The Massive Straightforward, the Crescent Metropolis, NOLA. No matter you resolve to name it, there’s no denying that New Orleans is likely one of the coolest cities in the US! With a vibrant tradition, fascinating historical past, and world-class culinary, music, and nightlife scenes, New Orleans is a incredible journey vacation spot.
Whereas New Orleans is known for its epic festivals (Mardi Gras!), there’s rather more to the town than its yearly carnival. On this information, we’ll check out a number of the finest issues to do in New Orleans that will help you plan an unforgettable journey there.
Town’s motto is “let the great instances roll,” and that’s exactly what you’ll do on a visit to New Orleans.
Whether or not you’re catching some dwell music on Frenchmen Avenue, feasting on gumbo and jambalaya, or simply wandering the streets with a large to-go cocktail, you’re just about assured an excellent time.
I’ve been to the Massive Straightforward a couple of instances now, and each time I’m going I discover one thing new to like concerning the metropolis — even simply on a weekend journey.
There’s simply one thing concerning the vitality of New Orleans that’s laborious to place into phrases, however I’ll do my finest.
Replace 2023: This submit has been up to date with new sights and issues to do in New Orleans for 2023.
In case you’re questioning what to do in New Orleans, this text will provide you with an excellent begin!
1. Go to an Escape Room
We’ve solely not too long ago checked out our first escape room and it’s rapidly turn into one of many primary issues we search for to do in a brand new metropolis. Escape rooms are enjoyable, and their usually themed with the historical past or folklore of the city your in.
New Orleans is not any completely different. The Escape Recreation has 4 of the very best escape rooms in New Orleans, starting from Jail Escapes to Artwork Gallery Heists.
Costs begin at beneath $40 they usually have 8 time slots per day, per room to select from. You can even contact them to guide instances exterior of their common time slots together with some enjoyable “after-midnight” escape rooms.
Study Extra about The Escape Rooms in New Orleans Right here.
2. Get Misplaced within the French Quarter
For many guests to NOLA, their journey is centered across the French Quarter. This is likely one of the metropolis’s most historic neighborhoods, and is commonly referred to as the Crown Jewel of New Orleans.
One of the best ways to go to the French Quarter is by becoming a member of a strolling tour. This French Quarter Strolling Tour is the highest-rated strolling tour within the French Quarter. There’s additionally this enjoyable tour that features humorous tales whereas strolling by means of the French Quarter in New Orleans.
Finest Guided Excursions of The French Quarter in New Orleans
Recognized regionally because the Vieux Carré, this space was based by the French again in 1718 alongside the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.
Sadly, many of the French colonial buildings have been destroyed by hearth. A lot of the buildings you see in the present day have been truly constructed throughout a time of Spanish rule, though French tastes remained.
Lately, the French Quarter is the vacationer middle of New Orleans. Right here you’ll discover numerous motels, eating places, retailers, cafes, and bars.
There’s additionally loads of sightseeing to be carried out right here, with well-known landmarks equivalent to Jackson Sq. and the St. Louis Cathedral in addition to most of the metropolis’s finest museums.
Top-of-the-line issues to do in New Orleans is just getting misplaced within the French Quarter. It’s a comparatively compact space and there’s one thing fascinating round each nook, so go forward and simply wander. Remember to convey your digicam, as there are many wonderful photograph ops on this historic neighborhood.
In case you’d want a little bit of steering in your exploration of the French Quarter, you possibly can at all times join a free strolling tour. Free Excursions By Foot presents excursions at 10AM Thursday-Tuesday and in addition at 2PM on Thursday-Monday.
Searching for the finest motels on Bourbon Avenue? Try our epic submit on the place to remain in New Orleans to be taught extra concerning the French Quarter and the highest lodging choices. Additionally, try our final listing of 101 must-see locations within the US.
3. See Stay Music on Frenchmen Avenue
New Orleans is called the birthplace of jazz, which is alleged to have developed from drumming and voodoo rituals right here earlier than the Civil Struggle. Music has been an integral a part of the tradition of the town ever since.
Enjoyable Music Excursions in New Orleans Frenchmen Avenue:
Whereas there’s dwell music in every single place you go within the Massive Straightforward, the most effective locations to jam out is Frenchmen Avenue. A 3-block part of the road within the metropolis’s Faubourg Marigny neighborhood is residence to dozens of dwell music venues, that are rocking each evening of the week. It’s positively one of many prime New Orleans sights.
Some bars on Frenchmen Avenue have a canopy cost, however a lot of them don’t. This lets you bounce round and catch a number of completely different bands in a single evening.
In your manner in between bars, you’ll doubtless discover marching bands jamming out on the street. I advised you music is in every single place in New Orleans!
4. All Issues Mardi Gras
We are able to’t discuss the very best issues to do in New Orleans and never point out Mardi Gras. The primary Mardi Gras parade occurred in New Orleans again within the 1830s, and the get together hasn’t stopped since.
Mardi Gras Excursions in New Orleans:
Mardi Gras is likely one of the most well-known events on the planet, and rightfully so. It’s an extremely festive time filled with music, parades, costumes, and naturally loads of colourful beads.
Whereas the preferred time to go to NOLA throughout Mardi Gras is the prolonged weekend earlier than Ash Wednesday, there are occasions occurring for a number of weeks main as much as it.
Remember to examine the parade schedule to see what’s occurring, and positively guide your lodging effectively upfront.
Even when you don’t make it to New Orleans for the precise Mardi Gras celebrations, you possibly can nonetheless expertise this world-famous vacation.
Head to Mardi Gras World to see the place the floats are made and saved. It’s open 7 days every week from 9-5:30 with tickets costing $22 for adults, $17 for seniors and college students, and $14 for kids. Guide your tickets right here and reap the benefits of the free shuttle from downtown.
Mardi Gras could also be the preferred occasion in New Orleans, however the metropolis has quite a few different superior festivals that you just gained’t wish to miss. Study extra in our listing of the High 10 New Orleans Festivals!
5. Strolling Tour of the Backyard District
Once you want a break from the busy French Quarter, an excellent place to go is the town’s Backyard District. Right here you’ll discover loads of historic buildings and stately mansions, a lot of which are actually residence to movie star actors and athletes.
Indubitably, one of the simplest ways to correctly see the Backyard District of New Orleans and perceive the historical past and structure right here is to hitch a guided tour with a knowledgable native information.
Finest Strolling Excursions in New Orleans Backyard District
To get there, you possibly can take pleasure in one other quintessential NOLA expertise by using the streetcar. Get on at Canal and journey the St. Charles line to Washington Avenue. A journey on the streetcar prices $1.25 per particular person, so attempt to have precise change.
After we explored the Backyard District on our first go to to New Orleans, we simply adopted this glorious self guided tour. It has a map with a route you possibly can simply comply with, detailed descriptions, and even an audio information. In case you’d reasonably expertise the Backyard District with others, there are many choices for guided excursions of the realm.
The Backyard District is a gorgeous place to probe for a couple of hours. In case you want a break, you’ve gotten numerous selections for locations to seize a drink, do a little bit of window buying, or sit down for a meal. It’s positively one of many prime New Orleans sights.
6. Feast on Conventional Meals
In case you’re a foodie, you’re going to like visiting New Orleans. Truthfully, you may spend your whole journey right here simply consuming your manner throughout the town and there can be completely nothing flawed with that.
New Orleans meals is a mix of Cajun, Creole, and soul meals, with seafood that includes prominently. In case you’re ever uncertain of what to do in New Orleans, simply sit down and eat once more! One of the best ways to be taught concerning the meals is to hitch a tour with an area chef or foodie.
Finest Meals Excursions in New Orleans:
There are too many must-eat dishes to listing all of them, however listed here are a couple of you possibly can’t miss out on: gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, crimson beans & rice, and po’ boy sandwiches. That can maintain you busy for at the least a couple of days.
Severely, my mouth is watering simply writing concerning the meals! Your style buds are in for an actual deal with while you come right here, so get excited. Sampling all the scrumptious native dishes is certainly one of many prime issues to do in New Orleans.
One of many enjoyable actions in New Orleans for {couples} or teams of buddies is this cocktail and meals historical past tour.
You’ll go to award-winning eating places, whereas sampling 10 dishes, sipping on 4 cocktails, and studying concerning the locations and the delicacies out of your information. In case you’re 21+, this is likely one of the finest issues to do in New Orleans! Study extra about this enjoyable tour right here.
7. Attend Native Festivals
Mardi Gras could get all the eye, however there are tons of different superior festivals occurring in New Orleans. Town has festivals devoted to music, artwork, movie, meals & drink, literature, and a lot extra.
In the case of music festivals, it’s laborious to prime the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Pageant. This legendary competition is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this yr by bringing in icons like Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Diana Ross, Buddy Man, and a whole bunch of different acts. Along with the competition itself, there are late evening reveals galore.
One other glorious selection is the French Quarter Pageant. This 4-day music and meals competition is held each April and is tons of enjoyable. The French Quarter is full of over 100 levels taking part in all types of genres of music and there’s wonderful meals on each nook. Better of all, it’s completely free!
8. Go to a Few Museums
Once you encounter a brilliant scorching or wet day in New Orleans, you possibly can head inside to take a look at a number of the metropolis’s many incredible museums. Whether or not you’re excited by studying about historical past, artwork, music, and even voodoo, there’s a museum for you.
Top-of-the-line museums to go to right here is the Nationwide World Struggle II Museum. This spectacular museum tells the story of the American expertise within the battle that modified the world. It’s open every day from 9-5 with tickets costing $28 for adults, $24 for seniors, and $18 for college kids. You may get instructions to the museum right here.
One of the best ways to take advantage of out of any museum go to and get a full rundown of the historical past and reveals is by becoming a member of a tour with an area information.
Finest Guided Museum Excursions in New Orleans:
In case you’re on the lookout for an alternate museum expertise, you may wish to go to the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.
Take a tour of their two rooms full of voodoo-related artifacts to be taught extra about its historical past within the space. It’s open every day from 10-6 with tickets costing simply $7 for adults. It’s positioned within the French Quarter and you will get instructions right here.
9. Take a Swamp Tour
Whereas there are many issues to do in New Orleans to maintain you busy, it’s price it to go out of the town on a swamp tour. Due to its location within the Mississippi Delta, there’s loads of swamp simply exterior of New Orleans.
On a typical tour, you’ll cruise by means of the swamp on a small boat as you be taught concerning the atmosphere and its many inhabitants. Alongside the way in which, you may even see wild boards, egrets, snakes, and perhaps even alligators.
One firm that comes really useful is Cajun Satisfaction. They’ve a couple of completely different choices, together with their standard sundown swamp tour. You’ll have to hitch a tour to do a swamp tour in New Orleans, so we’ve listed a number of the highest-rated and most-recommended excursions beneath.
Finest New Orleans Swamp Excursions:
Whichever you select, a swamp tour is certainly one of many prime New Orleans actions.
There are quite a few firms you possibly can be part of for a tour of the swamp. Try our listing of the finest 7 Swamp Excursions in New Orleans.
10. Eat Beignets at Cafe du Monde
That is most positively probably the most touristy issues to do in New Orleans, however we simply can’t go away it out. Cafe du Monde is an establishment within the metropolis — it’s been round since 1862.
Finest Excursions That Embody a Beignet in New Orleans
Be part of the gang and get in line for a plate of beignets and a cup of espresso. In case you’re questioning, beignets are tasty little morsels of fried dough lined in powdered sugar.
Amazingly, Cafe du Monde is open 24/7. The one time it closes is on Christmas Day or “when an occasional hurricane passes too near New Orleans.” You will discover Cafe du Monde on the map right here.
11. Stroll Alongside the Riverfront
With a pleasant sugar excessive and caffeine buzz out of your journey to Cafe du Monde, you’ll have loads of vitality to burn. Fortunately you’ll be proper subsequent to the scenic Moonwalk Riverfront Park.
This lengthy stretch of park alongside the Mississippi River is a superb place for an informal stroll. Watch steamboats as they transfer alongside the river and take a look at the numerous sculptures and monuments alongside the way in which, together with the Holocaust Memorial.
Everytime you don’t know what to do in New Orleans, you possibly can simply head all the way down to the riverfront and take within the surroundings alongside the river. Go forward and convey a beer or a to-go cocktail with you when you like. It’s all good right here in NOLA!
12. Go On a River Cruise
Talking of the Mississippi, taking a river cruise is likely one of the hottest issues to do in New Orleans. There are fairly a couple of choices for a NOLA river cruise relying in your tastes and finances.
For a basic expertise, head out for a river cruise with Steamboat Natchez. There’s numerous historical past behind this identify, as they’re at present on the ninth Steamboat Natchez. Right here’s an fascinating piece of historical past for you — Natchez VI truly beat Robert E. Lee in a race alongside the Mississippi.
Finest Steamboat Excursions in New Orleans:
They’ve a couple of choices for 2-hour cruises across the river and all of them embody dwell jazz.
You may select between their afternoon cruises with lunch, dinner cruises within the night, or their well-known Sunday brunch cruise.
In case you’re touring to New Orleans on a finances however nonetheless wish to expertise being on a ship within the Mississippi, simply take the native Algiers ferry for less than $2.
13. Drink: New Orleans Fashion
New Orleans is considered one of only a few locations within the US the place you possibly can legally eat alcohol in public. There are even bars right here which can be open 24/7. No surprise that is such a preferred place to get together.
Whilst you’re out partying within the Massive Straightforward, you’ll positively wish to attempt some native drinks. One of the best ways to take action is with an skilled native information who can introduce you to some enjoyable bars, cocktails and native brews.
Finest Booze-Associated Excursions in New Orleans:
Essentially the most well-known New Orleans cocktail is the Hurricane, which is made with mild and darkish rum. It additionally has ardour fruit, orange, and lime juice together with easy syrup and grenadine.
One other native basic is a Ramos Gin Fizz. This gin-based cocktail additionally has lemon & lime juice, orange flower water, egg white, powdered sugar, and milk. It takes numerous time to make this frothy cocktail, however little or no to place one down.
For a novel New Orleans bar expertise, hit up a drive-thru daiquiri place. That’s proper, you didn’t misinterpret. You may get frozen daiquiris from a drive-thru right here. They only need to provide the straw on the facet and also you technically can’t drink it till you get out of the automobile.
☞ SEE ALSO: New Orleans Cocktails – 7 Should-Strive Drinks In The Massive Straightforward
14. Discover the Bywater District
In case you’re into quirky retailers, colourful avenue artwork, and rowdy dive bars, head to the Bywater space of New Orleans. Since Hurricane Katrina, this neighborhood has skilled a renaissance due to a thriving artwork and music group.
When costs rose dramatically within the French Quarter, many artists and musicians moved over to Bywater. This bohemian/hipster hood is now residence to some wonderful document retailers, artwork galleries, eating places, music venues, and bars.
The Bywater is positioned only a 10-minute journey east from the French Quarter, and is a fast bus or Uber journey away. For these on the lookout for a extra native expertise than the touristy French Quarter, remember to add a visit to Bywater to your listing of issues to do in New Orleans.
15. Strive Your Luck on the On line casino or Monitor
In case you’re feeling fortunate in New Orleans (or simply tipsy), you possibly can head into Harrah’s On line casino. They’ve received tons of machine and desk video games, in addition to loads of bars. You may even order your drinks straight from the slot machines right here.
Another choice for attempting to win some chilly laborious money is heading to the Truthful Grounds Race Course & Slots. That is the third-oldest racetrack in your entire nation, relationship again to 1872.
The racing season on the Truthful Grounds begins on Thanksgiving Day and runs till the tip of March. Their largest race is the annual Louisiana Derby, which takes place in late March. You will discover the Truthful Grounds on the map and get instructions right here.
16. Go to a Nationwide Historic Park
One of many prime New Orleans sights is the Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park & Protect. This park seeks to guard the pure and cultural heritage of the Mississippi River Delta area of Louisiana.
There’s quite a bit to see and do right here, together with boat and canoe excursions, climbing trails, and a battlefield. In case you’re hoping to see a gator out within the wild, that is considered one of your finest possibilities!
The park is positioned a couple of 30-minute drive exterior of downtown New Orleans. In case you don’t have your personal wheels, there are many choices for excursions that go to the park. You may get instructions and discover it on the map right here.
17. Cheer on the Native Groups
Because it’s residence to 2 skilled sports activities franchises, cheering on the native groups has to make our listing of the very best issues to do in New Orleans. The Massive Straightforward is residence to the Saints (NFL) and the Pelicans (NBA).
Get Your Tickets:
Going to a Saints sport is sort of the expertise, as they’ve a number of the most passionate followers within the nation. In case you’re going to a sport, remember to be taught the mantra first:
“Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?”
The Saints play on the Mercedez-Benz Superdome downtown. They play eight residence video games all through the common season, which lasts from early September to late December.
For these basketball followers on the market, the Pelicans play subsequent door on the Smoothie King Middle. The NBA common season lasts from mid-October to early April, so there are many possibilities to catch a house sport.
18. NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Artwork)
Artwork lovers will wish to remember to embody a go to to NOMA – the New Orleans Museum of Artwork. House to over 40,000 items, this can be a huge and spectacular assortment of artwork from world wide.
Along with all of the wonderful artwork contained in the museum, there’s additionally a gorgeous sculpture backyard exterior. With a lot unimaginable paintings to see right here, it’s no surprise the NOMA is likely one of the prime New Orleans sights.
The museum is positioned in Metropolis Park (examine the map right here) and is open from Tuesday-Sunday. Remember to examine their hours as they fluctuate from day-to-day. Tickets vary from $6 (youngsters) to $15 (adults). Because it’s a part of the park, the sculpture backyard is free to go to.
19. Chill Out in Metropolis Park
In case you got here all the way in which to Metropolis Park to take a look at the artwork museum, you may as effectively hang around for some time. It’s an enormous park — about 50% bigger than New York’s Central Park, to be precise — so there’s loads to see and do right here.
Some of the standard sights within the park is the New Orleans Botanical Backyard.
That includes greater than 2,000 vegetation from world wide, it’s a gorgeous place for a leisurely stroll. The backyard is open day-after-day from 10-5 and admission prices $8 for adults or $4 for kids.
The park can be residence to a number of athletic fields, an amusement park, a golf course, and a lot extra.
It’s a large park, so that you may wish to think about renting a motorbike to correctly discover it. Or you may simply calm down and lease a paddleboat to cruise across the lake. The choices are almost countless right here.
20. Day Journey to a Plantation
It’s nonetheless potential to journey to the Antebellum south, and also you don’t even want a time machine. Simply head out on a tour to one of many many historic plantations that’s inside a brief drive from New Orleans.
On a typical tour, you’ll get to go to one of many very well-preserved stately mansions and be taught all about their historical past. It’s a window into the agrarian previous of the realm and a darkish time in American historical past.
Finest New Orleans Plantation Excursions:
You’ll see examples of the facility and wealth that the plantation homeowners loved, whereas additionally seeing the brutal situations that slaves lived and labored beneath.
Among the hottest plantations to go to close to New Orleans embody Laura, Whitney, and Oak Alley.
You may get your self there and be part of a guided tour on the property or join an organized tour that features transportation. It’s potential to see all three in in the future as they’re all so shut collectively.
This tour contains Oak Alley plantation and an Airboat journey within the swamp. Regardless of which tour you be part of, or the way you get there, simply make certain visiting a plantation and studying concerning the historical past is in your listing of issues to see in New Orleans.
21. See a Present at Preservation Corridor
There are many superior locations to see dwell music in New Orleans. One venue that you just positively gained’t wish to miss within the Massive Straightforward is Preservation Corridor.
This historic venue was based in 1961 to “defend, protect, and perpetuate conventional New Orleans jazz.”
Preservation Corridor is excess of only a venue, although. It’s additionally a non-profit group, document label, and home band. You’ve loads of possibilities to catch a present at Preservation Corridor, as there are performances nightly at 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10PM.
You may guide reserved “Massive Shot” seats on-line upfront for $35-40, however these are inclined to promote out effectively upfront. There are many common admission tickets for $20 (money solely), and it’s really useful that you just arrive at the least 30-45 minutes earlier than the present begins.
Preservation Corridor is positioned within the French Quarter, so it’s proper within the thick of all of the motion. You will discover it on the map and get instructions right here.
Bonus Issues To Do in New Orleans
We simply couldn’t cease at 21. Having spent a lot time in New Orleans, narrowing this listing all the way down to 21 is inconceivable. There are just too many issues to do in New Orleans!
22. Social gathering on Bourbon Avenue
You knew this was coming finally, didn’t you? Find it irresistible or hate it, partying on Bourbon Avenue is undoubtedly probably the most standard issues to do in New Orleans. For guests, that’s. You gained’t discover too many locals out on Bourbon Avenue.
Regardless that it’s noisy, chaotic, and sure, extremely touristy, it’s nonetheless a enjoyable place to take a look at at the least as soon as. Order up a “large ass beer” or an enormous Hurricane to-go and be part of within the insanity as you bounce across the many alternative bars.
Finest Excursions Together with Burboun Avenue Nighlife:
In my humble opinion, it’s price going to Bourbon Avenue only for the prospect to go to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Store Bar. Constructed someday within the 1700s, it’s mentioned to be the oldest bar within the US.
It’s simple to really feel such as you’ve stepped right into a time machine right here, because the bar is lit solely with candles. Seize a drink and head to the again to take heed to the piano participant. On a avenue filled with so many horrible bars, this can be a diamond within the tough.
23. Be part of a Ghost Tour
In case you dare! This creepy ghost tour is likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in New Orleans. Not like different strolling excursions, this one showcases the town’s vampire theories, voodoo rituals, and witchcraft.
Finest Ghost Excursions in New Orleans:
Meet up together with your energetic information and wander by means of the French Quarter on a two-hour strolling tour whereas studying concerning the spooky facet of New Orleans. Discover out extra about this highly-rated tour right here.
Extra Enjoyable Excursions in New Orleans
We already listed fairly a couple of superior excursions and sights in New Orleans, however listed here are a couple of that you may also wish to try:
Now You Know What To Do in New Orleans
Are you able to see why New Orleans is my favourite American metropolis to go to? With so many desirable cultural and historic websites, a world-class music scene, most likely the very best regional delicacies within the nation, and a wild get together each evening of the week, what’s to not love?
I like New Orleans a lot that it was considered one of twelve stops on our “year-long get together” in 2018, as we attended WrestleMania on the Superdome.
Whereas I lined a number of the finest issues to do in New Orleans, there’s a lot extra to see and do on this unimaginable metropolis. Do your self a favor and get there before later. It’ll be the most effective journey selections you ever make.
Photos on this article courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
