The magical city of New Orleans, Louisiana, is one where every street oozes culture, history, and classic Southern charm.
In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey through the best things to do in New Orleans, uncovering the city’s hidden gems, wonderful people, and iconic landmarks.
From the timeless French Quarter to the boho flair of the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, New Orleans offers a bunch of adventures to suit every traveler’s taste.
You can dive into the city’s rich history at top-tier museums, sample yummy Creole and Cajun flavors at popular spots.
Then, immerse yourself in the rhythms of live music floating through the city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced traveler, prepare to be as taken by New Orleans as I was.
Tip: Looking for more Southern Hospitality? Read the Best Things to Do in Houston next.
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New Orleans Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours in New Orleans
- New Orleans: Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour
- New Orleans: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez
- New Orleans: Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire City Tour
- New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride
- New Orleans: Cemetery Bus Tour at Dark with Exclusive Access
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Budget
Midrange
Luxury
- NOPSI Hotel New Orleans
- Maison de la Luz
- The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
- The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
How to Get Around New Orleans
Roaming New Orleans is often an adventure in itself, with various transportation options catering to every preference.
Many choose to go strolling through the narrow streets, where every corner holds a new hidden gem.
For longer distances, the iconic streetcars offer a charming and budget-friendly way to tour the city’s main attractions like Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue, which has gorgeous views of grand mansions and lush greenery.
Alternatively, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient door-to-door transportation, ideal for late-night trips or exploring off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.
You can choose to enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe during a summer vacation by renting a bicycle and pedaling along the scenic Mississippi Riverfront or through the vibrant Bywater district.
A rental car offers flexibility for day trips beyond the city limits.
However, parking in New Orleans can be challenging and expensive, especially in the French Quarter.
If it’s proving too pricey for your budget, I’d recommend relying on a combination of public transportation and alternative modes of travel to experience the magic of the Big Easy.
1. Experience the French Quarter
Also known as the Vieux Carre, the French Quarter is New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood.
The aroma of Creole cooking and sultry jazz melodies pass along the cobblestone streets in this historic part of the city.
There are so many things to see in the French Quarter.
You can start in Jackson Square, dominated by the St Louis Cathedral. You’ll also find talented street performers and unique art to browse here.
History buffs will delight in the Presbytére or the Cabildo Museum, where the history of the city comes alive.
If you’re new to the city, you can’t skip Bourbon Street, famous for its vibrant nightlife.
End off your day here, and it’ll be a night to remember.
2. Take in the View at Vue Orleans
At the top of the Four Seasons Hotel, you’ll find awesome sights.
The hotel features panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city’s skyline from one of its observation decks.
The interactive experience offers a new way to learn about NOLA’s colorful history and culture.
From here, you can easily bask in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city.
When you’ve had your fill of the sights, you can head to the on-site restaurant for a touch of Southern charm.
3. Groove on Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street is a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of New Orleans’ Marigny neighborhood.
With its diverse charm and lively atmosphere, it draws music enthusiasts, partygoers, and art lovers alike.
Renowned for its thriving music scene, this bustling street boasts a mix of intimate jazz clubs, funky bars, and exciting performance venues where live music flows through the air from dusk to dawn.
From brass bands to blues ensembles, the street is filled with the soulful sounds of local musicians.
As you wander through the colorful murals and lively street performers, you’ll enjoy the unique blend of music, art, and culture that defines Frenchmen Street’s spirit.
4. Visit the French Market
A visit to the French Market in New Orleans promises to excite your senses.
Established in 1791, it’s the oldest public market in the US. Did I mention that it’s also a wonderful melting pot of cultures?
The market stretches for six blocks, offering a vibrant mix of local art, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local souvenirs.
The smell of Cajun spices, freshly baked beignets, and seafood fills the air, calling you (and your stomach) to try the different goodies on offer.
Street performers and live jazz music add to the lively atmosphere, making your visit one to remember.
Between exploring stalls, tasting rich and spicy Creole cuisine, or simply enjoying the vibe, the French Market will fill you with the culture and history of New Orleans.
5. Picnic at City Park
When you enter City Park, you’ll forget you’re in the city.
The park is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Crescent City.
Reaching across a whopping 1,300 acres, the lush landscape of the park is dotted with tall oaks drenched in beautiful moss.
The trees provide welcome shade to relax under with a book or a picnic basket.
The shores of Bayou St John offer the opportunity for a check-in with nature.
You’ll feel relaxed and ready to take on the buzz once again after an afternoon in one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Orleans.
6. Go Shopping on Magazine Street
This legendary spot runs through multiple neighborhoods for six miles, with a knick for every knack in its shops.
The street offers great shopping, art, food, and even a zoo. You’ll never be short of things to do on Magazine Street.
Whether you’re looking for prized vintage finds, contemporary artistic pieces, artisanal products, or the odd Beignet or po’boy, you’re guaranteed to find everything you need and more here.
7. Have a Cocktail at Sazerac House
Sazerac House is the home of Crescent City’s iconic cocktail culture.
Its heritage includes the origin of the famous Sazerac cocktail, a heady mix of rye whiskey, bitters, and Absinthe.
In the historic building on Canal Street, you’ll find hands-on tours, exhibits, and tasting rooms to explore different flavors.
At Sazerac, you can sit back and enjoy a cocktail or two.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join in a cocktail class to wake your inner mixologist.
All in all, this venue promises to be one of the most fun things to do in New Orleans.
8. Try Some Beignets at Café du Monde
Café du Monde, a celebrated establishment nestled in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, is renowned for its delectable beignets.
These fluffy, fried pastries are dusted in powdered sugar and represent a beloved symbol of the city’s culinary heritage.
Open 24/7, Café du Monde welcomes locals and tourists alike to enjoy irresistible treats alongside a warming cup of chicory coffee or hot chocolate.
The saying goes that if you leave without powdered sugar dusted on your clothes, you’ve missed out.
The café’s bustling outdoor patio offers an authentic New Orleans experience.
Here you can indulge in the simple pleasure of freshly fried beignets while soaking up the lively ambiance of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River.
9. Ride the Algiers Ferry
If you want to get in touch with the rushing waters of the Mississippi River, the best way to do so is to hop on the Algiers Ferry.
The ferry connects downtown New Orleans with the famous Algiers Point district.
It offers the opportunity to see the city’s skyline from the water as well as some of the most popular landmarks along the shore.
You can travel along the river comfortably and take in the small neighborhood on the other side of the river.
Algiers Point is a charming area filled with unique homes, trendy and comforting bars, and cafés.
The architecture of the area alone makes this trip worth the effort.
10. Sip Wine at Bacchanal
Once a local secret, Bacchanal has become a key part of NOLA’s history and charm.
It is now so much more than just a wine shop; it has cemented its place as a cultural showpiece in the city.
Here, you can enjoy live music performances in the heart of the chic Bywater neighborhood while sipping the famed wines and indulging in gourmet cuisine.
The courtyard of this rustic venue is adorned with sparkling lights, offering an ideal backdrop to any visit, whether it be a relaxed visit, friendly gathering, or lively celebration.
11. Shop at the Arts Market New Orleans
If it’s unique gifts or one-of-a-kind souvenirs you’re searching for, you can’t pass up a visit to the Arts Market New Orleans.
The market is definitely one of the coolest New Orleans attractions to visit.
Held on two Saturdays a month, this unique market is the best place to experience the artistic talent of the city.
The market offers everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and textiles for every artistic taste and budget.
As you stroll through the shaded park, you can browse the booths and interact with artists while enjoying live music and delicious food from local vendors.
12. Stroll Through the Garden District
The Garden District in New Orleans is a picturesque neighborhood known for its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and layers of history.
There’s nothing quite like a stroll along the lovely tree-lined streets adorned with elegant mansions and historic homes, each having intricate ironwork and colorful facades.
Check out the grand antebellum residences, such as the famous Buckner Mansion and the hauntingly beautiful Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
Each building in this district has a story to tell in a fascinating and colorful style.
With its timeless beauty, the Garden District will capture you with its Southern charm and classic elegance.
13. See the City in a Streetcar
New Orleans’ streetcars are a loved symbol of the city’s rich history and date back to the 19th century.
While several lines like the Desire Line have stopped operations over time, iconic routes like the St. Charles Avenue Line continue to roll along.
These incredible machines offer a nostalgic trip through old neighborhoods and majestic oak-lined streets.
The Riverfront Line offers gorgeous views of the Mississippi River, while the Canal Street Line services the bustling downtown area.
The footprint of these streetcar lines lives in the vintage charm of these vintage systems.
They can be used to get you around the city on a historical form of public transport.
Alternatively, you can use the streetcars to see the Big Easy from a new (or old) perspective.
14. Experience Mardi Gras
If you visit during Spring, New Orleans’ busiest time, you’ll be swept up in the joy of Mardi Gras.
The world-renowned event is a lively swirl of color, music, and fun.
The carnival usually takes place just before Lent and offers dazzling displays of centuries-old tradition, vibrant parties, and a coming together of all the city’s people.
Join in on the parades, catch some of the silver Mardi Gras beads sailing off the fabulous passing floats, or stuff your face with King cake.
If you decide to visit in winter, you don’t need to miss out on the essence of Mardi Gras.
You can visit Mardi Gras World, where you can tour the masterpieces of Blaine Kern, the float builder known as “Mr. Mardi Gras.”
You’ll find awesome displays of past floats and be able to experience the excitement no matter when you visit.
15. Have Brunch at the Ruby Slipper Cafe
Brunch at the Ruby Slipper Cafe in New Orleans is a must-try experience!
Known for its unique takes on classic breakfast, such as the savory Eggs Cochon and the decadent Bananas Foster Pain Perdu, brunch here is both memorable and delicious.
Pair your meal with one of their signature mimosas or Bloody Marys for the perfect start to your day.
Ruby Slipper Cafe has multiple locations across the city, and their Southern hospitality will make you feel like a local when you eat there.
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