Just wanted to say that NOONE here says "N'awlins" or any other two syllable version. In fact, it's perceived as negative and insulting here. "N'awlins" was contrived out of Hollywood. Why? I don't know. The way you hear it on the news is pretty much how it is said. New Or-linz. That said, it's only pronounced or-LEENZ as in "Orleans Parish" or "Orleans Ave." when there isn't a New in front... never ever pronounced New or-LEENZ (with the exception when it's necessary to make lyrics rhyme in music.)
Now that that is out the way, be sure to check out the Garden District and one of the most beautiful avenues in America, the six mile long St. Charles Ave. Magazine St. is a six-mile long strip of mixed-use development... it's fantastic.