The 15 Best Things to Do in New Orleans
Experience the vibrant culture, music, and unique sights that define New Orleans with these top things to do, from street music to garden strolls.
New Orleans is a city that intoxicates every sense — from the lively rhythm of jazz spilling onto the streets, to the aroma of Cajun and Creole cuisine wafting from bustling bistros. Journey through neighborhoods bursting with history, distinctive architecture, and an energy found nowhere else in the world. Here’s an in-depth guide to the most essential experiences for anyone discovering — or rediscovering — the Crescent City.
1. Catch Live Music on Frenchmen Street
If music is the soul of New Orleans, Frenchmen Street is where it pulses loudest. This stretch just outside the French Quarter is packed with legendary venues and open-air performances. From soulful jazz to brass bands, the spontaneous energy here captures the city’s creative spirit.
- Check out iconic spots like The Spotted Cat Music Club and Blue Nile for intimate performances.
- Street performers, artists, and food trucks often fill the area, making it ideal for an evening stroll.
- For a local experience, time your visit before midnight when the music scene peaks but crowds remain manageable.
2. Experience a Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras isn’t just a festival — it’s the heartbeat of New Orleans’ cultural calendar. Parades feature vibrant floats, costumed ‘krewes’, and the tradition of bead-throwing, embodying the city’s joyous, communal spirit. While Fat Tuesday is the highlight, festivities span weeks with events for all ages.
- Carnival season generally runs from early January to Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
- Look out for family-friendly daytime parades as well as dazzling nighttime spectacles.
- Don’t miss the unique throws — beads, cups, toys, and signature trinkets tossed to the crowds.
3. Delight Your Taste Buds with Local Cuisine
From gumbo to beignets, experiencing New Orleans’ culinary scene is non-negotiable. The city’s diverse flavors draw from French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean roots, best sampled at traditional eateries and bustling markets.
- Café du Monde for classic beignets and chicory coffee.
- Sample po’boys, jambalaya, muffuletta, and étouffée at neighborhood joints.
- Splurge on upscale Creole at local favorites like Commander’s Palace. Reservations recommended!
4. Walk Down Royal Street
While Bourbon Street is known for its revelry, Royal Street offers an elegant alternative with unique shops and a quieter, artistic atmosphere. Stroll past charming buildings with wrought iron balconies, peek into antique galleries, and enjoy impromptu performances from musicians and artists.
- Royal Street runs parallel to Bourbon Street through the French Quarter, offering a more laid-back vibe.
- Don’t miss the boutiques and quirky shops that showcase local craftsmanship.
- Jackson Square — at the heart of the Quarter — is perfect for listening to music or having your fortune told by a tarot reader.
5. Marvel at Mansions on St Charles Avenue
St Charles Avenue is famous for showcasing some of New Orleans’ grandest homes framed by enormous live oaks. The avenue’s curve follows the Mississippi, leading through Uptown and the picturesque Garden District.
- Hop on a historic green streetcar for a leisurely tour — sit by the window for the best views.
- Spot mansions draped in Spanish moss and admire the architecture, from antebellum to Victorian styles.
- If you visit in spring, you’ll find the avenue decked out with Mardi Gras beads and blooming flowers.
6. Immerse Yourself in Artsy Bywater
Bywater’s colorful shotgun houses and bohemian vibe are irresistible. This riverside district buzzes with creative energy, vintage stores, murals, and innovative food and drink.
- Enjoy coffee at quirky cafes and browse local art galleries.
- Seek out hidden gems like neighborhood bars or a secret swimming pool at the Country Club.
- Head to Crescent Park for city views and riverfront walks; the park stretches from Bywater almost to the edge of the French Quarter.
7. Relax Along Bayou St John
This quiet waterway is a peaceful retreat from the city’s energetic streets. Flanked by green spaces and dotted with historic homes, Bayou St John is ideal for a slow-paced afternoon of people-watching or sunset gazing.
- Walk or bike along Esplanade Avenue, lined with gorgeous historic homes.
- The Cabrini pedestrian bridge offers beautiful water views.
- Bayou St John is also a great spot for kayaking and canoeing, with rental facilities nearby.
8. Lose Yourself in City Park
Spanning 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US, filled with live oaks, tranquil lagoons, and a wealth of attractions.
- Wander the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
- Explore Couturie Forest’s wooded trails and observe native birds and wildlife.
- Great for families, with playgrounds, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and pedal boats.
9. Ramble in Audubon Park
Located in Uptown near Tulane and Loyola universities, Audubon Park is a beloved retreat shaded by ancient oaks and gracious lawns. It is perfect for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing with a view of stately mansions.
- The Audubon Zoo features regional and exotic animals in lush, naturalistic settings.
- The park offers a popular 1.8-mile jogging or biking loop.
- Picnic along the riverfront green space known as ‘the Fly’—a local favorite for sunsets and waterfront gatherings.
10. Have a Drink at a Neighborhood Bar
New Orleans’ best bars are often found well away from Bourbon Street’s chaos. This city is where classic cocktails like the Sazerac were born, and the tradition of relaxed but refined drinking prevails.
- Try a Sazerac or a Ramos Gin Fizz — two signature local drinks — at historic bars or neighborhood favorites.
- Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar famously rotates, offering classic drinks and lively conversation.
- Magazine Street’s classy lounges, Marigny’s LGBTIQ+-friendly hotspots, and quirky student bars by the universities each provide a distinct local flavor.
11. Ride a Historic Streetcar
The classic green-and-red streetcars are not just practical transport: they’re a rolling history tour through the city’s storied neighborhoods. The St Charles Avenue line is renowned for its photogenic route, and other lines connect the French Quarter with City Park, Canal Street, and more.
- Streetcars offer affordable fares and frequent service with vintage wood interiors and brass fittings.
- Hop on for garden district mansions and do a hop-off for cafes and shops along the way.
12. Tour a Historic Cemetery
New Orleans’ unique above-ground cemeteries, known as ‘Cities of the Dead,’ are essential for understanding local culture and history. Elaborate tombs and crypts reflect Creole, French, and Spanish influences — and many are said to be haunted!
- Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District is famous for film appearances and exceptional stonework.
- St Louis Cemetery No. 1, the oldest in the city, is believed to be the final resting place of Voodoo queen Marie Laveau.
- Guided tours are recommended for the best tales and safe, respectful visits.
13. Take a Mississippi River Cruise
The mighty Mississippi has helped shape New Orleans for centuries. Step aboard an authentic paddlewheeler for a narrated river cruise, complete with jazz bands, Creole cuisine, and panoramic city views from the water.
- Popular boats include the Steamboat Natchez and the Cajun Queen.
- Options range from jazz brunches to sunset dinner cruises.
14. Visit the National WWII Museum
This acclaimed museum in the Arts/Warehouse District combines immersive exhibits with gripping stories of the war effort and personal heroism. Interactive displays, aircraft, personal accounts, and dynamic presentations make it unmissable for history lovers.
- Plan at least half a day; there are multiple buildings and captivating temporary exhibits.
- A 4D film experience, narrated by Tom Hanks, adds cinematic drama to the museum’s collection.
15. Explore Markets and Shopping Streets
New Orleans boasts memorable shopping experiences, from open-air markets to eclectic boutiques. Find unique local art, vintage treasures, and delectable Louisiana specialties.
- French Market, open daily, brims with crafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies.
- Magazine Street runs for six miles and is lined with funky antique stores, designer shops, and cool cafes.
- Bywater and Marigny districts offer vintage pop-ups and artisan fairs on weekends.
Essential Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (February–April) for festivals; fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting Around: Walking is easy in central districts; use streetcars, rideshares, or bikes for greater distances.
- Stay Safe: Stick to well-lit, busy areas after dark, and keep an eye on personal belongings.
Table: Quick Guide to New Orleans Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Best Known For | Must-See Spot |
|---|---|---|
| French Quarter | Historic streets, music, nightlife | Jackson Square, Royal Street |
| Bywater | Bohemian art, colorful houses | Crescent Park |
| Garden District | Mansions, tree-lined streets | St Charles Avenue, Lafayette Cemetery |
| Faubourg Marigny | Jazz, vibrant nightlife | Frenchmen Street |
| Uptown | Parks, universities, family spaces | Audubon Park, Magazine Street |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the best time of year to visit New Orleans?
A: Spring (February–April) is ideal for festivals like Mardi Gras and French Quarter Fest, with pleasant weather and lively city energy.
Q: Is New Orleans family-friendly?
A: Yes, with parks, zoos, museums, and river cruises, there are many attractions for visitors of all ages.
Q: What’s the best way to get around New Orleans?
A: Walking is perfect for exploring historic districts, while streetcars are convenient for longer trips. Bike rentals and rideshares are also readily available.
Q: Are there free things to do in New Orleans?
A: Absolutely. Enjoy street music, stroll City Park or Audubon Park, visit art galleries during openings, or explore the vibrant French Quarter on foot.
Q: What local foods are must-tries?
A: Savor beignets, gumbo, po’boys, muffuletta, jambalaya, and pralines for a true taste of New Orleans.
