Things to Do in New Orleans - Top Activities & Attractions

Experience the Vibrant History and Culture of New Orleans

New Orleans is so much more than just good food and drinks. This vibrant city is steeped in a rich history and culture that seeps into every street and neighborhood. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, you'll uncover fascinating stories, architecture, art, and music around every corner.

Wander Through the French Quarter

No visit to New Orleans is complete without some time spent wandering the historic French Quarter. This neighborhood is the birthplace of the city and home to stunning 18th-century architecture. Wrought-iron balconies loom over the streets as you explore quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Be sure to stop into the grand St. Louis Cathedral or take a guided ghost tour after dark. Make time to visit the French Market and indulge in some café au lait and beignets at the famous Café Du Monde. The sounds of live jazz music spill out of clubs and restaurants, encapsulating the quintessential New Orleans vibe. Don't forget to look down as you walk to spot the intricate street tiles and brickwork paths.

Marvel at the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

With its maze of above-ground tombs, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the most famous cemeteries in New Orleans. Guided tours take you through this historic resting place, filled with elaborate stone crypts housing some of the city's most prominent citizens. Various styles of tombs and gravesites reflect the diversity of New Orleans. Look for ornate family tombs, fraternal organization crypts, and even some Voodoo symbols. Notable residents include voodoo queen Marie Laveau, Homer Plessy of the Plessy vs. Ferguson Supreme Court case, and Chess Master Paul Morphy.

Appreciate Local Art at Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Part of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden contains over 60 sculptures from various artists. Magnificent live oak trees frame the lush green space, making it a beautiful spot to appreciate art and nature. Notable works include several pieces by Edgar Degas who lived in New Orleans for a time. Other sculptures are crafted by renowned artists like Pierre Auguste Renoir, Elie Nadelman, and Claes Oldenburg. After exploring the gardens, head inside the museum to see an impressive collection of over 40,000 pieces.

Experience the Outdoors in City Park

At over 1,300 acres, City Park is the largest and most visited park in New Orleans. This green space contains walking trails, gardens, lakes, playgrounds, and numerous attractions perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pedal Through City Park

Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to experience the sprawling City Park. Pedal along the paths as you take in the lush scenery and make stops at points of interest. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grass or at one of the park’s pavilions. Don’t miss the picture-perfect Singing Oak, so named for the chimes that hang from its branches. Bike rentals are available at multiple locations in the park.

Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art

Situated right inside the park, the New Orleans Museum of Art displays an impressive collection of over 40,000 pieces. The permanent exhibits include extensive African, Asian, Native American, and Modern art collections. Temporary rotating exhibits highlight contemporary Louisiana artists as well as internationally renowned displays. The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden behind the museum showcases sculptures in a tranquil setting. Admission to the sculpture garden is free if you just want to wander through without accessing the indoor galleries.

Play at Storyland & Carousel Gardens Amusement Park

The kids will love spending a day at this amusement park featuring Storyland and Carousel Gardens. Storyland brings classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes to life with interactive play areas and structures. Kids can climb Jack's beanstalk, explore Humpty Dumpty's wall, or go down Alice's rabbit hole. Afterward, hit the rides at Carousel Gardens. Thrill seekers will enjoy the Roller Coaster and Crazy Bus. Classic rides like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and Choo Choo Train offer fun for all ages. Don't miss the antique wooden carousel crafted in 1924.

Wander the Garden District

With its sprawling antebellum mansions and lovely landscaping, the Garden District feels like a world away from the French Quarter. Just outside the downtown area, this National Historic Landmark District transports you back in time with its 19th-century architecture.

Take a Guided Tour of the Lafayette Cemetery

Established in 1833, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is one of New Orleans iconic above-ground cemeteries. Guided tours provide fascinating background on burial practices and traditions in the city while leading you through the ornate stone tombs and monuments. Many prominent New Orleans citizens are buried here alongside ordinary residents. The cemetery also played a role in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, adding to its spooky and mystical ambiance. Look for small gifts and tokens left at the tomb of Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen.

Marvel at the St. Charles Avenue Mansions

For a glimpse into the lives of 19th-century high society, stroll along St. Charles Avenue. This grand thoroughfare is lined with the most impressive and imposing mansions in the Garden District. Architectural styles include Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Victorian. Homes are adorned with sprawling columned porches, turrets, and ornate detailing hearkening back to the antebellum era. The Charles Street streetcar is a great way to take in these mansions as it runs right along St. Charles Avenue.

Shop & Dine on Magazine Street

Lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, Magazine Street offers fantastic shopping and dining opportunities. Spend an afternoon ducking in and out of the indie shops selling clothing, jewelry, gifts, antiques and more. When it's time for a bite, choose from the array of casual eateries and upscale bistros located along this vibrant thoroughfare. The Garden District portion of Magazine Street contains some of the city's most popular and acclaimed restaurants.

Listen to Authentic Jazz

As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans is filled with places to experience live music and appreciate this quintessential piece of culture. From formal concerts to casual street performances, jazz flows through the city.

Catch a Show at Preservation Hall

Tucked inside a historic French Quarter building, Preservation Hall offers an intimate jazz show experience. The venue prides itself on showcasing traditional New Orleans jazz with rotating musicians performing each night. With limited seating and no food or drinks served, the focus remains solely on the music. The talented lineup captures the nostalgic roots of jazz and blues in the city. Preservation Hall only accepts cash and does not allow photography, helping maintain a timeless ambiance.

Watch Jazz Fest Performers

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a legendary music fest taking place each April and May. While you can buy tickets for the actual festival, there are plenty of affiliated shows happening around town. Many Jazz Fest performers schedule additional solo concerts and shows at venues around the city. Research who's in town for the festival and snag tickets to these bonus shows often held at spots like Tipitina's Uptown, House of Blues, and Maple Leaf Bar.

Wander Frenchmen Street

For a more freewheeling and festive jazz night, head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny neighborhood. While Bourbon Street caters to tourists, Frenchmen Street offers an authentic vibe and stellar musical lineup. Clubs like Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, and Snug Harbor stay open late, with live music spilling onto the streets. You'll find a range of music styles from traditional brass bands to edgy rock infused jazz. The best part? Most places have free admission so you can pop in and out catching a variety of performances.

Savor the Local Cuisine

It's impossible to talk about New Orleans without mentioning the food. The city's distinctive cuisine showcases influences from Europe, the Caribbean, and the Gulf South. Don't leave without sampling some Creole and Cajun staples and regional specialties.

Indulge in Beignets at Café Du Monde

No visit to New Orleans is complete without stopping by Café Du Monde for an order of beignets. This French Quarter coffee shop has been dishing up the quintessential NOLA treat for over 150 years. Beignets are square French-style doughnuts lavishly coated in powdered sugar. Sip on some dark roasted chicory coffee alongside as you enjoy the sweet fried pastry. Just be warned that you'll end up with powdered sugar all over your hands and clothes!

Savor a Po'Boy

The po'boy sandwich is another iconic New Orleans specialty found on menus everywhere. Fresh French bread gets stacked with your choice of fried seafood like shrimp, oysters, catfish or soft shell crab. You can also opt for roast beef or other meat. Local favorites for po'boys include Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Mahony's, and Guy's Po-Boys. Don't limit yourself to just one though, as the many variations make for an ideal po'boy sandwich crawl of the city.

Indulge in Creole & Cajun Fare

Branch out and experience more traditional Creole and Cajun cooking at classic NOLA restaurants. Dishes incorporate the traditional "holy trinity" of onions, celery, and green peppers with ingredients like crawfish, andouille sausage, okra, and shrimp. Some iconic menu items to try include jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice, and shrimp creole. Top spots for authentic cuisine include Commander's Palace, Dooky Chase's Restaurant, and Jacques-Imo's Cafe.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans defies a simple description, instead enticing visitors with its vibrant culture, storied history, mouthwatering cuisine, and festive atmosphere. Music, art, architecture, and nature intertwine through unique neighborhoods brimming with personality. Spend some time wandering beyond the French Quarter to unwrap the many layers of this fascinating city. From jazz clubs to historic cemeteries, bayou tours to museums, New Orleans promises experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Have any recommendations for must-do’s in New Orleans? Share your favorite NOLA stops and hidden gems with us!

FAQs

What's the best way to get around New Orleans?

The streetcar is a great option for getting around major neighborhoods like the Garden District and French Quarter. You can also walk, rent bikes, or take rideshares and taxis. Driving yourself can be tricky with limited parking.

Is New Orleans safe for tourists?

While no large city is without risks, millions of tourists safely visit New Orleans each year. Avoid deserted areas at night, don't flash valuables, and be aware of your surroundings like you would in any city. Staying in well-populated areas provides the most safety.

What is the weather like in New Orleans?

New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid while winters are milder. Spring and Fall offer warm weather without as much extreme heat and humidity. Rain is possible year-round.

What are the best family-friendly activities in New Orleans?

Families enjoy City Park's amusements, the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium, steamboat rides, swamp tours, streetcar rides, and walking tours. Many restaurants and hotels also cater well to families.

When is the best time to visit New Orleans?

Peak seasons are Spring and Fall when the weather is ideal without intense heat and humidity. Late April through early May also hosts a number of popular festivals. But New Orleans offers fun year-round!