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10 Must Do Things In New Orleans – New Orleans is an assault and delight for the senses. Even better, it’s one of the most fun cities to explore in the USA. It’s even better with the best things to do in New Orleans across the city that I’m sure you’ll love.
Now, the best way to describe New Orleans is through its history, unique culture and vibrant streets. After all, these are the things that make this city so famous.
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First, the French influence sets this city apart from other major cities in the USA. It feels completely unique and somewhere fun, exciting to boot.
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Honestly, New Orleans has a whole mix of great things to do that you really can’t miss. So, whether you’re going for a long weekend, or a longer visit, I hope you love it as much as we do.
Also known as the Vieux Carré, the French Quarter in New Orleans is the city’s oldest and most famous neighborhood.
If you want to explore the city’s heritage, this alone makes it one of the best things to do in New Orleans.
You see, New Orleans was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and slowly grew from the French Quarter to what it is today.
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As you wander the old streets with jazz music and the smell of gumbo, prepare to see some truly beautiful old buildings with cute little balconies wrapped around them.
Oh, and be sure to check out some of the area’s many art galleries, find some spooky souvenirs, and eat as much Cajun food as you can.
Located in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is where you want to be when the sun goes down and the lights come on, as the colorful lights on the streets tempt you to pop in for a drink or two.
Honestly, it’s a total assault on the senses that initially took me back. Out of curiosity (and wanting to party), we all decided to walk down Bourbon Street. After a few drinks, the 4 of us joined the huge crowds on the streets and tonight turned out to be one of our most fun nights on our road trip across America.
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What I mean is that Bourbon Street doesn’t feel too flashy, cool or overly ‘jazzy’; There are other places in New Orleans for that. Bourbon Streets is for fun.
Oh and while you’re here, try the city’s famous drink, the Hurricane, and also check out the oldest bar in the United States: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.
Located in front of St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a beautiful and historic park area surrounded by some of the city’s oldest buildings.
Once here, you will also find a colony of local artisans here. Many artists paint, draw, create, and display throughout the square, and it’s great for an afternoon stroll.
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Originally called the Place d’Armes in the 18th century, the square was renamed after Andrew Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans (if you’re interested in history).
Also, there are plenty of small shops and restaurants around the square. Oh, and it’s just steps from the Mississippi River. Jackson Square is easy to explore and one of the best things to do in New Orleans on a nice sunny day.
Across Decatur Street (from Jackson Square) is the most famous coffee shop in New Orleans, Cafe du Monde.
This is the place to go for coffee, and more importantly, try some of the city’s most famous beignets (at Cafe Beignet). They are made fresh to order and are very good.
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Walking into this open-air style cafe from 1862 is like stepping into a wonderland full of powdered sugar.
Wandering through the stalls and shops of the French Market is one of the best things to do in New Orleans, if those beignets don’t fill you up. It is full of foodie joints and small stalls.
Running parallel to the Mississippi River, the French Market is filled with plenty of treats and trinkets to try.
At the market, you can buy everything from jewelry and masks to old-fashioned Creole candy. Try not to get too lost, though, as it gets very busy and you can lose track of time here.
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Next, take a ride on one of the old streetcars that travel through New Orleans. They are very retro and very unique to the city.
Also, don’t forget to visit Mother’s too. We have the biggest po boys! They are huge.
What looks like a castle in the French Quarter is actually the oldest cathedral in North America. This alone makes it one of the best things to do in New Orleans, especially when you’re on the move.
You see, St. Louis Cathedral was founded in 1720 as a Catholic parish and has both Renaissance and Spanish Colonial architecture, which is absolutely gorgeous.
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The cathedral is still in use as mass is held every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Tours are available and the cathedral is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Afterwards, take a ride on one of New Orleans’ paddle steamers that depart very close to the cathedral.
Located a little northwest of the French Quarter, City Park is a huge park and botanical garden to explore.
The park is full of the best things to do in New Orleans, especially if you’re looking for a more chilled day out.
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From the carousels and statues (which you can find in the Storyland section) to the amazing walks, it is absolutely beautiful and worth a visit.
New Orleans cemeteries have become a must-see while in the city, especially for some voodoo remains from people laid to rest there.
You see because New Orleans was originally built on swamp land. This meant that the dead were buried above ground in crypts and tombs.
Now, this isn’t for everyone, St. Louis Cemetery is probably the most famous of these cemeteries. Located near the French Quarter, this is the final resting place of the ‘Voodoo Queen’ Marie Lau.
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Guided tours are available at most cemeteries, including some night-time ghost tours. However, definitely give it a miss if you find it a little too dark or creepy.
No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying one of the city’s most famous dishes. Gumbo!
Honestly, whipping up some gumbo is easily one of the best things to do after a long day of exploring in New Orleans.
Now, in case you’re wondering, gumbo is a Cajun-Creole dish made with roux, spices, okra, tomatoes, and herbs. It usually consists of chicken and sausage or shrimp and other seafood. Oh, and don’t forget the powdered filet of sassafras leaves sprinkled on top.
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Some of the most popular places to find gumbo in New Orleans are also in the French Quarter. This means it’s easy to try when you’re in the city.
Some of the easiest places to visit for gumbo are; The Gumbo Shop, Mullet’s Cajun Restaurant, Antoine’s and Oceana Grill. It was delicious.
On the edge of the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street in the Marigny neighborhood is a popular destination to enjoy live music and entertainment.
Here, you will find everything; Jazz, rock, blues, Latin, funk, zydeco, brass bands and even EDM can be found here. In addition, you can easily find many bars, clubs and restaurants to spend the weekend.
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The Young Fellaz Brass Band plays several nights a week at the corner of Frenchmen Street and Chartres. Additionally, an open-air art market is also located in the area, offering unique art to all visitors to the area.
Usually, Mardi Gras takes place in February and it’s a really vibrant and exciting time to explore the city. Expect lots of parades, parties and lots of people. The city comes alive.
It’s amazing to see and one of the best things to do in New Orleans if you’re visiting this time of year.
An hour’s drive from downtown New Orleans, Oak Alley Plantation is worth a visit if you’re heading out of the city.
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Now, a tour here usually means a two-hour stay, but it’s worth it if you want to learn more about the history of this house and gardens at your own pace.
It’s easily one of the best things to do in New Orleans if you have a car or are on an extended road trip (like we were). boring.”
Whether you call it the Crescent City, the Big Easy, NOLA or New Orleans, once you visit you’ll never want to leave. Unfortunately, some visitors think the entire city revolves around Bourbon Street and the ubiquitous daiquiri shops and “huge-ass beer” stands.
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