New Orleans is a city full of culture and attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s known as ‘The Big Easy’ and is famous for its jazz music, delicious Creole cuisine, and unique architecture. The city always has a festive atmosphere, not just during Mardi Gras. The French Quarter is just one part of the diverse culture found in New Orleans.
Whether you’re drawn to the jazz melodies drifting out of the French Quarter clubs or the tantalizing aroma of beignets and chicory coffee in the morning, New Orleans knows how to captivate its visitors. In this post, we’ll unravel the city’s best-kept secrets and essential activities that will make your Big Easy experience truly unforgettable.
Best Things to Do in New Orleans
1. Frenchmen Street
Often overshadowed by its better-known neighbor Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street is the go-to spot for the true connoisseurs of live music. This hub is where locals and in-the-know visitors flock for some of the city’s most authentic jazz, blues, and funk performances.
From the iconic Spotted Cat to the lively Maison, Frenchmen Street’s intimate, club-like atmosphere invites you to enjoy a night of music and perhaps even a traditional Second Line march. But the charm of Frenchmen doesn’t end when the music stops. The street’s jazz-influenced art and vibrant murals serve as a cultural canvas showcasing the city’s creative spirit.
During the day, the Frenchmen Art Market offers an array of handcrafted treasures and lets you meet the artists behind the pieces, perfect for a leisurely stroll after a morning coffee at the legendary Café du Monde.
2. Garden District
A 19th-century masterpiece, the Garden District is a showcase of antebellum architecture, stunning mansions, and lush greenery. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the area’s distinctive blend of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian style homes, surrounded by magnolias and ancient oaks.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is also a must-see, a city of the dead that tells stories of the past through its ornate mausoleums and history. And be sure to stop by Commander’s Palace for a meal — this famed restaurant is a Garden District jewel, offering award-winning dining in a beautifully restored setting.
3. National WWII Museum
Step back in time and pay homage to the heroes of World War II at the National WWII Museum, an absolute must-visit. Widely considered one of the best WWII museums in the world, this interactive experience immerses you in the global conflict that changed the world.
The museum’s exhibits, theaters, and artifacts offer a comprehensive narrative that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history.
Don’t miss your chance to climb aboard the restored PT-305, a patrol-torpedo boat that once prowled the waters of the Mediterranean during the war. For an immersive experience, book a ticket to the Beyond All Boundaries 4-D experience that combines archival footage with the latest in 4-D technology.
4. French Quarter
No visit to New Orleans is complete without a stop in the heart of the city, the famous French Quarter. Explore this historic neighborhood, with its colorful Creole townhouses, wrought-iron balconies, and hidden courtyards.
You can wander through the vibrant market at Jackson Square, where street artists display their work, or visit St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest continuously operating cathedrals in the United States.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the Quarter’s diverse culinary scene is waiting to be explored. Dine on classic Creole fare at Galatoire’s or try a poboy at the casual Johnny’s Po-Boys. And when dusk falls, the streets come alive with the sounds of jazz, beckoning you to one of the many atmospheric bars and restaurants.
5. City Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in New Orleans’ City Park, a 1,300-acre urban oasis that’s larger than New York’s Central Park. With its scenic lagoons, ancient oaks, and sculptures scattered throughout, City Park offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the city’s natural beauty.
Rent a paddleboat on Big Lake, visit the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, or take in the serene landscape aboard the park’s iconic red streetcar. If you’re traveling with family, the park is home to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, featuring a historic wooden carousel and other classic rides that are sure to delight children of all ages.
6. New Orleans Museum of Art
In the heart of City Park lies the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), a cultural institution that boasts a collection of over 40,000 objects, ranging from antiquities to contemporary art. The museum’s impressive permanent collection includes works by French masters, American and European decorative arts, and a renowned photography exhibit.
After immersing yourself in the artistic riches, be sure to explore the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden adjacent to the museum, a 5-acre outdoor gallery highlighting over 60 sculptures that harmonize with the park’s natural environment.
7. Louis Armstrong Park
Few places capture the soul of jazz like Louis Armstrong Park. Named after the legendary musician himself, the park is home to the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the birthplace of jazz. Stroll through the lush greenery of the park, and you’ll encounter bronze sculptures of jazz greats, a symbolic bridge that harks back to Congo Square’s musical roots, and charming lagoons.
The park pulsates with a musical energy, marking the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the heritage of a genre that’s as much a part of New Orleans as the Mississippi River.
8. Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
This new addition to the city’s cultural landscape is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience is a thoughtfully curated tribute to the Jewish experience in the American South, and it’s one of a kind.
Through artifacts, photographs, and immersive experiences, the museum weaves a narrative of resilience and community that is globally resonant and locally relevant. It’s a poignant reminder of how diverse threads have woven the fabric of Southern identity.
9. Studio Be
Amidst the colorful chaos that defines New Orleans, Studio Be is a monolithic presence of raw, unapologetic art. The studio is the brainchild of artist Brandan ‘B-Mike’ Odums and features sprawling murals in an abandoned New Orleans housing project.
These larger-than-life, politically-charged works reflect the civil rights struggles and celebrate the resilience of the city’s residents. Studio Be offers a somber yet hopeful reflection of life in New Orleans that art aficionados and social commentators will equally admire.
10. New Orleans Cemetery Tours
Step into a space where history and mystery collide—the cemeteries of New Orleans. The above-ground burials, intricate mausoleums, and eerie beauty of these ‘Cities of the Dead’ are essential stops on any New Orleans visit.
To fully comprehend the rich tapestry that these tombs represent, guided cemetery tours afford you access to stories of prominent figures, the city’s lustrous past, and the voodoo queens who stirred the cultural cauldron. It’s a unique, unforgettable experience that’s as educative as it is exhilarating.
11. St. Louis Cathedral
A beacon of faith and architectural magnificence, the St. Louis Cathedral is a focal point of the city’s skyline. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the cathedral is a testament to the enduring power of the church and a historic landmark synonymous with New Orleans.
Its tranquil interiors, adorned with ornate decorations, offer a serene refuge from the bustling streets outside. Whether you are a devoted Catholic, an architecture aficionado, or simply in search of a serene space, the cathedral’s hallowed halls promise to leave you in awe.
12. Crescent Park
In a city where the river holds such importance, Crescent Park offers a different perspective of the Mississippi. This sprawling urban park, designed to blend nature and community, offers stunning views of the Big Easy’s skyline and the Great River.
Walking, cycling, or simply enjoying a picnic among the verdant landscapes, Crescent Park affords a quiet escape from the lively neighborhoods. The sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular, providing a perfect end to a day of exploring the city.
13. Discover Mardi Gras World
If New Orleans is the heart of Mardi Gras, then Mardi Gras World is its soul. This larger-than-life attraction gives visitors an insider’s look into the magical world of Mardi Gras. Step inside and you’re immediately engulfed in the creative process that brings the carnival season to life.
You’ll witness artists crafting the elaborate floats and costumes that parade the streets, and you can even try on a few pieces for an impromptu photo shoot. The intricate designs and colossal figures are a marvel to behold, but the real charm lies in the stories shared by the craftsmen who breathe life into these works of art year after year.
14. Delve into the Voodoo Traditions
For centuries, Voodoo has been a potent undercurrent in New Orleans’ spiritual and cultural milieu. To ignore it is to miss out on a critical aspect of the city’s dynamic tapestry. The New Orleans Healing Center and Voodoo Authentica are two of the most lauded establishments where visitors can explore the Voodoo tradition.
Participants can join a ritual, have their fortune told, or even partake in a potion-making workshop. By engaging with Voodoo in a respectful manner, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of its tenets and its influence on the community. It’s a profound experience that brims with mystique and reverence, shedding light on a practice that’s often shrouded in enigma.
15. Preservation Hall
Old wooden benches creak under the weight of visitors while the air hums with the anticipation of a jazz ensemble getting ready to take the stage. This is Preservation Hall, a storied venue that has been resounding with the joyous cacophony of live jazz since 1961.
A performance at Preservation Hall is not just a concert; it’s a pilgrimage through the history of jazz. There’s no amplification, no frills—just the raw and unadulterated sounds that harken back to the genre’s roots. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of jazz, the electric atmosphere and the infectious energy of the musicians will infuse you with a newfound appreciation for this original American art form.
16. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Tucked away in the historic French Quarter, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a time capsule that offers a glimpse into the evolution of healthcare before the modern era. The museum’s collection boasts an impressive array of medical artifacts, including surgical instruments, potions, and voodoo paraphernalia that tell a fascinating story of medical practices and superstitions from the 19th century.
The setting, an actual former apothecary, remains remarkably preserved, complete with an opium poppy garden that once bloomed to meet the medicinal demands of the era. Tours are led by expert guides who paint a vivid picture of life and death in the city during the tumultuous 1800s, which is brimming with drama and intrigue that is worthy of a novel.
17. New Orleans Jazz Museum
The New Orleans Jazz Museum is a treasure trove for music aficionados and history buffs alike. Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, the museum’s extensive collection showcases the birth and evolution of jazz against the backdrop of New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage.
With interactive exhibits, rare recordings, and iconic instruments, the Jazz Museum offers a comprehensive overview of the genre’s luminaries and their legacies. The museum also hosts live performances, workshops, and educational programs that continue to foster jazz appreciation and musicianship, ensuring that the city’s musical legacy keeps swinging forward.
18.Take a Stroll at Crescent Park
Away from the clamor of the French Quarter, Crescent Park offers a serene escape. This picturesque urban greenway sprawls along the Mississippi River, with stunning views of the city’s skyline. The park is ideal for a leisurely walk or a jog, and its well-kept lawns often become impromptu picnic spots for locals and tourists alike.
With the gentle breeze from the river and the verdant tranquility of the park, Crescent Park is the perfect way to start a day in New Orleans, offering a peaceful contrast to the city’s more animated districts.
19.Audubon Zoo
Situated within the expanses of Audubon Park, the Audubon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals in their natural habitats. Endangered species such as the Amur leopard, as well as local Louisiana wildlife, can be found here.
The zoo features an array of engaging exhibits, including the captivating Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle. An excursion to the Audubon Zoo is not only an educational experience but also a delightful one, promising fun for the entire family.
20.Magazine Street
For the consummate shopper, Magazine Street is a dream come true. This six-mile stretch of retail and dining delights encompasses an array of boutiques, art galleries, and vintage emporiums. Here, you can find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that serve as perfect souvenirs or mementos of your time in the Crescent City.
The street is also dotted with cozy cafés and bistros serving up a blend of international cuisines, making it an ideal spot to refuel and absorb the laid-back, indie vibe that characterizes the area.
21.Sculpture Garden
Art aficionados and nature lovers alike will find solace in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Nestled within the lush 7.5-acre expanses of City Park, this outdoor art haven showcases over 90 contemporary sculptures.
Designed with an eye for aesthetics and harmony with the surrounding greenery, the garden is a peaceful retreat. It offers visitors the unique experience of enjoying art in open air – a meditative and introspective pastime that draws you into the present moment.
22.Steamboat Natchez
A trip to New Orleans would be incomplete without a ride on the Steamboat Natchez. This iconic steam-powered paddle wheeler has been cruising the mighty Mississippi River since 1975, providing a picturesque glimpse into the city’s storied past.
The two-hour cruise is bustling with the sounds of live jazz, and you can savor a delectable Creole buffet as you take in the sights. From the French Quarter to the vast expanse of the river, the Steamboat Natchez offers a true taste of traditional New Orleans hospitality.
New Orleans resonates with culture and history, not just in its fetes and feasts but in the quieter, more reflective corners where the essence of the city truly resides. Whether you’re drawn to the wails of a saxophone carried on the evening breeze, the silent watch of centuries-old tombstones, or the resounding peace within the walls of St. Louis Cathedral, there’s a symphony waiting to be discovered.
These activities are mere snapshots of the greater canvas that is New Orleans. In each, you’ll find a chapter of the city’s richness—its past, its pulse, its people. It’s time to set forth on your New Orleans adventure and find the stories that speak to your heart.
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