The flat terrain of New Orleans makes it ideal for walking and biking. The French Quarter, Warehouse District, and Garden District are best explored on foot. Bike rentals are available across the city and offer a great way to explore less tourist-heavy areas, such as Bayou St. John or Audubon Park.
When asking for directions, use the city’s unique vernacular. Instead of north, south, east, or west, locals refer to Uptown (upriver), Downtown (downriver), Lakeside (toward Lake Pontchartrain), and Riverside (toward the Mississippi River).
The Culinary Soul of New Orleans
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in New Orleans, it’s eat. The city’s food culture is legendary—rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you’re dining at a five-star restaurant or a family-run corner café, the experience is about more than just the meal. It’s a celebration of heritage and hospitality.
New Orleans cuisine blends Creole, Cajun, French, Spanish, West African, and Southern American influences into a unique and vibrant palate. Dining here is about discovery—every dish tells a story, and every restaurant has its twist on beloved classics.
Signature Dishes to Try
No visit is complete without sampling the city’s iconic dishes. Start with gumbo, a hearty stew that combines meats or seafood with a dark roux, vegetables, and spices. Another staple is jambalaya, a rice-based dish similar to Spanish paella, typically filled with sausage, chicken, and shrimp.
Crawfish étouffée is another must-try, pronounced /ay’too’fay/, which features crawfish tails smothered in a rich, spicy sauce and served over rice. Po-boys are overstuffed sandwiches served on crispy French bread, filled with anything from fried oysters to roast beef and gravy.
Beignets are a sweet treat made of deep-fried dough covered in powdered sugar, best enjoyed with a cup of café au lait. These are often found at traditional cafés and are a beloved local snack any time of day.
Dining Locations and Local Etiquette
New Orleans zoning laws allow restaurants to operate in residential buildings, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself dining in a converted home. These intimate venues often offer some of the city’s most authentic meals and memorable service.
Prices vary, but eating out in New Orleans can be surprisingly affordable. A casual lunch might cost between $10–$15, while a mid-range dinner could range from $20–$30 per person. Upscale dining is available as well, particularly in the Central Business District and French Quarter.
Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially in the evenings. Tipping is customary, with 15–20% considered standard. Dress codes vary widely depending on the venue, but most places lean toward casual or smart-casual attire.
Exploring Neighborhoods Beyond the French Quarter
While the French Quarter is the city’s most famous district, many other neighborhoods offer a deeper look into the real New Orleans. Each area has its own vibe, history, and hidden gems.
The Garden District
The Garden District is located Uptown and is known for its oak-lined streets, grand antebellum mansions, and ornate wrought-iron fences. This neighborhood is perfect for a walking tour and offers fantastic shopping opportunities, with plenty of quirky boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, and cozy cafes along Magazine Street.
It’s also home to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the city’s iconic above-ground cemeteries, which reflects local traditions and the region’s French and Spanish colonial past.
The Marigny and Bywater
Just downriver from the French Quarter, the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods offer a more local and artistic flavor. Frenchmen Street, located in the Marigny, is one of the best places in the city to hear live music. It’s lined with jazz clubs, indie venues, and cafés where performers play nightly.
Bywater, slightly farther afield, is a hub for creative locals and offers colorful murals, experimental cuisine, and community-centered galleries. Both neighborhoods are walkable and provide a different, more residential perspective of the city.
Uptown and Carrollton
Uptown stretches along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line and includes the Carrollton neighborhood. This part of the city is quieter, filled with large homes, lush gardens, and historic churches. It’s an excellent area for a stroll or a scenic ride on the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world.
Audubon Park and Zoo, located nearby, offer relaxing green space and are ideal for families or solo travelers looking for a nature break between conference sessions.
Local Tips for a Smooth Visit
To make the most of your time in New Orleans, a few local tips and practical insights can help you feel more confident and connected as you explore.
The cost of a pint of beer typically ranges between $2–$4, with cocktails priced anywhere from $4–$10, depending on the bar or restaurant. A glass of wine will usually cost between $3–$5. Music venues often have modest entry fees, such as $10 at Preservation Hall or one-drink minimums at smaller clubs. More upscale venues may charge $15 or more, depending on the performance.
New Orleans has a moderate crime rate, so it’s wise to exercise common sense when out at night. Stick to well-lit areas, travel in groups when possible, and avoid flashing valuables.
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, Blue Frog Chocolates on Magazine Street offers locally made chocolates shaped like city landmarks and symbols. It’s a charming and tasty way to remember your time in New Orleans or share a piece of the city with friends and family.
And for those interested in giving back, consider learning about the Make It Right Foundation, which is working to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward—a neighborhood deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina. Even a small visit or donation can contribute to this ongoing effort and reflect the spirit of community that defines the city.
Blending Innovation and Immersion
Microsoft Envision brings together some of the world’s most forward-thinking professionals to explore the future of business and technology. It’s a space filled with powerful conversations, emerging ideas, and cutting-edge innovations. But it’s also more than just a conference—it’s a journey. And what makes this particular Envision event so distinctive is its setting. New Orleans doesn’t just host guests; it engages them.
While much of your time at Envision will be dedicated to keynotes, sessions, and networking, the backdrop of New Orleans invites you to extend your experience beyond the venue. Here, learning doesn’t stop when you leave the conference room. It continues in the flavors you taste, the music you hear, and the stories you gather along the way.
The balance between business and culture is what defines this experience. New Orleans teaches a valuable lesson: that progress and heritage are not opposites—they are partners. As you absorb insights from industry leaders and engage in conversations about shaping the future, the city around you offers its lessons in resilience, creativity, and reinvention.
Making the Most of Your Envision Journey
Every conference has a pace—structured sessions, packed agendas, early mornings, and often late evenings. But in a city like New Orleans, it’s important to build in space to truly absorb your surroundings. The cultural richness of the city is best appreciated slowly, and even brief moments of reflection can deepen your overall experience.
One way to maximize your trip is to combine purpose with presence. Start your mornings early with a quiet walk through the Garden District or a coffee in the French Quarter. Use lunch breaks as an opportunity to step away from your laptop and enjoy a meal at a neighborhood café. If time allows in the evenings, take in a live jazz show or a sunset walk along the river.
The key is not to treat the city as a distraction from your professional goals, but as a complement to them. After all, great ideas are often sparked not in boardrooms, but in the spaces between—over a shared meal, a quiet moment, or a serendipitous encounter.
Keep your curiosity open, your schedule a little flexible, and your senses engaged. You may find that the connections you make outside the event floor are just as valuable as those inside.
Capturing the Spirit of the City
New Orleans offers something intangible—a spirit, a mood, a feeling that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s in the rhythm of the music, the kindness of strangers, and the flavor of a dish cooked with care. It’s in the architecture, the stories, the way the city invites you to slow down and pay attention.
That spirit is what makes New Orleans such a memorable host for an event like Envision. This is a city that has known hardship and joy, challenge and celebration. And through it all, it has remained unmistakably itself—bold, welcoming, and full of life.
Before you leave, find a moment to simply take it all in. Sit at a park bench beneath the moss-covered oaks. Listen to the distant sound of a brass band rehearsing. Watch artists set up their easels along the square. These aren’t just picturesque scenes—they are reminders of what it means to live fully and observe the world with intention.
Take a journal or open a note on your phone and write down one or two things you want to remember from your time here—not just what you learned professionally, but what you felt personally. This simple act can turn a business trip into a meaningful memory.
Leaving with Lasting Impressions
As your time at Microsoft Envision in New Orleans comes to an end, it’s worth reflecting on the duality of the experience. On one hand, you’ve been part of an event designed to push industries forward, solve complex challenges, and equip you with the tools to lead in a rapidly changing world. On the other hand, you’ve walked the streets of a city steeped in history, culture, and joy.
This balance between innovation and immersion is something few cities can offer quite like New Orleans. It’s a place where every conversation feels a bit warmer, every moment a bit more textured, and every interaction a little more human.
Before departing, consider taking home more than just souvenirs. Carry with you the mindset the city promotes—that great change happens not only through bold moves, but through the willingness to listen, connect, and stay present.
You may leave with a deeper understanding of your industry, but also with a stronger sense of place, of community, and perhaps even of yourself. That’s the magic of New Orleans—it expands the way you think, work, and live, in ways you may not even realize until you’re back home.
So as you head to the airport or prepare for the next stop in your journey, take one last look around. Let the city leave its mark. And know that while the conference may be over, the experience continues—in the ideas you’ll carry forward, and in the stories that will now be part of yours.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans is a city that leaves an imprint—not just on the pages of history or in the notes of its music, but on everyone who walks its streets. As the inaugural Microsoft Envision in New Orleans concludes, what remains is more than just a memory of panels and presentations. It’s the echo of jazz spilling from doorways, the taste of gumbo still on your palate, the warmth of conversations held over coffee or cocktails, and the quiet inspiration drawn from a city that has mastered the art of resilience.
This trip may have begun as a professional endeavor, a chance to explore new ideas and make strategic connections. But if New Orleans has done its job—and it always does—you’ll leave with something more personal: a deeper understanding of the power of place, the importance of culture, and the way experiences shape our vision for the future.
You’ve been part of something larger than a conference. You’ve joined a moment where innovation met tradition, where business merged with atmosphere, and where a city opened itself to you with its usual charm and its unmatched depth.
Take what you’ve learned from the speakers and sessions, but also what you’ve absorbed from the streets, the people, the food, and the rhythm of New Orleans. Let those impressions guide how you lead, how you innovate, and how you live.
And when the winds of change call again, you’ll know exactly the kind of place that showed you how powerful change can be when rooted in something real.