New Orleans, well known as the Big Easy, is a city that exudes culture, history, and music. Guests can wander around the French Quarter, savor dreamy Creole and Cajun eats, and take in live jazz on Frenchmen Street. The unforgettable sights and sounds of the city include Mississippi river cruises, Mardi Gras festivities, ghost tours, and wandering through picturesque neighborhoods such as the Garden District. Between family-friendly attractions and historical sites to underground favorites and events only locals know, New Orleans is the epitome of every experience rolled into one. Here is the ultimate guide to 55+ things to do in New Orleans that will help you have an unforgettable trip that will be adventurous, delicious, and easy on the wallet.
Things to Do in New Orleans
1. Explore the Historic French Quarter
Your journey should start at the cultural core of New Orleans the French Quarter. Walk down cobblestone streets, take in a blend of Spanish and French architecture and hear some live jazz music near famous sites.
Here are some of the top things to do in the French Quarter:
- For a night out, walk along Bourbon Street, which pulsates with nightlife and live music.
- Check out Jackson Square and see some of the street artists there.
- Discover St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in America.
- Snap a picture at the French Market, the historic open-air shopping market.
- Sip on classic cocktails at Pat O’Brien’s, the driving force behind the Hurricane drink.
2. Explore New Orleans’s Food Culture
New Orleans is a gourmand’s paradise. The city is famous for its Creole and Cajun recipes, mashing up French, African and Caribbean influences.
Must-try food experiences:
- Get a plate of beignets at Café du Monde.
- Sample gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish étouffée at local restaurants.
- Sample the renowned po’boy sandwich at Parkway Bakery & Tavern.
- Sip a classic Sazerac cocktail, which originated in New Orleans.
- Check out local food tours for local tastes.
For food lovers, the city is a visit that’s not complete without a taste of these classics.
3. Submerge Yourself in Music and Nightlife
The birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, pulsates with live music. Whether you love jazz, blues or funk, you will have a concert every night.
Music and nightlife best bets:
- Head to Frenchmen street for real jazz clubs.
- See a show at Preservation Hall, an iconic jazz club.
- Dance your ass off to brass bands at Spotted Cat Music Club.
- Go to Mardi Gras parades for an unrivaled party.
- Splurge on the live performances at a riverfront festival party.
It’s also the buzzing night scene that keeps visitors coming back to the city.
4. Dive into History and Culture
There’s no mystery as to why the vibrant city of New Orleans is an ideal place to travel if you are a curious wanderer.
Top historical and cultural experiences:
- Visit the National WWII Museum, one of the U.S.’s top rated.
- Check out the Historic Voodoo Museum to hear all about the local customs.
- Discover the Garden District and its 19th-century mansions.
- Hop on a steamboat on the Mississippi River.
- Meander through Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and appreciate its above-ground tombs.
These experiences demonstrate the breadth and depth of tradition that forms New Orleans.
5. Outdoor Adventures and Family-Friendly Fun
Aside from food, nightlife, breathtaking scenery, and family-friendly attractions also make New Orleans a great vacation destination.
Outdoor and family-friendly activities:
- Go on a swamp tour and see alligators in the bayou.
- Unwind in City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.
- Head to the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium of the Americas.
- Visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden.
- Stroll along the Moonwalk Riverside Promenade for views of the river.
Whether you are taking your family along, or just need to escape the crowded streets, these activities offer a refreshing alternative.
6. Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences
Some of the best options New Orleans has to offer are a little off the beaten track. These are the diamonds in the rough that make your trip jam-packed with memories.
Cool things to do in New Orleans:
- Spend a spooky evening touring haunted mansions and cemeteries.
- Attend a second line parade, an energetic street party.
- Go to Backstreet Cultural Museum to find out about Mardi Gras culture.
- Browse antiques on Magazine Street.
- Drink craft beer brewed in their own neighborhood, at NOLA Brewing Company.
- Attend a cooking class to be instructed in the art of Creole dishes.
- Unearth street art murals around the city.
These under-the-radar spots capture the real spirit of New Orleans outside of its typical tourist settings.
