New Orleans was the first city I ever traveled to solo—that was back in 2017. I’ve been to many cities since then, but I can always make a case for New Orleans being one of the most magical cities on earth. The French Quarter, more specifically, is a neighborhood so alive and so colorful, and all those years ago, I had never seen a place like it.

Even now, years later, the French Quarter remains one of my favorite places, not just because of those early travel memories it holds, but because of the architecture that is so thoroughly charming and full of character.

Despite its name, the French Quarter’s architecture owes much of its character to the Spanish who rebuilt the district following a devastating fire in 1788. Their style introduced features like wrought-iron balconies, hidden courtyards and stucco walls that, through much disaster, have stood the test of time. For a city that has outlived horrific events, it somehow feels grand and regal. When I think about New Orleans, I think of the fact that it has rebuilt itself time and again, and I reflect on the people who live there that have done the same.

Now, having been to a few Caribbean islands, one of the French Quarter’s most endearing qualities is how it reminds me of the colorful spirit of the Caribbean. When I think about it, this connection makes sense, given the fact that large numbers of Haitians migrated to New Orleans around the 1790s.

Shutters painted in contrasting colors against aged buildings and the playfulness of the palette invites you to slow down, look around, and take it all in. There’s a rhythm to the Quarter that sometimes feels uniquely Caribbean, a reminder that the presence of the African diaspora has always existed in many cities, it is strong, and has energized and shaped these locations over many years.

The French Quarter makes me realize that imperfections can make a thing or place feel perfect. The weathered buildings have earned their peeling paint and cracked plaster, which makes them authentic—they can’t be replicated. The wear and tear are symbols of endurance and faith, which I find quite metaphorical to human life. The imperfections tell a story and remind me that beauty doesn’t have to be flawless to be unforgettable.

For me, the French Quarter will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I discovered the joy of solo travel and fell in love with a city that felt like it had been waiting for me. You might be a first-time visitor or a returning traveler—either way—the French Quarter invites you to lose yourself in its magic and find yourself in its beauty.

So next time you’re in New Orleans, dip in and out of every street in the French Quarter. Look up at the balconies and run your fingers along worn walls. You’ll leave with more than just photos. You’ll hold a piece of its magic in your heart forever.