Best Things to Do in New Orleans

It’s no wonder that New Orleans is consistently ranked as one of the top destinations in the U.S. Senses come alive as you explore what this city has to offer. Some of the richest historical and cultural experiences and attractions in the country are found in New Orleans. 

Learn about the traditional African spiritual beliefs mixed with aspects of Catholicism and French creole culture in voodoo. Imagine what life was like for the nouveau riche Americans while strolling through the Garden District. And a trip to the official World War II Museum of the United States as designated by the U.S. Congress is a must. Its five impressive pavilions on a six-acre campus feature historical exhibits, restoration work, restaurants, and a period dinner theater. 

For more history, learn about slavery on a Louisiana sugarcane plantation at the Whitney Plantation Museum. Last but not least, you may not be a Mardi Gras reveler but for many, it’s on the bucket list, certainly something to do at least once in one’s life. Even if you don’t go during carnival season, Mardi Gras’ medieval European origins are revealed through rare artifacts, extraordinary costumes, and more at one of the Louisiana State Museum’s permanent exhibits.

Mardi Gras World is another year-round destination where you’ll be able to see many of the floats and props used in the parades. You’ll also learn how these amazing floats are made.

Last but not least, there is the music. New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz but its origins are still obscure. Was it born from drumming and voodoo rituals or was it a blend of musical styles from French and Spanish colonists, Africans, and others? Was it Nick LaRocca and his Original Dixieland Jazz Band or Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton? 

1. Mardi Gras & Bourbon Street 

There’s so much to tell about world famous Mardi Gras from its origins and traditions to the carnival season schedule. Read the complete low down here. And while Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most famous celebrations, historic Bourbon Street, in the heart of the French Quarter, is professed to be one of the most famous nightlife strips.

Is it safe to visit Bourbon Street? Consuming alcohol in the streets is not only allowed, it's standard practice so keep your wits about you. Its popularity and free flow of alcohol attract pickpockets and scammers. It also attracts nudity, people relieving themselves in the streets, vomiting, and general craziness.

If you’re looking to really party, Bourbon Street is the place but if that isn’t up your alley, don’t worry, there’s plenty more to do and see while visiting New Orleans. For starters, Frenchman Street is another option. Less touristy, it’s called a “local’s Bourbon Street” and is better known for the draw of its music venues. 

2. Jazz

From dive bars to prohibition era establishments, backyard patios to music played in the historic Old U.S. Mint, site of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, there’s no shortage of venues for you to explore the roots of jazz and listen to its sound, perhaps dancing while you’re at it. It all depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.

Preservation Hall, like the Old U.S. Mint is historic, and it also draws some of the top talent in the world. For dinner, try Palm Court Jazz Cafe, Arnaud’s or Three Muses. Bacchanal Fine Wine and Spirits is the place to go for jazz under the moon and and for a more seedy experience, The Spotted Cat. Prohibition era vibes and up to three different performances a night can be had at The 21st Amendment. 

3. National WWII Museum

Learn why the war that changed the world was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. It’s an opportunity to better understand the price of freedom particularly for younger generations of Americans who may not have ever had contact with the greatest generation. No matter your generation, you’ll be inspired by what you learn. 

4. The French Market

Another French Quarter stop, the shops of the Colonnade span for six blocks. It’s the oldest of its kind in the U.S. and predates European colonization as a Native American trading post. The Farmer’s Market pavilion features daily full-service fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food isn’t the only draw.

Head to the Flea Market, stroll into some of the many art galleries, or see what’s happening at Dutch Alley. You might be able to join a juggling workshop, try stilt-walking, or watch a musical performance. 

5. The Neighborhoods

The French Quarter, Garden District and the Arts/Warehouse District all have their own distinct character, so plan to meander through each neighborhood. The French Quarter generally gets all the attention with Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and the oldest cathedral in the United States among other attractions.

Situated between the French Quarter and the Garden District is the Arts/Warehouse District. It’s old warehouses have been transformed in recent years and you’ll find trendy bars and restaurants, shops, and art galleries. For nouveaux riche Americans not so welcome in the French Quarter, the Garden District was where they built opulent mansions.

6. City Park/Louis Armstrong Park

1300 acres make up City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the country. There’s an amusement park, botanic, and sculpture garden but you can’t miss the world’s largest stand of mature, live oak trees. These majestic trees are hosts to ferns, moss, and two of them are between 750 and 900 years old. You can rent a bike or kayak there, too.

After exploring the French Quarter, pick up a poor boy sandwich and relax in Louis Armstrong Park. The park honors the jazz great and Congo Square within the park was once a meeting place for slaves. 

7. Voodoo, Vampires, Ghosts and More 

Get your fortune told, buy talismans, charms, voodoo dolls, incense, oils, herbs and other curiosities at several voodoo shops that dot the French Quarter. The practice dates back to the arrival of enslaved Africans in the 1700s. It was at its height in the 1800s during the life of Louisana Creole Marie Laveau who was an herbalist, midwife, and voodoo practitioner. 

Some say that New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in America. Restaurants, hotels, cemeteries, and the infamous LaLaurie mansion are some of the stops you’ll take on a tour of the city. It’s a hair-raising way to learn about some of New Orleans history. Many of the paranormal experiences had by visitors and locals alike have been documented.

There are ghost, vampire, and voodoo tours for families and adults offered by various companies. Remember that open containers are permitted on the streets of NOLA as long as it’s from a plastic cup so some will join the tour with a libation in hand. 

8. Jackson Square

This 18th century square honors the Battle of New Orleans hero Andrew Jackson. Go to see the oldest cathedral in the U.S., the St. Louis Cathedral. You can also meander along the open-air artists’ displays, visit the Louisiana State Museums (Presbytere and Cabildo), and the oldest apartment building in the U.S., the Upper and Lower Pontalba Apartments. On the ground level you’ll find retail shops, galleries, and restaurants. 

9. Mardi Gras World

If you’re interested in a behind the scenes look at the incredible Mardi Gras floats, head to Mardi Gras World where you can tour the Blaine Kern Studios. The studio has been creating floats for Mardi Gras and other parades around the world since 1947. Learn about Mardi Gras history and its traditions, step into a costume and try a slice of king cake  which isn’t easy to find outside of Mardi Gras season! 

10. Food

Muffalettas, pralines, gumbo, poor boy sandwiches, red beans and rice, bananas foster and beignets. For beignets, head to Cafe Beignet or Cafe DuMonde. Most associated with New Orleans’ French Quarter, a beignet (ben-yay) is a cross between an American donut and French pastry.

There’s more than beignets to enjoy at Cafe Beignet with an all-day breakfast menu and rich coffee. Should you try Cafe Beignet or Cafe DuMonde? Why not try both and decide for yourself. Cafe DuMonde has 11 locations, one of them being the original French Market coffee stand having operated there since 1862.

It serves dark roasted coffee and chicory either black or cafe au lait along with its beignets 24/7 with the exception of Christmas day. Going late at night you’ll miss a lot of the crowds. Other location hours vary.