The Best Things to do in New Orleans
New Orleans is the kind of special city that draws visitors from all over the world. There’s truly nowhere else on the planet that offers the depth of history and culture you’ll find there. Whether you’re looking for the best authentic jazz, some incredible Cajun cooking, or just to unwind and learn about Voodoo and the city’s haunted past, New Orleans is the place to go!
The city has the feeling of a smaller and more intimate place, but it’s plenty big enough to keep everyone happy. NOLA was actually the largest city in the American South for a long part of history. There are lots of different neighborhoods to explore, and plenty of things to do in New Orleans and surrounding areas if you want to rent a car and head out for an afternoon.
There’s also so much amazing history in NOLA, and some of it was even personal to me! Ever since learning that my great grandfather worked and lived in New Orleans back in the 1930s, I’ve always felt a connection to the city and knew it was a place I had to visit. We visited for my birthday, which is a date that I share with my great-grandfather, making it all the more special for me.
With unique Afro-Caribbean traditions, great music, and simply amazing people, New Orleans is simply a fun place to go. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
13 Things to Do in New Orleans
Walk Around the French Quarter
The famous French Quarter is the heart of the city, and its cast-iron balconies and colorful streets immediately welcomed you with open arms. This is definitely the most popular part of the city for visitors, and it’s a place that you should have on your to-do list.
There are many restaurants and bars to sit down in throughout the quarter but walking around truly lets you enjoy the street vibes and get a feel for the city. Take a cocktail to go from one of the many bars and wander around, taking part in the crazy mix of tourists and locals that somehow blends perfectly. Spend some time enjoying the history of the Quarter before you start the heavy partying (if that’s your thing!).
Be sure to stroll through Jackson Square, where you’ll find picturesque views of the Mississippi River and a great mix of street artists and performers. For me, the local people were often what made NOLA truly special, so definitely check out some of the artwork and have an entertaining conversation or two!
While in the French Quarter, another great thing to do is take a tour. While I’m not usually the biggest fan of guided tours, New Orleans offers lots of horse and buggy rides that are run by excellent and knowledgeable tour guides. It’s a great way to take a break from walking while still seeing and learning about the unique city. If you’re into the macabre, check out one of the horse and buggy ghost tours that are offered. You’ll hear about some of the city’s most famous ghosts and experience a unique atmosphere and perspective of New Orleans.
Explore Jackson Square
Jackson Square is another favorite area in New Orleans, and definitely somewhere worth visiting. Located right by the Mississippi River, this public space features shopping, food, art, and history, all surrounding a statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback. The square is bordered on one side by three buildings: the St Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytere.
The St Louis Cathedral is one of the oldest in the United States and features some beautiful architecture. The Cabildo was the old city hall of New Orleans, and today is a museum focused on the history of Louisiana. If you go, don’t miss the bronze death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte! The Presbytere building on the other side of the Cathedral is built with a similar architecture, and both are some of the best examples of colonial Spanish architecture.
The Square itself is filled with street vendors, many of whom are artists. There is a rich tradition of art in Jackson Square, and today you will find many talented painters and photographers displaying their work all around the area. All of the art is usually for sale, and many will even work with you to create custom pieces. One of the best things to do in New Orleans is to walk around and admire the different styles of art, many of which feature themes like music and city life. In the shops surrounding the square, you can also find more high-end galleries, including some amazing photography.
You’ll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the same area. While a lot of it is junk, it’s always fun to go explore and find some cool things to purchase! If you’re traveling with children, there are some great stores to explore and find toys and other keepsakes, many of which are New Orleans themed. There are often smaller outdoor independent stalls and shops selling everything from books to Voodoo gri gris, so take your time to discover any hidden treasures!
Take a Steamboat River Cruise
Take a steamboat ride on the river while you’re in the Jackson Square area: various options include everything from the famous Steamboat Natchez to jazz dinner cruises and longer trips outside of the city to surrounding plantations. It’s a great way to wind down at the end of the long day, and there’s just something romantic about a steamboat on the Mississippi!
Trips usually run year-round. Check online beforehand to make sure they are running!
Eat in A famous restaurant or in Cafe du Monde
True New Orleans culinary tradition is all about Creole, Cajun, and soul food. Get it while you can, because many of the unique flavors we found here won’t be duplicated anywhere else in the world.
Napoleon House: I found possibly the best sandwich of my life, the muffuletta, in New Orleans. While purists will insist on going to the sandwich’s origin (Central Grocery on Decature) I recommend the Napoleon House for its cool atmosphere and amazing food. You can also try their famous Pimm’s Cup cocktail!
Tujague’s: For a true New Orleans style meal, head to Tujague’s. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of gumbo and a famous Grasshopper cocktail, and you’re likely sitting in the same room as Eisenhower, Rockefeller, or another one of the restaurant’s famous patrons.
Cane and Table: One of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans is Cane and Table. A lesser-known place (but favorite of locals), you’ll find delicious Pan-Latin food and great cocktails (tip: get the shareable Hashtag Mai Tai cocktail with a friend...it comes in a hollowed-out pineapple, and it's a great way to spice the night!).
There are a few more famous restaurants in NOLA that offer upscale dining. You’ll likely need a reservation, and you’ll have to pay a bit more, but these are famous for a reason! The food and drinks are amazing, and it’s an experience that true foodies shouldn’t miss. Commander’s Palace is arguably the most famous, offering great food and an incredible wine list. Emeril’s is another classic and is a great place to try upscale Cajun food.
Brennan’s: For a traditional New Orleans brunch, Brennan’s is the place to go. There are tons of great food and drink options, and it’s perfect for a glamorous breakfast meal. Be sure to try the bananas foster, which was actually invented in one of the Brennan family’s other NOLA restaurants but popularized by the breakfast at Brennan’s event.
Step outside the French quarter to Who Dat Coffee Cafe if you want to grab some caffeine and chill for a bit. It’s a quick enough walk, and you can see some other parts of the city along the way. Check the streetcar map to see if you would prefer to ride a historic streetcar part of the way.
And last but not least make sure to try the world-famous beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Get an order of beignets and be sure to try a cafe au lait, made with the delicious chicory-infused coffee. It’s yet another unique experience, and one of the most classic and fun things to do in New Orleans. There are long lines to sit down, but you can order to go if you're short on time. It’s a really amazing place to get a table, so I recommend waiting and enjoying the full experience.
Enjoy The Jazz
While NOLA and the famous Bourbon Street obviously have no shortage of bars, I fell in love with a few in particular that music lovers like me may also enjoy.
If you feel like making the music yourself, the karaoke hotspot The World-Famous Cat’s Meow has the perfect atmosphere and colorful 3-for-1 happy hour drinks (note: happy hour here will draw in crowds, and the place will be fun but full). This is known to be one of the most fun places in New Orleans, just don’t go for a quiet night!
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub and Maison Bourbon offer more of a traditional jazz experience, where you can sit down and enjoy music while eating/drinking. All of these places can get busy at peak times, so walk around and get a feel for the place you want to go beforehand.
Arguably the most famous place in the city for jazz is Preservation Hall. You can buy tickets to see some great local and traveling bands, and it's a great place to soak in some history and culture.
Head to Frenchmen Street
If you want to get away from Bourbon, Frenchmen Street is just outside the French Quarter. Here you’ll find more locals than tourists, and often an arguably more authentic jazz experience. You can easily walk from the Quarter to Frenchman, and as long as you’re not there super late at night you shouldn't have to worry about any safety issues.
Check out The Spotted Cat Music Club and Cafe Negril, two spots with a tradition of jazz music and talented performers. Grab a locally brewed Abita beer and let the smooth rhythms soothe your soul. We loved it! Definitely a must see in New Orleans!
You’ll also find plenty of burlesque shows around Frenchmen Street for a fun change of pace. Add The AllWays Lounge and Cabaret to your “What to do in New Orleans” list and catch an amazing show, an experience you won’t regret! If you’ve never experienced a burlesque show before, New Orleans is a great place to do so for the first time.
Savor a Good Cocktail
For cocktail lovers, New Orleans is without a doubt a must-visit destination in the U.S. Sazerac, Brandy Milk Punches, Absinthe Frappes, Hurricanes, Hand Grenades... the place is paradise!
The Old Absinthe House is a can’t-miss stop, and one of my favorite things to do in New Orleans. With a variety of absinth-focused drinks, from the Absinthe House Frappe to straight absinth served the traditional way (ice cold water dripped onto a sugar cube and mixed into the alcohol), this 200-year-old bar offers unique beverages that will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Don’t forget your wallet: absinth drinks run about $20 a pop. It’s definitely worth stopping by for a drink and to experience the history: this bar once housed a meeting between Andrew Jackson and the pirate Jean Lafitte, where they brokered a deal to work together and defeat the final British invasion of the War of 1812.
“Everyone you have known or ever will know eventually ends up at the Old Absinthe House”
If you are feeling a little nostalgic, bring back your happy childhood memories at the Carousel Bar (one of the most famous New Orleans tourist attractions) in the Hotel Monteleone. Try some bar bites while you sip one of the Carousel Favorites. Head there early to beat the crowds and snag a seat at the rotating bar!
Next door to Arnaud’s restaurant (great for a fancy meal) is a wonderful little bar called French 75. Here we found a quieter atmosphere (you might need this after some other NOLA bars!), a more sophisticated vibe, and delicious cocktails. You can’t go wrong with the eponymous French 75 drink, especially if you haven’t tried one before...it’s one of my favorites!
Go Shopping
There are lots of other things to do in New Orleans too! If you are in town for a weekend, plan to spend a day visiting the city’s many clothing stores, art galleries and famous antiques shops. New Orleans antiques stores are famous all over the world, so don’t miss the chance to browse some amazing furniture and vintage jewelry. While a lot of the antique pieces are fabulously large and not really practical for tourists to purchase, there are tons of smaller pieces that are easy to bring home.
Check out United Apparel Liquidators for some seriously good discounts on designer brands. I saw a pair of brand-new Manolo Blahnik shoes for just 100 dollars...if only my feet were a size bigger! The list of offerings changes all the time, so you’ll always have some new things to explore when you see this place.
Pop into odAOMO to find unique Kenyan accessories and clothing. It’s the perfect place to find a bag or dress for your next African vacation. Some of the coolest fashion ideas I’ve seen lately come from African designers, so this is the perfect place to check some of it out.
Visit a plantation
New Orleans and surrounding areas of Louisiana have a fascinating place in American history. You can experience some firsthand by visiting one of the magnificent plantations within easy driving distance of NOLA.
The Southern Oak Plantation and the Laura Plantation are two quintessential examples that will give you a true sense of what life was like for both the richest families in the South and also the slaves that lived with them.
Coming from a mixed-race heritage, it was an emotional experience for me to see the physical vestiges of slavery: the fields where they labored, the small shacks where they lived, the paths they walked to and from the plantation house...powerful reminders of the realities of slavery. The juxtaposition between the opulent plantation house and the spartan slave accommodations was particularly memorable for me.
I definitely recommend that everyone take a bit of time to visit a plantation. I found it to be one of the most educational things to do in New Orleans, especially if you have kids with you. This was one of the most authentic experiences I have had in my life. There’s no better way to teach and understand history than to experience a bit of it yourself!
Note: If you decide to rent a car to visit a plantation (highly recommended!), make sure to drive through the Garden District on the way. If you’re more of a professional passenger (like Cardi B and I), then take a ride through the Garden District in one of the famous streetcars or hop on a steamboat river cruises to see the plantations.
Visit the Garden District
The Garden District of New Orleans is another neighborhood, much more local and less touristy than the French Quarter. It’s connected to other parts of the city by the historic streetcars, so if you don’t have a car, you can just hop on and ride over! The district is renowned for its gorgeous historic mansion houses. Mostly built in the 1800s, the collection of houses is considered to be one of the best in the United States. For lovers of history and architecture, spending an afternoon walking through the Garden District and admiring the old houses is one the most very interesting things to do in New Orleans. I certainly enjoyed it!
There is plenty more to do in the Garden District besides the houses. You’ll also find lots of shopping and restaurants, so no one will be bored. For the best shopping, head to Magazine Street along the edge of the district. Here, there are many amazing antiques stores and clothing boutiques. You can spend an entire day shopping here if you want! It’s one of my favorite shopping areas in the world. There are lots of dining options along Magazine Street as well, so you’ll have plenty of options to take a break and enjoy a nice meal or drink. Commander's Palace is also located in the Garden District and offers one of the best wine lists in the country. I also recommend checking out the Garden District Book Shop, which is a beautiful bookstore that has an excellent selection. It’s a great place to go if you want to find a book about Louisiana or New Orleans in particular. For those who fall in love and want to spend the night in the Garden District, the Columns is a historic hotel offering beautiful high-end accommodation.
Experience New Orleans Festivals & Events
If you’re the kind of traveler who thrives being around people and experiencing a happening time, there are plenty of major events and things to do in NOLA that you can plan your trip around. Obviously, the highlight of the year is Mardi Gras and the parade, but there are so many other events spread throughout the entire calendar year. Here are some of the highlights:
Mardi Gras: The undisputed king of the NOLA season is Mardi Gras, the most famous of all things to do in New Orleans. There’s not any single day or parade, but rather a series of events held during Mardi Gras season (February-March, depending on the year). Different “krewes” put on various parades and events, each with their own traditions and quirks. Depending on when you’re there, you might see celebrities riding parade floats, or even the dog parade run by the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws. They’re all amazing, and the atmosphere during this time is truly unmatched. It can be difficult to find hotels and the like but plan ahead and you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Jazz Fest: Jazz Fest (officially the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival) is a must-see for fans of music and performance. Taking place in April/May, this event is designed to preserve the musical and cultural history of the city and its people. There are a number of stages featuring local musicians, and several parades are also held during the festival. If you want to learn about the history and development of jazz and see how it continues to evolve today, Jazz Fest is one of the can’t-miss things to do in the city! There are tons of local food vendors offering traditional Cajun and New Orleans cuisine, so be sure to try as many unique things as you can.
Saints Football: You’ll quickly learn that the New Orleans Saints (the local NFL football team) are one of the city's most beloved things. For many, the team represents more than just sports: in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, local people took refuge in the team’s stadium, the Superdome. The Saints have been a beacon of hope for the city and state ever since, and the fans have rewarded them with unquestioned loyalty. If you visit during the NFL season from September through early spring, going to a Saints game is at the top of our New Orleans recommendation list.
Essence Festival of Culture: Hosted during the 4th of July weekend in New Orleans, the Essence Festival of Culture is the world largest celebration of black culture. The festival has been running since 1995 and hosts free workshops, educational talks and concerts every year.
New Orleans Wine and Food Festival: Although it is true that New Orleans doesn't need the excuse of a festival to offer mouth-watering food and good drinks, the city is always thrilled to have a party! This is the perfect place to have a blast while feeding your foodie soul. The Wine and Food festival lasts for 5 days and brings together locals, visitors, and more than 100 restaurants and 250 wine connoisseurs. The festival celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year!
Movies in the Park: The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission hosts a seasonal program every year where locals and visitors alike can enjoy free movies in the park. Movie goers can bring their own blankets, chairs and picnic supplies. This is a super fun laid-back activity to do after a full day of exploration!
Learn about Voodoo
One of the most unique parts of New Orleans is its voodoo heritage. For those unaware, Voodoo is a diasporic religion with many offshoots, all of which draw from African traditional beliefs. In Louisiana and New Orleans in particular, Catholicism and Haitian Vodou combine to form a historic and fascinating practice. Enslaved Africans were brought to Haiti and migrated to Louisiana later, bringing their beliefs and practices to help form New Orleans Voodoo.
There have been many prominent figures within the New Orleans Voodoo community, but none are as famous as Marie Laveau. She quickly became accepted as the Queen of Voodoo and held considerable power and influence during her lifetime. Her legacy remains today, and you can visit her supposed grave in the St Louis Cemetery No 1.
The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is a very cool experience as well. Situated in the French Quarter, it’s a small museum but one of the best places in the world to learn about Voodoo and its associated art.
Take A Day Trip
There are tons of fun activities surrounding New Orleans besides just the plantations!
One of the most popular things to do while visiting the area is an airboat tour. These flat-bottomed boats have a huge fan mounted on the back that propels the boat over water, making it the perfect way to travel around the swamplands and bayous of Louisiana. There are tons of companies and individuals offering tours, and you’ll get the chance to see some natural beauty and amazing wildlife. Watch out for alligators!
There are also plenty of small historic towns near New Orleans, and all of them have a southern charm and uniqueness that make them worth a visit. If you’re visiting in April, check out the Ponchatoula Strawberry festival. You can even find some nice beaches less than 2 hours from NOLA, such as Ocean Springs, Mississippi. There are plenty of options for everyone, so make sure you look into what you want to do most!
For a truly unique experience, head to Avery Island to visit the Tabasco sauce factory and museum. One of the most popular hot sauces in the world, Tabasco is an integral part of many Louisiana dishes. The factory has a great tour, and you can even sample unique Tabasco-flavored foods. Definitely worth the drive!
A few more tips on things to do in New Orleans
I hope this guide of things to do in New Orleans has made you fall in love with the city as much as I did. If that is the case and you are already planning your visit, I am sharing a few extra tips to facilitate that everything goes smoothly, and you have the trip of a lifetime!
Best Time to visit
January might be the best time to visit New Orleans. It’s not as crowded as during peak season (February to May), the weather is much nicer, and you can find some Mardi Gras-related events to experience without the insanity/crowds that will come in February/March. If you don’t mind the hot and humid weather, the summer is another great time to visit NOLA. You’ll have plenty of daylight, and there’s a great outdoor atmosphere to experience. Finally, the Fall has a mixture of cooler weather and Saints football… always a winning combination!
Transportation Tips
To get to New Orleans from the airport, the best options are Uber/rideshares, a taxi, or a rental car. I always recommend renting a car, as you’ll be able to control your own schedule and take some day trips to see other areas in and around your main destination. In many areas of the city, you shouldn’t have any problems driving and parking. This can be sometimes difficult in parts of the French Quarter, so you might not use the car for days when you’ll be mostly around the Quarter.
Hotel Recommendations
Choosing the right place to stay in NOLA is key to having the best travel experience, so here are some tips to help you decide what’s best for you!
Hotels in the French Quarter are usually a bit pricey, but in my opinion they are worth it. You’ll be right in the middle of everything, there are plenty of things to do in New Orleans French Quarter, and the area is very safe so you can enjoy some southern charm.
In the Quarter, I would recommend a hotel three or four blocks away from Bourbon St. You’ll not only pay a bit less, but you will also avoid the noises of revelry that never end. Even the most hardcore partygoers know that a quiet place to sleep is vital for being able to wake up and do it all again the next day!
Most hotels in New Orleans have a definite historic vibe. I was scared they would be dated, but don’t worry! You’ll have all the modern conveniences, just a more classic feel. A modern hotel with sleek finishes is a bit harder to find, especially if you go for a smaller, non-chain hotel.
We stayed at the Maison Dupuy Hotel which was the perfect combo of affordability and comfort for me. My favorite part was the gorgeous courtyard, complete with a pool for those hot summer days. It’s the perfect place to recharge in style after a long day.
If you want to spend a bit more, two of the best hotels to stay in New Orleans are Place d’ Armes Hotel the iconic Hotel Monteleone. Bonus: you can go freshen up and still be first in line for a seat at the rotating Carousel Bar.
For more hotel recommendations in the city check the map below:
General Travel Tips
The New Orleans sightseeing pass will help you book activities and visits to popular attractions in advance while skipping some lines and saving money. They have day and flexible passes for the Big Easy!
For those traveling to other parts of the state we recommend St. Francisville. The town is a close drive from Baton Rouge and one of the most quaint and charming places in Louisiana.
Looking to explore other American cities after New Orleans? We've also written travel guides for destinations like New York. Head to our New York section to read everything you need to know about this incredible city!
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Besitos from NOLA,
Laura
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