NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Situated in the southeast region of the country, New Orleans, which is also known as Crescent City or the Big Easy, is a thriving and culturally diverse metropolis renowned for its distinct fusion of African, French, Spanish, and Creole influences. If you enjoy history, music, nightlife, cocktails, cajun and creole cuisine, voodoo, ghost tours, cemeteries, swamps and the infamous Mardi Gras festival, you should definitely visit New Orleans since jazz culture, live music, food, history and stunning 17th-century architecture with Spanish Creole and French influences are nearly everywhere in the city.

TOP THINGS TO DO AND SEE

FRENCH QUARTER | CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT | GARDEN DISTRICT | CITY PARK |

FRENCH QUARTER

The most well-known and iconic neighborhood in New Orleans is the French Quarter. Many associate the French Quarter with gorgeous balconies and lively streets when they think of New Orleans. The following are some of the main things to do in this district of New Orleans:

STROLL ALONG BOURBON STREET AND ROYAL STREET

Bourbon Street (Party Street): The most well-known street in New Orleans is Bourbon Street. One of the busiest streets in the country, this one is open 24 hours a day and is lined with pubs, eateries, lodgings, and live music venues. A walk down this street is a must-do when visiting New Orleans.
Royal Street (Balcony Hunting and more): Royal Street runs parallel to Bourbon Street. There are more art galleries than bars along this somewhat calmer boulevard. It’s also nicer and feels a little more posh than Bourbon Street because of its French architecture, which is why balcony hunting is fun here.

EXPLORE JACKSON SQUARE: Situated in the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a compact, verdant park. The Cabildo, the Presbytère, and the St. Louis Cathedral are just a few of the well-known structures lining this area. An equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson stands in the center of the area. Artists can be seen selling their creations and selling their original artwork throughout the streets that abut Jackson Square. In addition, there are street entertainers, musicians, palm readers, and henna tattoo artists.

Visit St. Loius Cathedral: Originally constructed in 1721 and consecrated to French King Louis IX, this cathedral has a long history. It was reconstructed after it was destroyed by fire in 1788. It was enlarged to become what it is now in the 1850s. It is among the most identifiable sites in New Orleans. See the exquisite stained-glass ceiling and windows by going inside the Cathedral
Visit the Cabildo & the Presbytere: The Louisiana Purchase transfer took place at the Cabildo in 1803, which is located to the left of the cathedral. This structure served as the hub of the New Orleans government in the 1800s. Currently, it is a three-story museum with displays spanning Louisiana’s history. Located to the right of the St. Louis Cathedral is the Presbytère. It is also a museum. This place has two exhibits: one about Mardi Gras and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the city.
Capture the best view of the Square; The view of Jackson Square from the other side of the street is the nicest. Once you exit Jackson Square, proceed to the Washington Artillery Park by crossing Decatur Street. Ascend the ramp that is adjacent to the Café du Monde. Then retrace your steps to observe Jackson Square. This is a great place to take pictures and gives you an aerial perspective of the main area. The Mississippi River is visible if you make a 180-degree turn at the spot.

VISIT MUSEUMS

New Orleans Jazz Museum: The New Orleans Jazz Museum is the best resource for learning about the origins and history of jazz, which originated in New Orleans. Through interactive exhibits and live musical performances, this museum honors the legacy of jazz.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum: If you are curious or are a fan for voodoo, I suggest visiting this museum. and arrive here as soon as they open to beat the crowds and have a better experience. If you’re not interested in visiting a voodoo museum, at least take a look around a voodoo store. It’s a must do thing to sample some voodoo when in New Orleans.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: Exhibits and artifacts depicting the history of pharmacy and healthcare in New Orleans are on display. You may come away from this encounter appreciating modern medicine.

VISIT VOODOO SHOP: Enter one of these stores to experience the mystical and spiritual world that arrived in New Orleans during the 1700s. Purchase voodoo dolls, jewelry, and other items that capture the spirit and origins of New Orleans Voodoo culture. It’s possible that entering will encourage you to receive a spiritual reading.

Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo
Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo

SHOP AT FRENCH MARKET: For those who are budget-conscious shoppers and are planning their trip to New Orleans, the French Market is a top choice. Six blocks long, the French Market was once a Native American trading site with the French. If you want to experience the greatest of New Orleans in 2 days, the market—the oldest of its kind in the country—makes a fantastic historical stop.

GRAB A DRINK OR TAKE A PICTURE AT CAROUSEL BAR:

This is one of New Orleans’ most distinctive bars, and the city’s only spinning bar, housed at the Hotel Monteleone. Although this is a stunning luxury hotel, anyone is welcome to visit both the hotel and bar completely free! We strongly suggest visiting the Carousel Bar to snap pictures and observe the establishment, even if you don’t want to drink there.This vibrant Merry-Go-Round leisurely rotates around twenty-five seats. Vogue Living named the Carousel Bar one of the Top 20 Bars in the World because of how distinctive it is.

LISTEN TO JAZZ AT PRESERVATION HALL and/or FRENCHMAN STREET:

Preservation Hall: It is best to book a space online in advance because this is a popular event and the single indoor room can only accommodate a limited number of people. Tickets for the standing area behind the rows of seats as well as seats themselves are available for purchase.
Frenchman Street

STOP AT MUSICAL LEGENDS PARK FOR LIVE MUSIC AND BEIGNET FROM CAFE BEIGNET: Leave the bustle of Bourbon Street behind and enter this serene courtyard to see the monuments of well-known New Orleans musicians and singers, including Irma Thomas and Fats Domino. Enjoy some Beignets from Café Beignet and live music by taking a seat at one of the tables.

VISIT ST.LOIUS CEMETERY #1: The National Register of Historic Places recognizes this cemetery, which was established in 1789 and is the oldest in New Orleans. The Nicholas Cage grave site and Marie Laveau’s tomb are located within this cemetery. The cemetery may only be accessed via tour

VISIT THE RIVERWALK: Adjacent to the Mississippi River is a promenade known as Riverwalk. Though lovely during the day, the evening is when it’s most picturesque.

TAKE A RIDE ON STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ: There are multiple daily cruises on the Mississippi River available on the riverboat Steamboat Natchez. You can add lunch or dinner to either the daytime or nighttime Jazz cruise. It’s a fantastic opportunity to spend a little time on the Mississippi River and learn about the history and culture of New Orleans.

GO TRY THE CITY’S RENOWNED CUISINE AND DRINKS (IF YOU’RE INTO IT) BY TAKING A CULINARY TOUR OR VENTURE THEM YOURSELF

Beignet @ CAFE DU MONDE & @ CAFE BEIGNET
Banana Fosters @ Brennan’s:
Another well-known dish with New Orleans roots is bananas foster. The ingredients for bananas foster include bananas, vanilla ice cream, brown sugar, butter, dark rum, cinnamon, and banana liqueur sauce. After cooking the sauce and the bananas together, the alcohol in the sauce is lit, and the mixture is then poured over the ice cream. Try it at least once when you’re in New Orleans; it’s a wonderfully sweet treat. Brennan’s has some of the greatest Banana Fosters around. This dish, which was originally served at Owen Brennan’s Vieux Carré restaurant, was created by Chef Paul Blangé using a modified version of the Brennan family recipe.
Cafe Brulot @ Antoine’s: Chicory coffee, triple sec, brandy, cloves, sugar, citrus (orange or lemon), and cinnamon are combined together to create this “burnt coffee.”
Hurricane drink@ Pat O’Brien
Sazerac drink @ the Roosevelt
Cajun/Creole @ Oceana Grill ($$); Royal House ($$); Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar ($$); Napolean House
Breakfast/Brunch @ Cafe Amelie

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

WWII MUSEUM: The National WWII Museum is comprised of several buildings, with exhibits about World War II. At these world-class exhibits, learn about the historical events that occurred before the war, get an in depth look at the D-Day invasion of Normandy, and learn how New Orleans was instrumental in building and supplying ships for the war effort.

VUE ORLEANS: A 360-degree viewing deck is situated atop the Four Seasons Hotel. You have an incredible bird’s eye perspective of New Orleans from here. It is necessary to have timed tickets, which you may buy in advance on the official website.

MARDI GRAS WORLD: See the Mardi Gras parade’s floats and sculptures up close, and observe the creation of brand-new ones. When visiting New Orleans with kids, this vibrant “museum” is a terrific spot to take them. The museum can be explored on foot in about thirty minutes. It is somewhat remote from New Orleans’s French Quarter and other areas. On the other hand, guests can use the free shuttle service. For information about shuttle schedule, costs, and other details, see the official website.

CULINARY:

Cajun/Creole @ Acme Oyster House; Luke ($$$);
Breakfast, Brunch & Sandwiches @ Ruby Slipper CBD

GARDEN DISTRICT

STROLL THROUGH GARDEN DISTRICT. Admire the beautiful houses. This is the area where LaFayette Cemeteries, which is a popular stop for New Orleans ghost tours ,located; currently closed.

RIDE STREETCAR: New Orleans is home to multiple trolley lines. Riding the St. Charles Streetcar through the Garden District from Canal Street is one of the most picturesque experiences. This is a fantastic route to take in this lovely area of New Orleans from the French Quarter. A single ride costs $1.25, while an all-day pass costs $3.00.

STROLL ALONG MAGAZINE STREET: Magazine Street connects the Garden District with the French Quarter. There are eateries, upscale stores, and art galleries all along it. You can walk Magazine Street all the way to or from the French Quarter (about 2.5 miles) or just stroll the few blocks that it goes along the Garden District.

TRY OUT THE FOOD:

Cajun/Creole: Commander’s Palace ($$$); Cochon ($$)
Po’boys @ Joey K’s ($$)

CITY PARK DISTRICT

THE NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ARTS (NOMA). Artworks by Degas, O’Keefe, Rodin, and Monet are on exhibit. International paintings, photos, and sculptures can be seen in the temporary exhibitions as well. Check out the official website for hours and prices.

Visit the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture

MORE THINGS TO DO & SEE IN NEW ORLEANS

ATTEND FESTIVALS:

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Running from the end of April to the beginning of May, this festival is also known as “Jazz Fest.” African, Caribbean, jazz, Cajun, zydeco, rock, funk, folk, blues, gospel, and more are all featured in this 1970-started musical extravaganza. Notable past attendees include Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Bruce Springsteen, Lenny Kravitz, Jimmy Buffett, Pitbull, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. This year the festival will happen from April 26 to May 5, 2024.

MARDI GRAS: In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is the biggest and most popular festival. The two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday are when the celebration peaks. Every day at this time, there is a big procession. Beads of green, yellow, and purple are hurled from balconies as Bourbon Street is crowded with parties. Because the city almost closes down for Mardi Gras, visiting New Orleans during this time takes particular preparation. Hotels and restaurants are busy, lineups to use the restroom are frequent, and streets are closed for parades, often making movement from place to place very difficult. Future Mardi Gras dates: February 13, 2024; March 4, 2025
February 17, 2026

TAKE TOURS:

VISIT LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDEN

MAP OF THINGS TO DO & SEE IN NEW ORLEANS

FOUR-DAY NEW ORLEANS ITINERARY SAMPLE

DAY 1: Arrival

DAY 2: French Quarter and Central Business District

Morning:

Breakfast at Café Du Monde: Start your day with a classic New Orleans breakfast of beignets and café au lait at Café Du Monde, a French Quarter institution.

Jackson Square: Walk to Jackson Square, which is one of the city’s most identifiable locations and a National Historic Landmark that spans 2.5 acres and is also referred to as Place d’Armes. Admire the iconic “St. Louis Cathedral” and surrounding historic buildings; “the Cabildo” and “the Presbytere”. Take some time to explore the square, take picture of the best view of the Square (TIP: For a higher better view, cross “Decatur Street” to “Washington Artillery Park”), and enjoy street performances. Go visit “Faulkner House Books”, in the west of “St. Loius Cathedral”, which was William Faulkner’s former home turned into a bookstore carrying fine literature and rare editions. (TIP: Currently, due to the limited area, only four individuals can enter at a time. There are occasions when you must wait outside. To view any of the rare books, you must also give them a call in advance.)

French Market: Visit the French Market to browse local crafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.Don’t miss the chance to try some traditional Creole snacks. (TIP: When planning your day, bear in mind that the majority of the French Market’s businesses close by 5 p.m.)

Riverwalk & Steamboat Natchez

New Orleans Museum of Pharmacy & New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Afternoon:

LUNCH: Royal House, Napoleans House or any other nearby restaurants you would like to try such as Antoine’s Restaurant or Brennan’s. Or head towards Bourbon St. and Royal St. and have lunch there at places such as Felix’s Restaurant, Oyster Bar, Acme Oyster House or Oceana Grill, and many more.

Stroll along Bourbon St. and Royal Street Join a guided walking tour of the French Quarter to learn about its history, architecture (e.i. LaBranche House), and cultural significance. Alternatively, explore the neighborhood on your own, taking in the charming streets and historic buildings. Visit the voodoo shops such as Marie Laveau’s Voodoo Shop and/or Reverend’s Zombie House.

Enjoy Life Music: Stop at Musical Legends Park for live music while enjoying beignet from Cafe Beignet at Bourbon St. OR go try New Orleans cocktails; Sazerac and/or Hurricane at places such as Pat O’Brien and the Roosevelt Bar.

Evening:

DINNER: French Quarter (maybe Brennan or Antoine’s): Choose from the many fantastic dining options in the French Quarter for dinner. Sample Creole and Cajun cuisine at a traditional restaurant or try contemporary Southern fare at a modern eatery.

Evening Entertainment Spend the evening exploring the lively nightlife of the French Quarter. Listen to live music at a jazz club or blues bar, or join a ghost tour for some spooky nighttime fun or venture to “Carousel Bar”.

DAY 3: Garden District, Magazine St., Swamp Tour (Optional), French Quarter