The Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans, LA
#10 -
Mardi Gras World
A quick hop off on the bus tour, this was not in our original plans and we were pleasantly surprised! It started off with a video of the history and importance of Mardi Gras and we even got to taste some King Cake (A New Orleans tradition)! The tour takes you through the world of Mardi Gras parades and floats. From start to finish, get to know how these floats are made, the intricacies of the parades, and ask any questions you might have. Plenty of time for fun picture opportunities! You might even leave with some beads of your own!
#9 -
Walk Bourbon St.
It’s everything you’ve heard and more! A street lined with bars and restaurants of all varieties, this place is sure to excite! Or at least make for some interesting stories to tell. Our first night, we walked down the street just to get a sense of what it was like. Crazy! We were a bit intimidated, but it was hilarious. We even popped into a Voodoo shop for some added fun. We went two more times and were finally brave enough to enter some of the bars and clubs. We aren’t 21 anymore so we were on the lowkey side of people, but we still caught some beads being thrown from the crowded balconies above. Try out Pat O’ Briens! It was so much larger than we thought and we had fun at their dueling piano lounge. We say it is a must see/experience to get a true sense of New Orleans’ unique style. We don’t recommend bringing the kids out here at night, but we also visited during Mardi Gras season.
#8 -
Cafe Du Monde
One of the top things on every New Orleans list is a visit to Cafe Du Monde. They make absolutely delicious beignets that they sell for well below market value. They kinda expect you to know how everything works, which was very confusing for first timers like us. Basically, you can line up in the to go line (be prepared for a long wait) or press your luck grabbing a seat in the self seating section. It’s so packed, you’ll find yourself lurking around a table of people cashing out in hopes to swoop up their table. Once you’re seated, someone will clean up the messy table and take your order. Was it worth the wait? 100% yes! They were some of the best beignets we’ve ever had in our lives. Our tips? Seeing how they’re open 24/7, you can try to go at an off peak time. We went around 3:15 PM and were stuffed full of the delicious treats by 4. If you don’t feel like dealing with the lines at all, the best strategy would be to not go to the original location (in the French Market), as they have a total of 15 locations spread all over the New Orleans area. Heck, they even have one in the airport!
#7 -
New Orleans City Park
We were looking for a nice place for a stroll or jog when we decided to check out New Orleans City Park. We took a quick Uber (4 miles) and discovered a large, lush park full of museums, activities, sports field, golf, and even a sculpture garden. There are tons of photo opportunities as you walk around the 1,300 acre public park. There are places to eat and snack (Cafe Du Monde without a long line anyone?) if you’re so inclined. We simply walked a few miles and enjoyed the sculptures and water features. It was a nice way to take a break from the city and get some exercise.
#6 -
Hop On Hop Off Bus
We recommend taking the Hop On Hop Off in most of the cities we travel, but even more so in New Orleans. We like to take these sorts of tours on the first day of a trip, so we can get a lay of the land and game plan the rest of the trip. There are convenient stops at most of the attractions on this list. We got the three day pass and used it to check out the Garden District, the National World War II Museum, and Mardi Gras World.
Photo provided by City Sightseeing.
#5 -
Garden District
This neighborhood full of New Orleans architecture and mansions was nice to walk through and explore. See the Commander’s Palace and Lafayette Cemetery as you stroll along the tree lined streets. It is a quick hop on and off the bus tour or you can take the trolley from the French Quarter. Visit its Magazine Street for cute antique shops, boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. We ate at The Rum House and enjoyed some very tasty tacos!
#4 -
Riverboat Dinner Cruise
We wanted to spend some time out on the Mississippi River and decided to take the Steamboat Natchez Dinner Jazz cruise. We boarded at 6 PM and were assigned to the first dinner group. The food was a taste of New Orleans, and I have to say, it was pretty great! We ate pastas, gumbo, and fresh cut meats all while listening to a live jazz band. After dinner, we spent the last hour and a half walking around the large ship and taking in the gorgeous city views. We even got to see how a steamboat works up close and personal. If you go, definitely bring a jacket to combat the cold breeze!
#3 -
National World War II Museum
We’re known to pop into a museum and check things out for an hour or two and be on our way. Not because we don’t enjoy museums, there’s just too much to do when exploring a new city for the first time! But, we found ourselves spending a large chunk of day inside the incredible National World War II Museum. The official museum of WWII in the U.S. is so well put together and presented that it truly is one of the best museums that we’ve ever been to. They make the information interactive, and present it in so many different and interesting ways. They have authentic artifacts from all around the world and do an amazing job of teaching you about every aspect of the war. We’re not necessarily history buffs or fans of war, but we found ourselves enthralled with the experience. It’s a New Orleans must see!
#2 -
Frenchman St. Jazz Clubs
So, you came to New Orleans to hear some authentic jazz music? Look no further than Frenchman Street. Not far from the hoopla of Bourbon St, Frenchman St. is three city blocks lined with almost nothing but jazz clubs. Walk into a few, grab a drink, and stay a set. Our last stop was the Spotted Cat Music Club and we had a blast! Bring a few dollars for tips or they have Venmooooo!
#1 -
Walk Decatur St. From Jackson Sq. thru the French Market
Sometimes you just need to explore! New Orleans is a very walkable place and there is so much to see! Unique architecture, fun crowds, street performers, you might even catch a parade. Watch some buskers perform around Jackson Square or even get your palms read right there on the street. You can eat a variety of foods (alligator anyone?) or shop in the French Market which is a very nice outdoor market spanning six city blocks. It’s remarkable that parts of the market date back to as early as 1791!
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