The Best Things to Do in New Orleans

1. Visit the French Quarter

The French Quarter is one of the oldest and most famous neighborhoods in New Orleans. It's also one of the most fun places to visit if you're a tourist in the city. Whether you're looking for a romantic spot to spend an evening or someplace to let loose and have a good time, the French Quarter has something for everyone.

Here are some of the best things to check out:

Walk around and take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

Visit some famous historical sites, like Jackson Square or St. Louis Cathedral. Then, listen to live music at one of the many jazz clubs in the area.

Or, especially if it's your first time in the city, take a guided tour of the French Quarter.

2. Walk The Garden District

The Garden District is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in New Orleans. It's home to some of the city's most stunning architecture and many famous residents, including Sandra Bullock and John Goodman. Be sure to stop by Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the most famous cemeteries in New Orleans. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, so you can easily spend an afternoon or evening here.

There's nothing quite like traveling down St. Charles Avenue on the New Orleans streetcar. The Spanish Oak trees are a sight to behold, and the click-clacking of the streetcar is strangely hypnotic. As you travel through the Garden District and into Uptown New Orleans, you'll be able to take in all the sights and sounds that make this city so unique. Make sure to experience this attraction during your stay in New Orleans!

3. Check out the Marigny and Bywater Neighborhood

The Marigny and Bywater are two of the most vibrant neighborhoods in New Orleans. They're home to many art galleries, music venues, restaurants, a healthy dose of street art and graffiti, and a thriving nightlife.

These neighborhoods are a great place to explore if you're looking for something a little different from the French Quarter. The locals are friendly, the music venues are some of the best in the city, and there's always something interesting happening, whether it's a live music show or a street festival.

Make sure to check out these neighborhoods during your stay in New Orleans! You won't regret it.

4. Sample the food

New Orleans is known for its world-famous cuisine, and there's no better place to sample it than in the city itself. You'll find something to suit your taste, from gumbo and jambalaya to beignets and po'boys. Check out some of the local restaurants, like Cochon or Commanders Palace. These establishments are known for their unique takes on traditional New Orleans dishes, and they're sure to leave you wanting more.

Also, the New Orleans food truck scene is on another level if you're looking for something different. You can even choose to go on a food tour of the city. There's no better way to experience the unique cuisine of New Orleans than by sampling it all firsthand!

5. Visit Mardi Gras World

If you're looking for a little bit of Mardi Gras magic in your life, check out Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. It's a vast warehouse where artists work all year to assemble and create the giant-themed parade costumes and floats. You can glimpse all the amazingness of Mardi Gras at Blaine Kern's world, even if you're not in New Orleans for Fat Tuesday.

The best way to experience all the outstanding construction projects in the city is by going on a tour. You'll see everything from the planning stages to the finished product. Plus, you'll get a delicious slice of king cake at the end!

6. Visit the National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum is one of the most popular attractions in New Orleans. It's home to several interactive exhibits and many artifacts from the war. In addition, it's an excellent place to learn more about World War II and the impact that it had on the city and people of New Orleans.

The museum is also home to the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, a breathtaking structure made entirely of glass. It's worth visiting, even if you're not particularly interested in history. The nice thing is that this museum is included in a hop-on hop-off bus tour of New Orleans.

7. Take a Swamp Tour

New Orleans is known for its unique culture and history, but it's also home to some fantastic natural scenery. Take a swamp tour if you're looking to experience the bayou up close and personal.

You'll get to see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, and you'll also get to learn more about the ecology of the area. It's a fun and educational experience that you won't forget! Several companies offer swamp tours in the New Orleans area, so do your research and find the right one.

8. Catch a Saints Game

If you're a football fan, there's no better place to watch a game than at the Caesars Superdome, where the New Orleans Saints play their home games. You'll be surrounded by die-hard fans who are sure to get the energy pumping.
The Superdome is also an excellent place to see a concert or other events. It's one of the largest stadiums in the country, and it has a world-class sound and lighting system.

No matter what you're into, there's sure to be something happening at the Superdome. So be sure to check out the event calendar and see what's coming up during your stay in New Orleans!

9. Take a Cruise on the Mississippi River

If you've always wanted to experience the magic of the Mississippi River, now's your chance! The Steamboat Natchez offers daily departures from New Orleans, and there's no better way to enjoy the slow-paced beauty of America's great waterways.

You'll get to see all the famous landmarks from a new angle, and you'll also get to learn more about the history of the city. If you choose a daytime cruise, you'll be treated to fascinating stories about the history of New Orleans. If you choose the evening cruise, you'll be treated to a live jazz band playing some of the best music in the city!

As you relax on the boat's deck, you'll be treated to incredible views of the lush riverbanks and the graceful architecture of New Orleans. And don't forget to keep an eye out for any aquatic life!

10. Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour

If you're looking for a spooky good time, check out one of the many ghost tours in New Orleans. Several ghosts and spirits haunt this city, and there's no better way to learn about them than by taking a tour. You'll get to visit some of the most haunted locations in the city, and you'll also get to hear some hair-raising stories about the ghosts that haunt them.

If you're brave enough, be sure to take a tour at night! Several different companies offer ghost tours in New Orleans, so be sure to research and find the right one for you. And remember, if you see a ghost, don't scream!

11. Oak Alley Plantation

For a beautiful plantation to tour near New Orleans, Oak Alley is the place to go. With its long alley of ancient oak trees leading up to the front entrance and the well-manicured grounds, it's no wonder this plantation is so famous. You can tour the giant houses on the property and the beautiful gardens.

Southern plantations are some of the most beautiful and historical places in the United States. But, with their grandiose architecture and lush gardens, it's easy to forget that these estates were once built on the backs of enslaved people.

However, many plantations have displays and information boards highlighting this dark and violent part of their history. It can be a real eye-opening experience to learn about the role of enslaved people in building these plantations.
For a plantation tour that's both beautiful and educational, Oak Alley is the place to go.

12. Spend some time with the animals at the Audubon Zoo

If you're looking for a fun day out with the family, check out the Audubon Zoo. With its wide variety of animals from all over the world, there's something for everyone here. You can see lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) and various other animals.

The zoo is also home to several endangered species, so you can learn about the importance of conservation while you're there. And don't forget to visit the kids' area, where they can play and learn about the animals in a fun and interactive way.

With its wide variety of animals and educational exhibits, the Audubon Zoo is a great place for the whole family to spend a day.

13. Attend a festival

New Orleans is home to many fabulous festivals throughout the year. From the French Quarter Festival in April to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in May to the Bayou Classic in November, there's always something going on.

These festivals are a great way to experience the culture and traditions of New Orleans. You can sample delicious food from all over the world, listen to live music and learn about the history and culture of the city. And don't forget to have some fun! These festivals are an excellent opportunity to let loose and enjoy the company of good friends.

No matter what time of year you visit New Orleans, there's sure to be a festival that you can enjoy. So be sure to check out the calendar and see what's happening during your stay.

14. Take a Cooking Class

If you're looking to learn more about the cuisine of New Orleans, be sure to take a cooking class. This is a great way to learn about the ingredients and techniques used in Creole and Cajun cooking. You'll get to make some delicious dishes, and you'll also get to eat what you cook!

You can find cooking classes for all levels of experience, so no matter what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a class that's perfect for you. And don't forget to ask the locals for their favorite recipes! They're sure to have some great tips that you can use in your kitchen.

With its delicious food and rich culture, New Orleans is a great place to learn cooking. Take a class during your stay and experience the city's flavors firsthand.

Final Thoughts

There are so many things to do in New Orleans, and we've just scratched the surface. So be sure to check out these events and activities, and don't forget to explore all that this fantastic city has to offer. We know you're going to love it!