24 Best Things to Do in New Orleans

New Orleans pulses with a distinctive energy, blending Creole heritage, jazz rhythms, and Southern hospitality into an irresistible draw for travelers. This guide uncovers essential pursuits that reveal the city’s layered charm, from lively streets to serene parks.

Immerse in the Heart of the French Quarter

The French Quarter stands as New Orleans’ iconic core, where colonial architecture meets modern revelry. Wander its cobblestone paths to absorb the blend of history and festivity that defines the area.

• Experience the electric atmosphere of Bourbon Street, alive with music and crowds, especially during peak evenings.
• Seek out Frenchman Street for authentic local jazz in intimate venues, away from tourist throngs.
• Visit Jackson Square, framed by St. Louis Cathedral, where street performers, artists, and fortune-tellers create a bohemian vibe.

Timing your visit at dusk enhances the magic, as gas lamps flicker to life and musicians fill the air with brass notes.

Jazz Legacy: Iconic Music Venues and Performances

New Orleans birthed jazz, and its venues keep the tradition thriving. Preservation Hall offers intimate sets in a historic wooden structure, featuring traditional ensembles that echo the genre’s roots.

• Catch spontaneous performances by buskers in Jackson Square, showcasing everything from dixieland to contemporary fusion.
• Head to Frenchman Street’s clubs like The Spotted Cat for nightly live music that draws both locals and savvy visitors.
• Explore Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park, the historic site where enslaved Africans gathered to play music, laying jazz’s foundations in the 18th century.

These spots provide more than entertainment; they connect you to the cultural narrative woven through the city’s soundtrack.

River Journeys on the Mighty Mississippi

A paddlewheel steamboat cruise on the Mississippi offers panoramic city views and live jazz aboard vessels like the Natchez. Opt for dinner, brunch, or historical tours that delve into the river’s role in New Orleans’ development.

Such outings blend relaxation with education, revealing how the river shaped trade, culture, and resilience.

Stunning Neighborhoods: Garden District and Beyond

The Garden District captivates with its antebellum mansions, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Guided walks reveal tales of wealthy merchants and celebrity residents.

• Stroll St. Charles Avenue on the historic streetcar for picturesque views of opulent homes.
• Explore Treme, a cradle of African American culture, home to jazz legends and vibrant street life.
• Visit City Park, spanning 1,300 acres with botanical gardens, sculpture installations, and amusement areas.

These areas contrast the French Quarter’s bustle with leafy elegance and profound history.

Cemeteries and Spiritual Histories

New Orleans’ above-ground tombs create hauntingly beautiful ‘cities of the dead.’ St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, established in 1789, houses Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s vault and jazz funeral traditions.

• Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 features intricate society tombs amid Garden District greenery.
• Guided tours unpack stories of epidemics, customs, and notables like Nicolas Cage’s pyramid plot.

Respectful exploration highlights the city’s unique burial practices born from swampy terrain.

Mardi Gras Magic: Year-Round Celebrations

Mardi Gras World lets visitors tour massive float workshops, try on costumes, and learn the carnival’s evolution from 1837 mule carts to modern spectacles. Over 80% of parade floats originate here.

• Admire towering, handcrafted displays and sculptures up close.
• Understand krewes, beads, and the event’s cultural significance.
• Ideal for off-season visits to capture Fat Tuesday’s essence.

This attraction bridges visitors to New Orleans’ most exuberant tradition.

Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

Food defines New Orleans, from beignets at Cafe du Monde to Cajun-Creole feasts. Jazz brunches at spots like Court of Two Sisters feature live music and all-you-can-eat buffets.

• Join cooking classes to master gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines.
• Savor oysters, po’boys, and king cake year-round.
• Hit French Market for fresh produce, crafts, and street eats.

These experiences immerse you in the culinary soul that rivals the music scene.

Interactive Museums and Cultural Hubs

JAMNOLA on Frenchman Street delivers hands-on fun with 30 exhibits on art, music, and theatrics, crafted from recycled materials by local artists.

• Audubon Aquarium and Zoo offer shark touch tanks, river habitats, and lazy rivers.
• New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) boasts Impressionists like Degas, plus a sculpture garden amid ancient oaks.
• Mardi Gras and Voodoo museums provide niche historical dives.

These venues engage all ages with interactive, city-centric storytelling.

Unique Tours: Ghosts, Voodoo, and History

Evening ghost, voodoo, or vampire tours through the French Quarter recount eerie legends of LaLaurie Mansion and spectral figures. Combine with cemetery or plantation visits like Whitney for slavery-focused narratives.

• Bus tours cover architecture, Treme, and cemeteries efficiently.
• Carousel Bar spins patrons in a 1949 icon, serving Sazeracs amid whimsy.

Tours add depth, transforming walks into narrative adventures.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Plan around Mardi Gras (February-March) for parades or shoulder seasons for milder crowds. Use streetcars for eco-friendly transit; book tours in advance. Stay hydrated in humid climes and embrace the walkable core.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to experience jazz in New Orleans?

Preservation Hall for traditionals, Frenchman Street for variety.

Is Mardi Gras World worth it outside carnival season?

Absolutely, for float insights and costumes.

Are cemetery tours safe and respectful?

Yes, with licensed guides; go early morning.

What should first-timers eat?

Beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, oysters.

How to avoid Bourbon Street crowds?

Visit mornings or opt for Frenchman Street.