The American South has charm, music and deep history. You feel it in the food, the accents, the humidity at night and the sense of story everywhere you go. For Australians thinking about the USA, the South is different from Los Angeles or New York. It is slower, warmer and more human. These five cities make it easy to see why people fall in love with the region.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
French, African and Caribbean influences shaped New Orleans. You hear it in jazz, taste it in gumbo and see it in the wrought iron balconies in the French Quarter.
What to see: Walk Bourbon Street early, before it gets wild. Visit Jackson Square, St Louis Cathedral and the French Market. Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River.
What makes it special: Music. Live bands play at all hours. Food matters here too. Eat beignets at Cafe du Monde with coffee.
Festivals: Mardi Gras is the big one. Parade floats, costumes and crowds fill the city.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the South. It has cobblestone streets, pastel houses and a waterfront that feels calm and historic.
What to see: Rainbow Row, The Battery, Fort Sumter and old plantation sites outside the city.
What makes it special: Hospitality. People greet you in the street. Food is low country style. Shrimp and grits is the dish to try.
Festivals: The Spoleto Festival brings theatre, music and opera every year. The city feels alive during that time.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Nashville is where country music grew into an industry. The Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame make that clear.
What to see: Broadway Street, the Ryman Auditorium and live bars where new artists perform.
What makes it special: Every bar has a singer. Every alley has a sound. Even if you do not like country music, the atmosphere is fun. Hot chicken is the famous food to try.
Festivals: CMA Fest brings big crowds. Four days of music and fans fill the streets.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Savannah has parks and moss-draped oak trees that make it beautiful to walk. The historic district is wide and green.
What to see: Forsyth Park with its fountain. Shopping along River Street. Old mansions open for tours.
What makes it special: You can wander with no plan. The city feels peaceful and old. Food leans to Southern comfort. Fried chicken, biscuits and peach cobbler.
Festivals: Savannah’s St Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest in the USA. The city goes green.
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Austin calls itself the live music capital of the world. It is modern, creative and young.
What to see: South Congress Avenue for shops and cafes. Barton Springs for swimming. The State Capitol for history.
What makes it special: Food trucks and barbecue. Brisket and smoked ribs stand out. Music is constant. You find it in parks, bars and night streets.
Festivals: South by Southwest draws musicians, filmmakers and tech people each year. The city becomes one big stage.
WHY THE SOUTH BELONGS ON YOUR TRAVEL LIST
The South gives Australia something fresh. New Orleans offers rhythm. Charleston gives history. Nashville gives music with guts. Savannah slows your pulse. Austin brings energy. Each city feels different, but warmth ties them together. Travelers remember the food, the kindness and the sense of story. Make sure to grab a USA eSIM/SIM before you travel so you keep connected to family and friends and share your experiences.