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Must Things To Do In New Orleans – When I travel abroad, people ask me for tips on the best places to visit in America. They always ask about New York, California, and Florida, which are amazing destinations, BUT there is so much more to the United States than the coasts. In fact, I recommend New Orleans time and time again as one of the top destinations in the country.
With a culture unlike anywhere else on the planet, New Orleans has a place on everyone’s travel bucket list. And it’s so much more than just Mardi Gras (although I did have a big Mardi Gras party)! You have to discover places beyond Bourbon Street.
Must Things To Do In New Orleans
Ready for an unforgettable getaway to the Big Easy? Here are the top ten things you must do in New Orleans.
Bourbon Street, New Orleans Bars You Should Visit
New Orleans is a serious foodie destination! I love the grave so much that I actually did a whole post on the ten best local eats in New Orleans.
Besides just trying the food, I would highly recommend doing a food tour. The cuisine here has such a dynamic history and learning about it makes it that much more interesting. As a bonus, food tours allow you to try a few bites to decide what you like without having to commit to a full plate.
The restaurant scene is booming and you’ll find fusion delights and innovative dishes alongside the classics.
This is tourist central so arrive early to avoid the crowds. If you get in before 9am, you’ll find a quiet and clean place that’s ripe for exploring. Take photos early when the neighborhood is at its peak.
Facts About New Orleans To Know Before You Go
Wander through icons like Jackson Square, the Cabildo (where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803) and St. Louis Cathedral.
While New Orleans is so much more than just drinking, you’ll definitely want to throw back a few here. Explore the bars around town and sample the local drinking culture…especially since you can take your cocktail and drink it on the street!
Get a taste for local drinking culture by sampling iconic New Orleans. A few of the more popular drinks to add to your list are the Sazerac, Hurricane, and the Purple Voodoo Drink (which is similar to an alcoholic drink). If you only have three drinks on your trip, make it a sampler of this trio.
There are so many stunning houses and architectural wonders in the Garden District. While it’s a perfect place to take photos, you’ll take in even more on tour. Learning about the history and cultural significance of each place makes it more meaningful.
Cool Things To Do In New Orleans At Night
I heard that when actor John Goodman is in town he leaves the door open so everyone knows he’s there!
In my four-day guide to New Orleans, I’ve shared several different tours that give you an insight into local life. As an old port city and a modern entertainment hub, New Orleans has so many international influences and fascinating history can be found on every block.
New Orleans is a soundtrack city. The music penetrates the soul of Louisiana and a live show is a quintessential experience.
The Conservation Hall is a great place and is just one of many, and Frenchman Street is another must.
Why You Should Visit New Orleans In 2017
If you are lucky enough to come across a “second line”, you are in for an unforgettable experience. It is one of the most significant experiences of the city. Part of a traditional “jazz funeral”, the second line is a traditional dance where people walk in line and hold a parasol or handkerchief in the air.
Forget the trolley and hop on an old fashioned tram. There are four lines. You can hop on the St. Charles Line, the Canal Street Line (which covers the cemetery and City Park), the Riverfront Line (currently served by the Canal Lines), or the Rappart Line.
Bring exact change as the driver will not give you anything back. It’s $1.25 for a one-way trip, or you can get a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides.
The French Market is six blocks of non-stop shopping, cafes, restaurants and unique antiques. Open 365 days a year from 10am to 6pm, this is the perfect place to sample the best of New Orleans food and culture. There is often a brass band roaming the lanes and the whole place radiates energy.
New Orleans’ Garden District
New Orleans is famous for its cemeteries and there are tours that will take you through the most beautiful places. Unfortunately, there have been problems with vandalism in the past, so not all are open to solo visitors – however, you can explore most of the iconic cemeteries with a licensed tour guide.
Remember it’s not a theme park! Cemeteries are sites of cultural learning in New Orleans. See the stories of burial practices and some of the old ghost stories that have been passed down through the generations.
Forget the Hollywood version of voodoo! The religion of Voodoo is not at all what you think. The actual culture and belief system surrounding Voodoo is tightly intertwined with New Orleans.
I’d highly recommend spending some time separating fact from fiction and getting to know the culture and religion on a deeper level by taking a tour – read more in my 4-Day New Orleans Cultural Plan.
Prettiest New Orleans Streets You Must See
Wherever you go, before making sure to search for upcoming festivals. While Mardi Gras tends to steal the show, there is an endless array of festivals and activities.
Want to take a tour of the Crescent City? Join the Essential New Orleans Tour with Take Walks! “Without New Orleans, America would just be a bunch of free people dying of boredom.”
Whether you call it The Crescent City, The Big Easy, NOLA, or New Orleans, once you visit, you may never want to leave. Unfortunately, some visitors think the whole city revolves around Bourbon Street and its ubiquitous daiquiri shops and “huge beer” stands.
The truth is, New Orleans locals rarely set foot on Bourbon Street. They spend their time dining on decadent Creole cuisine in old-school restaurants, drinking Sazeracs in posh hotel bars, and listening to jazz in the little music venues you might pass by if you didn’t know which door to look for.
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After being a NOLA resident for four years and returning after dozens of visits over the years, I’ve had the chance to experience the best the city has to offer. And I’ve compiled all my favorite things to do in the city, from the most tourist-worthy activities to the best secret hidden gems to help you plan your trip.
So if you’re wondering what to do in New Orleans, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about my favorite sights, sounds, drinks, and food in New Orleans!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or book through one of our links, we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you extra).
If you want to be right in the heart of the action, check out the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. It is conveniently located just half a block from Bourbon Street and 2 blocks from Jackson Square. The real selling point is the peaceful courtyard pool hidden away from the craziness of the French Quarter.
Best Things To Do In New Orleans Right Now
TheAce Hotelis New Orleans’ newest hot spot! Bringing the same shabby-chic hipster style that launched the brand in Portland, their New Orleans hotel features a stunning rooftop bar, an award-winning restaurant (Josephine Estelle), Stumptown Coffee Roastery and an oyster bar.
Looking for a cool hotel room that won’t break the bank? It’s hard to beat the Old Hotel and Chandlers No. 77. Located in the Warehouse District, it’s the perfect place to explore both the French Quarter and the Garden Quarter.
65 Things to Do in New Orleans (Beyond Bourbon Street) New Orleans Sightseeing 1. Watch street performers in Jackson Square
Jackson Square is the heart and soul of the French Quarter. Here you will find artists and street performers vying for your attention. You can listen to a brass band, buy unique art or have your palm read – all against the stunning backdrop of the historic St. Louis Cathedral. It’s the perfect place to start your New Orleans vacation (and also a great starting point for a stroll through the French Quarter).
The Perfect 3 Day New Orleans Itinerary (& Massive Travel Guide)
Be sure to take the New Orleans Streetcar along scenic St. Charles Avenue, through the Garden District and into uptown New Orleans. There is something hypnotic about watching the huge Spanish oaks pass by while listening to the methodical click of the tram. This is one of the New Orleans highlights that you simply cannot miss.
One ride costs $1.25, but you’ll need exact change, so stock up on quarters. And don’t even think about calling it a “cart,” they’re in San Francisco.
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The Best Guide To French Quarter New Orleans
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