And from the moment you arrive in what folks call the Big Easy, Crescent City, NOLA or New Orleans for short and then visit —you just might not ever leave. Mine was on a trip with my girlfriend. The two of us were shopping in the French Quarter, and while exploring a jewelry shop on Royal Street. She was so happy that I came all the way from Kansas, and she wanted to give me a tour of her local hangouts.
She could barely wait to draft a compendium of extraordinary adventures and luxurious lodgings just for me. So, here are the best local recommendations and hidden gems in New Orleans!
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Top Things to Do in New Orleans
My best friend is a native New Orleanian and knows every corner of the city. From her childhood escapades to adult excursions, she has eaten in storied venues like the venerable Please-U Restaurant and Tujague’s, serving old New Orleans since 1856.
They occasionally sip a Sazerac at places like the grand Hotel Monteleone with its revolving carousel bar. They also like finding local blues and jazz clubs, small places that are unknown to the tourist. Using her insights, I have put together my list for the top things to do in New Orleans: from big hitters that every tourist will want to see, to those hidden away spots which will make your trip that little bit more special.
Read on below for the best New Orleans spots to eat at, drink at and explore while also picking up all of my top places to stay.
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1. Historical New Orleans Traditional: Cafe Du Monde
Try to visit the famous Cafe Du Monde for a taste of true New Orleans flavors. Mostly known for its beignets, which are fluffy deep-fried pastries covered with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar, this cafe is a favorite among both locals and visitors. When these treats are served with chicory-laced coffee, they become a culinary tradition in the city. Cafe Du Monde is all open seating, and it gets super crowded so best bet may be finding a table as soon as you can. The cafe is 24 hours to fulfill your cravings at any hour for those beignet fans out there. Of course, you must also take home a box or two – of their mix so that you can bring the taste of New Orleans with you wherever else in the world!
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2. The Heart of the French Quarter: Jackson Square
What is now a lively nucleus of the French Quarter, Jackson Square was once crucial to the land deal that gave rise to all Louisiana Purchase jokes in 1803.
It is no mistake that this historic park comes to life with musicians, buskers, and living statue artists looking for a story to tell by means of writing or performance – from live brass bands [I swear they’re everywhere 😀 ] performing near the cathedral to palm readings.
A place where history meets culture and you can have a vivacious experience, substantial enough to fill New Orleans in your heart.
3. Navigating New Orleans by Water: Canal Street Ferry
Take a ride on the Canal Street Ferry to see New Orleans in a unique way – from the river, as you cross over to Algiers for panoramic views en route back. The panoramic view of the cityscape from this free ride is amazing. Complement your journey with a drink on board as you watch the city of sydney glide into the distance.
4. Ride the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar
Riding on a New Orleans streetcar down St. Charles Avenue is one of the most classically New Orleans events you can do. Walk through the historic Garden District to Uptown, taking in the rhythmic sights and sounds of the streetcar and life on our corners.
The other side, it is called a streetcar, not a trolley!! Fare is $1.25 – exact change only, making this nostalgic journey about as service-analog as you can get.
5. Partake in History at Antoine’s Restaurant
Try Antoine’s Restaurant — a classic New Orleans mainstay since 1840 and the oldest family-run restaurant in America. That includes the 1840 Room, a simulated private dining room with high-end food library and various gastronomic artifacts such as a cookbook published in Paris in 1659. We saved our table, ate a good meal, and reveled in the history and atmosphere. After all, it’s an enchanting experience that you’ll enjoy yourself.
6. Spend an Afternoon at Three Muses
Next, we braved it to Three Muses on Frenchman Street for an afternoon of fantastic tapas and music – oh and drinks. This place is always buzzing with live music many nights into the day. It has a good selection of spirits and tapas that make it ideal for those seeking to experience the Lisboeta lifestyle. Follow Me Believe me, this is a path to go down!
7. Treat yourself at St. James Cheese Company
One more great stop is the St. James Cheese Company, ideal for a wine and charcuterie break in you day. It features a collection of cheeses ranging from pecorinos aged in walnut leaves to Bellamy Blue and Blue Bay cheese. But go ahead and take your own picks, add some good wine to wash them down with and enjoy the great feeling.
8. Cook Like a Chef — Join a Cooking Demonstration
One of my friends suggested going to a cooking demonstration at The Louisiana School of Cooking. Tickets can be purchased online for between $32.50 to $37.50 each, depending on availability and time of year. The recipes discussed on tomorrow’s show include gumbo, chicken creole, and pralines. While that sounds fun and educational, I myself prefer the indulgence of drinking!
9. Spooky New Orleans Full Experience: Cemetery, Ghost & Voodoo Tours
To that end New Orleans, with its hillock of 300-years of dead past upon which it stacks itself offers great tours. The series is called ‘Crime in the Archipelago’ and highlights eerie stories unfolded from Sweden’s history; whether they are mysterious vampires, kidnapped sailors or unsolved murders — no shortage of dark tales coming straight out of the city.
One way to explore this fascinating history is by taking a cemetery, ghost or voodoo tour. Said adventure was a tour of the graveyard, terrifying yet awesome.
Many voodoo tours (there are a lot) give insight into its unique synthesis of African, Catholic, and Haitian elements for context on the spiritual practice. Shops in New Orleans even sell voodoo dolls, just feeding that mystique a bit more.
10. Walk Down Royal Street in the French Quarter
Once we finished with the blues, we ambled our way down Royal Street which is lined with art galleries, antique stores and jewelry stores. This pulsatile walk became one of our most enjoyable activities.
Mere blocks away from Bourbon Street; the quieter Royal Street which consists of an upscale collection of antique shops, boutiques, fine jewelry stores, art galleries and even a store featuring vintage hats. We were most looking forward to buying a diamond ring and we did find the perfect one!
Also a shopping destination for the home decor junkie, Magazine Street with its many adorable boutique shops is only 5 minutes away.
11. Ride With a Second Line Parade in New Orleans
If you do catch a Second Line Parade, consider yourself lucky! The festive custom frequently takes place after New Orleans weddings. Following the closing act of the ceremony, he brass band leads a procession through town for everyone to see and their grand march commences. The couple with beautifully decorated umbrellas/parasols in hand follow the band first. The second line wedding made up entirely of guests who join the celebration, dancing with their handkerchiefs or cocktail napkins.
12. Go to the National WWII Museum.
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is an absolute must-see. A friend of mine is so fond with wandering around places of interest here. The museum contains multimedia experiences, interactive exhibits and an extensive collection of physical artifacts. The Big Project: oral history of WWII from ‘I was there’ voices But what may come as a surprise is that it doesn’t reside in Washington DC — one of the best museums in America is actually found halfway down (or up) Bourbon Street, sign nearly crumbling on top: National WWII Museum. An absolute must visit for anyone that loves history.
13. Experience Mardi Gras World
Step inside the Mardi Gras magic at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. It’s in this giant warehouse down the street where hundreds of artists toil throughout the year, building gargantuan themed parade floats and costumes for the celebration. In this exclusive clip, Goodman takes fans behind the scenes — giving a peek into all of the artistry and hardworking that goes on to create the ultimate Mardi Gras experience.
14. Go to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Head to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, with more than 10,000 animals in displays representing over 250 species. This is a Tour & Activity online booking facility for aquarium and insectarium located by the Mississippi River near the French Quarter, with exhibits from Caribbean coral reefs to the Amazon Rainforest!
AquaZoo offers a 30-foot underwater tunnel, African penguins and a rare albino alligator. Internationally ranked in the top 5 best parades of 2019 and voted one of America’s best, this is an incomparable experience for all ages.
15. Enjoy Local Events – Make the most of it while you are there!
There are many festivals and events in New Orleans to experience during the year. Mardi Gras is not everyone ‘s cup of tea but there are numerous other fun things to see and do. One activity which happens to go on in a unique fashion is the Running of the Bulls, New Orleans style. Refer to the local event calendar to see what fun-loving activity you can indulge in on your visit and get online hotel booking Kolkata done from Goibibo for a memorable time in this lively city.
16. Mississippi Riverboat Cruise
One of the best things to do in New Orleans is a steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. It takes you back to the past: The Old South. Daily departures on the Steamboat Natchez provide an opportunity to explore the history of the city during a daytime cruise or soak up live jazz during an evening outing. This makes it a wonderful excursion where you have the liberty to choose between taking a historical tour or going for musical night.
17. Visit Oak Alley Plantation
One of the best day trips from New Orleans is to Oak Alley Plantation, which is about 30 minutes away. Old oak trees and a historic plantation home make this site feel like it was frozen in time. General admission is $25 per person, with discount pricing in effect. It is a beautiful thing to see, and definitely worth the trip off this hustle city.
18. Boutique Hotel in New Orleans
A boutique hotel that is absolutely perfect in the French Quarter can be like a diamond in the rough, but I have done the dirty work for you. Leading accommodations can be found with the New Orleans Hotel Collection properties, such as the Hotel Bourbon and Hotel Mazarin.
Old world charm and elegant Creole flair, coupled with the comfort and luxury of modern boutique hotels. Selected as one of the best 80 hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, these suitestell a rare story – beautiful and opulent yet somehow still down-to-earthed, they reflect traditional New Orleans culture.
