Discover the best things to do in New Orleans, from jazz-filled streets and local markets to scenic parks and unique cultural experiences.
Why is New Orleans called The Big Easy?
There are many theories, but most locals will tell you it comes down to the laid-back, easy-going spirit that defines life here. It’s a city where music pours from street corners, strangers become friends, and every moment feels like a celebration.
This guide brings together recommendations from locals, travel bloggers, and my own time spent wandering the city’s jazz-filled streets and savoring unforgettable food.
And here’s the best part: many activities won’t cost you a dime.
From strolling through charming city parks and admiring the iconic St. Louis Cathedral to exploring colorful neighborhoods filled with history and soul.
New Orleans is full of unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
My Tip:
New Orleans is one of those places where planning is great, but leaving room for surprises is even better. Some of my favorite moments happened just by wandering into a side street and finding an unexpected jazz band or a tiny café with the best gumbo I’ve ever tasted. So, yes, visit the highlights, but also slow down, explore on foot, and let the city show you its magic.
Our recommendations for your trip to New Orleans
1. Haunted History Tour
Recommended by Lindsey of Have Clothes, Will Travel
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, taking “haunted” history tours are great fun.
However, don’t expect any Ouija boards or seances when taking a haunted tour.
These tours are a fun way to learn about some of the darker, more sinister events and deaths in the city. (You’re not actually going to be hunting ghosts!)
You can book your tour at several different times throughout the day, but it will be more fun to take a later tour.
Not only will it be “spookier,” the streets will be less crowded, and you’ll be able to hear your tour guide better.
Your tour guide will take you through the French Quarter for about two hours – stopping at various spots to talk about the brutal death/ historical event that took place there.
You will also see Madame Delphine LaLaurie’s house on these tours. She was a New Orleans socialite who allegedly tortured and murdered people in very brutal ways.
Her home is supposed to be quite haunted. She was also a prominent character on the show AHS: Coven, which your tour guide will tell you has gotten the history horribly wrong.
You will also make a pit stop at a “haunted” bar halfway through this tour to replenish your beverages.
Book your haunted history tour:
2. French Quarter History and Hauntings Tour
3. Ghost Tour
5. French Quarter Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
2. Explore Cemeteries
Recommended by Talek from Travels with Talek
One cool activity is to visit the local cemeteries. The city is famous for its cemeteries and with good reason.
They are beautiful with ornate and elaborately carved statuary. They are mysterious, with infamous residents like voodoo queens and mass murderers, and they are all above ground to avoid the gulf waters that frequently flood the city.
There are more than 40 cemeteries within the city limits, many with tombs dating back to the 1700s.
With so many cemeteries, which ones are the best to visit?
Locals will tell you the best one to visit is St. Louis I Cemetery. It is believed to be the most haunted in the country. Marie Laveau, the beautiful 18th-century voodoo practitioner, is buried here.
Residents believe her spirit walks the tombs at night. The place is pretty impressive, with its delicately carved statuary and stately mausoleums.
When visiting, it pays to go with a cemetery tour so you can learn all the interesting little tidbits of information, like the fact that the crypts are periodically cleaned out with ten-foot poles to make room for the newly deceased.
This is where the expression “I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole” comes from. Who knew?
3. City Park
Recommended by Stella from Around the World in 24 Hours
Many tourists spend their entire trip in the French Quarter. As fascinating as “The Quarter” is, you’re missing out on some of the best parts of the city if you don’t explore more of the Big Easy.
And one of the most exciting parts of New Orleans is its large and stunning City Park. This park is much bigger than New York City’s famous Central Park, so you can spend all day here and not get bored.
You can spend the day outdoors exploring the park’s gorgeous oak trees and admiring the friendly ducks that live in the lake.
You can also visit some of the park’s famous cultural attractions, like the Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Art, or the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
If you’re bringing kids, take them to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park or the Storyland playground. Once the sun sets, pop over to nearby Ralph’s on the Park for a delicious dinner.
Grab a Sno-Ball from the stand by the Big Lake during the summer. A Sno-Ball is shaved ice topped with your choice of sweet syrup, an authentic summertime delicacy.
Take the Sno-Ball to the Singing Oak near the Big Lake, and you can enjoy the sound of the wind chimes in the giant oak tree as you eat your snack.
In the winter, don’t miss the stunning Christmas lights put up for the Celebration In the Oaks festival.
4. Plantations
Recommended by Lori from Travlinmad
The Big Easy is full of history, mystery, and sites.
But visitors looking for a glimpse into the Antebellum history should head out of the city to the plantations along the Great River Road.
Here, the past stories come alive in vivid and often disturbing detail.
Visitors can easily drive to one or more plantations in a day or visit several over a few days. There are accommodations along the way and even B&B rooms at a few of the stately plantations.
Of the many plantations to visit, two sites are highly recommended: Oak Alley Plantation and Whitney Plantation. The stately Oak Alley is perhaps the best-known of all the River Road estates.
With its Gone With the Wind good looks and tumultuous past, it’s been the backdrop for countless TV shows and movies like Interview With a Vampire.
In contrast to Oak Alley and just a short way down the road, the Whitney Plantation is dedicated to telling the story of slavery in Louisiana.
Through knowledgable tours, poignant sculptural renditions of slave children, and first-person narratives from the slaves themselves who lived there, the Whitney is one of the most unique plantations of them all.
Tours run hourly at most of the plantations, so plan accordingly, and you can make a full day of it. It offers beautiful scenery, moving history, and a rare glimpse into New Orleans’ history.
5. Kayaking in the Swamp
Recommended by Aleah of Solitary Wanderer
There are several places half an hour from the city where you can kayak in peace, with nothing to disturb the quiet and the wildlife you will see, aside from the soft sounds of your paddling.
Depending on the season, and if you are lucky, you will see alligators sunning themselves on exposed logs. Don’t be scared; gators are more afraid of you and will quickly swim away if you come close.
In addition to alligators, you will also see many turtles and birds. Listen to the hooting of barred owls and try to spot them in trees.
Your guide may even take you to an eagle’s nest. You may also see white egrets gliding across the water, herons, and white ibis.
Look out for swimming snakes; if you see one approaching you, just gently shoo it away with your paddle.
Avoid exploring the swamp in motorboats or pontoons; they are noisy, and some agencies are even unethical. They feed gators to make sure their guests would see one during the trip.
Truly, nothing makes your visit more special than kayaking in the swamp. It beats waking up hungover the next day on Bourbon Street.
6. Art Galleries on Royal
Recommended by Michelle of That Texas Couple
New Orleans is such a unique and diverse city. It truly just seems to be brimming with life at every turn.
It doesn’t matter if you are spending 3 days in the city or 3 years, each day is guaranteed to be unique and exciting. I mean, there is truly something to do for everyone.
New Orleans is known for having a fabulous music and art scene. Just walk down the street, and you will see musicians and artists abound.
With that in mind, explore the many are galleries that you will find on Royal Street.
Royal Street is a feast for the eyes, located in the heart of the French Quarter. The historic building with their unique iron balconies just beg for you to come inside to explore.
It is here that you will find all sorts of art galleries. The galleries closer to Canal Street tend to cater to the more serious art collector, but recently there have been new artists taking over the 800 and 900 blocks of Royal.
These artist galleries allow even the most casual art enthusiast to feel right at home. No matter what your taste in art, you are sure to find the perfect piece to add to your collection on Royal Street.
7. Ride the Streetcar
Recommended by Annick from The Common Traveler
You shouldn’t miss riding the famous streetcars. With five different routes covering various areas of the city, visitors can see so much for so little.
The St. Charles line is the oldest continuously running street railway system in the world, taking visitors to the World War II Museum, Garden District, Lafayette Cemetery #1, Audubon Park, and the zoo.
The Riverfront line stops near the Cafe du Monde, one of the can’t miss food experiences.
At just $1.25 per ride, the streetcars are one of the most affordable ways to get around the city’s most visited areas.
Visitors planning to use the streetcar system during their stay in the city should download the mobile app and purchase a Jazzy pass for unlimited rides during their stay.
The app also shows visitors how long it will take to get from one place to another and shows in real-time when a streetcar is approaching the stop.
The streetcars aren’t just a mode of transportation- they are an iconic part of the city’s history and charm. Every visitor should ride the streetcars at least once!
8. Jazz Club on Frenchmen Street
Recommended by Theresa from Fueled By Wanderlust
The jazz clubs on Frenchman Street are not only exciting but also significant to the history and culture.
In fact, the whole jazz genre began in the Big Easy during the early twentieth century, when African-American musicians began to mix their traditional sounds with the diverse array of other cultures settled in the area.
Today, people looking for a memorable evening out should head to the jazz clubs on Frenchman Street. Even if jazz isn’t your thing, live music is always fun and you’ll experience this unique cultural component.
The Spotted Cat Music Club is one of the most popular spots, but can also be the most crowded with a line out the door. Three Muses and d.b.a., are two other fun options with great music, but a bit more low-key atmosphere.
To get to Frenchman Street, you can walk or Uber depending on where you are staying. This area is located about a mile away from the French Quarter and takes about twenty minutes to reach on foot.
Do also note that many of the bars charge a cash cover to enter, which can range from $5 to $20.
9. Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Recommended by Derek and Mike of Robe Trotting
New Orleans is known around the world as a party town with amazing nightlife. Visiting a town like this will involve some drinks out in the vibrant nightlife of the city.
It’s also a city full of rich and diverse history, so being able to grab a drink in places that are historically significant is easy here if you know where to find them.
One of those places is also one of the most popular gay bars, Café Lafitte in Exile. It’s also the country’s oldest continuously-operating gay bars, so it’s a great LGBTQ heritage spot in the United States.
The bar was opened in 1933 down the street from its present location on Bourbon Street. The original location is still a bar called Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and was once owned by a local lesbian.
It attracted a mixed crowd of lesbians, gay men, and heterosexual patrons but when tensions with the landlord rose in 1953, the bar reopened down the street at its current location.
Both bars are worth a visit and are rich with history. Café Lafitte in Exile is a great laid-back place to have a drink, sit on the wrap-around balcony, or enjoy the evening’s entertainment.
They have a full calendar of events and it’s never a dull night out in America’s oldest gay bar.
10. Café du Monde
Recommended by Dave Chant
In 1862 Café du Monde, billed as the “Original French market Coffee Stand”, opened up in Butcher’s Hall and to this day they are still serving and selling coffee and beignets.
They do this 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year – although they do close for Christmas Day and the old hurricane.
You’ll find the outdoor seated café at the corner of Jackson Square in the French Quarter, a stone’s throw from St Louis Cathedral.
Here, the coffee is cut with chicory. The blend is rich and dark, and the chicory makes it more bitter. It’s a throwback to the Civil War when blockades made coffee hard to find.
The classic combination is with a Beignet. They are square French-style doughnuts, come in threes, deep fat fried and laden with so much powdered sugar you look like Tony Montana at the end of Scarface.
The coffee, additionally, is traditionally served black or au lait, which means it’s mixed half and half with hot milk.
The café gets so busy during the day that I much prefer it after dark when it’s normally easier to find a table.
Then you can really soak in the vibe of the French Quarter and be transported back in time to get a feel for the real New Orleans.
Truth be told, the coffee will divide opinion because of its bitterness, but the beignets are great. There’s also no denying the Café du Monde is both an institution and a must-see when visiting The Big Easy.
11. Eat a Po’Boy Sandwich
Recommended by Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
This local specialty is something you must taste at least once. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also well within the budget of even the most penny-pinching shoestring backpacker.
As you may have guessed, the name of this sandwich is simply the words “poor boy” as they are pronounced when speaking with a Southern drawl.
It was created by brothers Clovis and Benny Martin, who ran a eatery back in the 1920s and ’30s.
Their establishment was frequented by dockworkers, farmhands and other blue-collar laborers, and the brothers wanted to make an affordable lunch option for them with cheap but filling ingredients.
These days, po’ boys are a big hit with people from all walks of life, and they are served not only in specialty po’ boy shops but also in nicer dine-in restaurants.
There’s a great deal of flexibility regarding the ingredients that should go into a po’ boy.
The only non-negotiable is that it must be made with “French” bread, similar to a French baguette.
Traditional fillings are fried oysters and other types of fried seafood, but these days there are lots of more inventive options available too.
For example, a popular eatery called Killer Po’Boys serves a po’ boy with roasted sweet potatoes, braised greens, and a spread made from black-eyed peas and pecans.
It’s a modern twist on the classic po’ boy that still features local ingredients and is also a great option for vegetarian and vegan visitors.
12. Mardi Gras World
Recommended by Charles McCool of McCool Travel
During a four-day stay, I visited Mardi Gras World with my group from the Collette Tours of America’s Music Cities.
At Mardi Gras World, we learned Mardi Gras history, facts, and misconceptions in a fascinating documentary movie and then had a guided tour of the warehouse to see parade floats and sculptures in various stages (from concept to complete).
I learned that the French Quarter is too small for floats; there are over 75 Mardi Gras parades, Mardi Gras is a season rather than a single day, and much more.
While Mardi Gras parades are free to attend, building floats are big business. Some floats can cost half a million dollars. Of the hundreds of floats and sculptures we saw at Mardi Gras World, perhaps the music superstars were most appropriate since I was on a music-themed tour.
I saw sculpted figures of Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson, KISS, and Elvis Presley. But there is countless classic, fun, erotic, ethnic, historical, quirky, and outrageous figures to see. Mardi Gras World workers are also responsible for constructing Chick-Fil-A cow sculptures and other corporate symbols.
The Mardi Gras World gift shop is a microcosm of New Orleans, more than any other store I saw in NOLA.
From King Cake vodka to voodoo dolls to kitschy knockoff items (like Disney and Saints stuff), in addition to the standard souvenirs and snacks, they seemed to have it all (or at least more and different items).
After many visits, it was refreshing to do something new and I actually would visit Mardi Gras World again every year—if only to see what new floats and sculptures they are working on for the upcoming Mardi Gras parades.
13. Mississippi River Cruise
Recommended by Trijit from Budget Travel Buff
If you have a fascination with steamboats, you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to enjoy a cruise on an authentic steamboat in New Orleans, one of the cheapest honeymoon destinations in the US.
Whether you want an overnight riverboat cruise with soothing jazz music or a budget boat ride across the Mississippi, you won’t be disappointed here.
Although there is a cheaper option to take the Algiers Ferry ride across the Mississippi river for just $2, I recommend choosing the Steamboat Natchez as it is not that expensive and offers a great service.
Natchez Steamboat is an authentic paddlewheel riverboat that is still plying the waters of the Mississippi River.
This 2-hour cruise journey starts from the center of the French Quarter and will take you along the Mississippi River while listening to soulful jazz.
People who like to see the city from a different angle must experience the Mississippi river cruise. Enjoy the charming ambiance and the stunning view of the French Quarter buildings and the magnificent skyscrapers of the skyline, along with a beverage.
Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. You can enjoy the view while listening to jazz music from the indoor, which is fully climate-controlled, but most people prefer to sit on the deck to get the best view of the city, especially on an overnight cruise.
Lunch or dinner buffet options are also available on the boat. Overall, it’s a great experience that you must not miss.
14. burlesque brunch in the French Quarter
Recommended by Margarita from DownshiftingPRO
When you think of burlesque, your mind wanders to scantily clad women, a bit of bump and grind in a performance that combines striptease, comedy, elaborate costumes, and showmanship.
It would not be unusual to find risky business in the Big Easy, but alas, what you will find on a Saturday or Sunday brunch at SoBou is both entertaining and artistry.
World-famous burlesque dancer/instructor Bella Blue says there’s been a resurgence of burlesque performances in New Orleans for the last 15 years.
A petite blonde, Bella Blue has danced since she was three years old, but now she performs and instructs burlesque classes because burlesque has become so popular across the US.
Her “Legs and Eggs” show has become so popular that you must make reservations in advance. She performs a traditional feather dance with a live jazz band and stops by each table for a personalized shimmy, shimmy dance.
The meal was exceptional, and fortunately, the only bottomless thing was the mimosas!
You can certainly find other venues including evening performances which may be a bit more risque but for our girl’s getaway, this was the perfect treat.
15. Walking Tour of the Garden District
Recommended by Christine from Live Love Run Travel
I really enjoyed taking a walking tour of the Garden District. You don’t have to pay for a walking tour as there are plenty of free walking tour maps online.
If you want to get the history of the homes and find out more about the architecture, there are quite a few tour options available in the area.
Make sure you go early in the summer as it can get boiling and humid. If you go in the winter, you may want to wait until the afternoon for warmer weather to walk around.
Some of the sidewalks are fairly uneven, and you will want comfortable walking shoes. For those who cannot walk for the tour, take a drive through the area and pull into the parking spots along the sides of the street to enjoy the views.
Within the Garden District, there really isn’t a bad path to take. The main walking tours stay on the roads between Washington Avenue and Jackson Avenue and then St. Charlies Avenue and Magazine Street.
Some of the more popular roads with beautiful homes to enjoy include Coliseum Street, Chestnut Street, Philip Street, Third Street, and First Street.
Whether you take a road trip to New Orleans or fly in for a few days, make sure not to skip a walking tour of the Garden District.
16. Jazz Museum
It only fits to find a Jazz Museum in the place where this music genre was born.
It is located inside the historic Old US Mint at Esplanade Avenue, functioning as a museum and as a performance center.
There are five rotating exhibits that you can visit that focus on the history and culture of jazz. There are two archives: the Jazz Club Collection and the Louisiana Historical Center Collection.
17. Faubourg Marigny
The Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, for example, will keep you occupied with its tourist attractions and worthwhile activities.
Faubourg Marigny is among the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Elysian Fields and Esplanade Avenue-bound it.
This side of New Orleans, Louisiana, is especially attractive to artists and art enthusiasts. For one, the Art Garage at St. Claude Avenue is a visually striking venue for performance art, live graffiti, and art exhibits.
A walking tour of Faubourg Marigny will also show you stunning Creole cottages and local bohemian bars.
18. Learn more about World War II
Look back at “the war that changed the world” here at the National WWII Museum.
Answer your why’s, how’s and what for as you dig deep into physical and digital collections with over 250,000 artifacts from the Second World War.
A visit to the National WWII Museum teaches you valuable lessons from the war and keeps you entertained with its interactive exhibits such as the 4D cinematic experience brought by Tom Hanks’ Beyond All Boundaries.
19. Jazz and Heritage Festival
Better book your flight to the Big Easy between late April and early May so that you can catch the prestigious Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Jazz and other indigenous music and culture of the city are highlighted in what is more commonly called the Jazz Fest.
Aside from the great music performed by notable local and foreign artists, the Jazz Fest is also known for the good sold in festival stalls.
Other US cities that hold jazz festivals include Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington DC.
20. art collections at NOMA
The Museum of Art – NOMA, for short – is a fine arts museum located south of City Park. The institution dates back to 1911, when the museum only had nine artworks to display.
Several expansions and new collections later, NOMA is now home to about 40,000 artworks.
Explore the twelve-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, a true tourist destination of its own.
The park boasts 90 sculptures set amidst live oaks and lagoons.
21. Audubon Nature Institute
The city is truly blessed to have the Audubon Nature Institute, a family composed of museums, zoos, and parks.
Under the institute, you have the Audubon Zoo, wherein you can meet different animals such as the California Sea Lion, the Malayan Tiger, and the White Alligator.
You also have the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, a place to find and meet the African Penguin, the Southern Sea Otter, and the Sand Tiger Shark, among many others.
Of course, Audubon Park is a green space where you can play golf, tennis, and soccer.
22. Take classes at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum
How about going to a museum dedicated to food and beverage? That is primarily what the Southern Food and Beverage Museum is about.
However, expect more than just looking at items and reading captions. Here, you are encouraged to go beyond the exhibits and participate in culinary classes, dig into the cocktail scene, and more.
Inside the SOFAB museum, you will find The Museum of the American Cocktail, the John & Bonnie Boyd Hospitality & Culinary Library, and the Nitty Grits Podcast Network.
23. View public art at Studio BE
Amazed at the street art in US cities like Chicago and Boston?
Just look at the visually captivating and thought-provoking Studio BE, a 35,000-square foot warehouse filled with artworks depicting resistance, among others.
Studio BE is the brainchild of visual artist and New Orleans-based Brandan “BMike” Odums. Its massive murals and room-sized installations attract visitors from all over the world.
You can find Studio BE along Royal Street in the Bywater neighborhood.
24. Catch an event at the Mercedes Benz Superdome
The Superdome has been the home of the New Orleans Saints since 1975. You can find the grand structure standing out in the middle of the Central Business District.
Catching a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome was one of my most memorable experiences in the city. However, if sports isn’t your thing, there are also different happenings which take place here.
The Superdome has hosted grand events such as Super Bowls and Saints home games and major concerts and festivals.
One of the Superdome’s most anticipated events is the Essence Festival of Culture.
25. Relax at the Longue Vue House and Gardens
The Longue Vue House and Gardens are what you picture out a Southern home to be.
The four-story world-class house museum is set amidst eight acres of lush gardens that total 14. The place is made even more regal with the installation of 22 fountains.
If you think of plans for a Wednesday, consider going to the Longue Vue House and Gardens.
An event called Twilight at Longue Vue happens here during that day. Bring your food, drinks, and mats as you lie down the grass and enjoy as local artists take center stage.
26. Meet an alligator at the Jean Lafitte National Park
Six sites at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve present important historical and cultural facts about New Orleans and Louisiana.
The Chalmette Battlefield is one of the sites at the park. It is the place where the Battle of New Orleans occurred in January 1815.
The Barataria Preserve is another site at Jean Lafitte, one that is dedicated to wildlife such as birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Having an encounter with the American Alligator at the Barataria Preserve is truly a great experience.
27. guided tour at the Pharmacy Museum
Try visiting the Pharmacy Museum. The place where the museum is located is listed at the National Register of Historic Places.
As with the name, this NOLA museum focuses on past and present matters regarding pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana.
At the Pharmacy Museum, you can view different items about wellness, including voodoo potions and questionable medical practices.
The museum also pays tribute to Louisiana resident Louis J. Dufilho Jr., America’s first licensed pharmacist.
28. Bike through Bayou St. John
This neighborhood is best appreciated by those who would like a moment or two away from the busy city yet still feel like they are in the same eclectic space.
At Bayou St. John, you can rent a Blue Bike, New Orleans’ bike-sharing program, and start exploring picturesque streets adorned with Creole homes.
Afterward, head over to the Bayou and enjoy some relaxing activities by the water. These include yoga, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
29. Marvel at the Backstreet Cultural Museum collections
The historic Faubourg Tremé neighborhood is the home of the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Visit to this museum for a better appreciation of the African American culture.
The museum may have just formally opened in 1999, but its history dates back further when Sylvester Francis started documenting Mardi Gras and other celebrations out of passion.
He started by photographing people and events and then giving them their copies for free. Together with other enthusiasts, the same people were the same ones who generously donated costumes and parade paraphernalia – until his collection was huge enough to form a museum.
30. Shop at Magazine Street
One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is wandering down Magazine Street. If you’re like me and tired of the typical mall scene, you’ll love the local boutiques, quirky shops, and charming cafés along this stretch.
Magazine Street lets you browse through various shopping and dining options that complement the homes and bed and breakfasts tucked in between.
You are spoiled with six miles of local and international brands at Magazine Street – with a distinct bias to the former.
During the first Saturday of the month, many shops at Magazine Street offer special deals, exclusive discounts, and in-store activities.
31. Louisiana Children’s Museum
LCM is basically 56,000 square feet of the learning environment – with a generous dose of fun on top.
There are many types of experiences awaiting everyone at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. You can choose to “Dig into Nature” and learn how animals are cared for when they are unwell.
You can also “Follow that Food” and see how your favorite fruits and vegetable journey from the farm to the grocery store and right to your table.
32. Experience the French Market
Aside from the great opportunity to score unique finds and local fares, you can also see the community at its liveliest.
The French Market’s history dates back to 1791, and although the market has seen many renovations since then, the commerce and culture live on.
The open-air French Market brings the Flea Market and the Farmers Market together in one location. At the heart of this destination, you’ll find the Dutch Alley, wherein art and fine crafts take the spotlight.
33. Participate in the Second Lines tradition
So, what exactly is a Second Line, and why is it such a beloved tradition in the Big Easy?
A Second Line parade starts with the “first line,” comprising a brass band and the group being celebrated. But the real magic happens with the “second line.” That’s everyone else who jumps in, dances, and follows along as the music moves through the streets.
What I love most is that Second Lines aren’t just for celebrations. They’re also part of saying goodbye. You’ll see them at funerals, too, turning sorrow into a soulful, powerful tribute.
34. Tour the Cabildo
The Cabildo is located at Jackson Square, right at the center of the French Quarter. It is a historic three-story building that houses a branch of the Louisiana State Museum.
Inside The Cabildo, you will find the mold for Napoleon’s death mask, among many other historical works. You will also see relatively new additions, such as artifacts that have survived the devastating Hurricane Katrina.
In the past, this Spanish Colonial building served as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period.
35. St. Louis Cathedral
Along with its equally important neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytere, the cathedral adds beauty and elegance to the surroundings of the French Quarter.
The current structure is not the original St. Louis Cathedral, built in the early 1700s. It was the third structure to be built in the location after the first and second had been destroyed.
Once you enter the cathedral, a self-guided brochure is available to help you know more about the place.
36. Enjoy BBQ and music time at Hogs for the Cause
Imagine eating great barbecue and enjoying fabulous music – all for the benefit of Pediatric Brain Cancer patients and their families.
Hogs for the Cause, which runs for two days, brings barbecue masters, chefs, and cooks to compete in different categories.
It also provides a big venue for New Orleans musicians and national musical acts to play and entertain the masses.
37. The Presbytère Museum
The Presbytère has a very interesting history. Designed to match the nearby Cabildo and the St. Louis Cathedral, it was first called Casa Curial or Ecclesiastical House because it was built in the home of the Capuchin monks.
Here, you can find different costumes and artworks used in Mardi Gras celebrations.
You can also come to see the exhibit entitled “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond.” This $7.5 million addition to the museum gives you a deeper understanding of the devastation brought about by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
38. Attend the Literary Festival
Officially known as the Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival, this event in the Big Easy celebrates all things literature with a special spotlight on Tennessee Williams’ timeless works.
The Literary Festival runs for five days.
This annual festival, held every springtime, will feature great writing workshops, theater events, and book fairs.
Also, don’t miss the one-of-a-kind interviews that they have with legendary guest writers and actors.
39. Go on a Distillery Tour at the Old Rum Distillery
If you’re going to sip rum, there’s no better place than the Old Rum Distillery. I booked a tour here, and it felt like stepping into history. This is the oldest still-operating rum distillery in the U.S.!
Under the name Celebration Distillation, they run intimate 45-minute tours where you taste some seriously good rums and learn how to craft cocktails that’ll wow your friends back home.
Trust me, it’s one of those experiences that’s fun and flavorful.
40. live jazz at the Musical Legends Park
Right in the heart of Bourbon Street, you’ll stumble upon this little gem. A small park dedicated to the legendary New Orleans musicians who gave the city its soul.
I loved wandering through and seeing the life-sized bronze statues of icons like Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, and Fats Domino. It’s such a simple but powerful tribute.
Grab a seat on one of the benches, let the sound of live jazz wash over you, and if you’re anything like me, pop into Café Beignet for a coffee and a warm, sugary beignet. It’s one of those slow, sweet moments you’ll remember long after your visit.
41. Party at Mid City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl
The place is filled with interesting places offering fun activities – some of which even merge one with another.
That is exactly what’s happening at the Mid City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl. You might just ask yourself: are you in a nightclub with a bowling alley, or are you in a bowling alley with a great nightclub?
Don’t bother answering, because once you’re here, it would not matter anymore. What matters is that you are dancing, drinking, and bowling – all in one location.
42. Be intrigued by the Abita Mystery House
Originally called the UCM Museum (to jokingly sound as U-C-M-U-C-M,) this mystery house is a roadside attraction set in a vintage 1930s gas station. It is not in NOLA but is in the nearby Abita Springs in Louisiana.
The drive to the Abita Mystery House is worth it, especially if you fancy seeing weird and wonderful things such as “Crisco the Dancing Clown” and the “New Orleans Jazz Funeral.”
43. the Carousel Bar
It was in 1949 that a vision of a rotating bar came to life. Dubbed as the Carousel Bar, this place in Hotel Monteleone has been serving curious visitors and VIPs for a long time.
Pick one out of the 25 seats and feel the bar go in full yet slow rotation in a span of 15 minutes.
Set aside the gimmick, and you still have perfectly curated drinks waiting for you at the bar. If you’re in for an original, order the Vieux Carré Cocktail or The Goody.
44. Bike through Crescent Park
Tucked away in the French Market District, Crescent Park quickly became one of my favorite spots in the city. Stretching across 20 acres, it’s perfect for biking — with stunning, uninterrupted views of the mighty Mississippi River accompanying you the whole way.
I’m one of those people who tries not to skip exercise, even when traveling, and this park was ideal. Whether you’re up for a peaceful run, a quiet morning jog, or just want to sit and meditate with river views, it’s a beautiful place to slow down and soak up the city’s calm side.
45. Dine in at Antoine’s Restaurant
What makes Antoine’s Restaurant so special?
First of all, it is the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. The establishment welcomed its first visitor in 1840.
Second, its dedication to French-Creole cuisine has given birth to some classic New Orleans dishes. Some of these include the Oysters Rockefeller and Pompano en Papillote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-visit attractions?
Discover iconic landmarks like the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and Jackson Square that showcase New Orleans’ unique charm.
What are the best activities for first-time visitors?
Explore the French Market, take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, and experience a traditional jazz performance.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans for festivals and events?
During Mardi Gras (February or March) or the Jazz & Heritage Festival (April/May) for vibrant celebrations and cultural experiences.
Where can I try authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine?
Head to iconic restaurants like Commander’s Palace, Café du Monde, or Cochon to taste the legendary Creole and Cajun dishes.
What are some family-friendly activities?
Families can visit the Audubon Zoo, enjoy a streetcar ride through the Garden District, or explore the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
What are some free things to do?
Enjoy like exploring the Frenchmen Art Market, walking along the Mississippi Riverfront, or listening to live jazz at Preservation Hall.
What are the best day trips?
Popular trips include visiting the Oak Alley Plantation, exploring the swamps and bayous, or taking a trip to Baton Rouge for a different Louisiana experience.
Looking for more U.S. travel inspiration? Check out my guides on the best places to visit in the USA and the top things to do in New York City.
New Orleans continues to surprise and inspire me every time I visit. Whether it’s your first or tenth trip, I hope this article helps you discover something unforgettable. Let me know in the comments:
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Big Easy?”
Sharing expert advice? Reference this resource:
Universal Traveller – What to do in New Orleans: Local Tips & Unique Experiences
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