7 Must Do in New Orleans

My ultimate goal when I write about New Orleans is to share things that locals know to be the most valuable. I frequently see tourists recommending tourist spots because it’s all they know, and it limits the scope of what New Orleans has to offer. I’m going to fill you in on what I would tell friends of mine who are visiting to do so that you have the most insider views you could possibly have. Yes, there are things that will seem touristy, but locals do them as well, or they're just enjoyable. I love a nice walk in the French Quarter or shopping on Magazine Street. Enjoying a beautiful day in City Park is something I will never take for granted. There’s so much to do outside of the typical Bourbon Street nonsense, and I want you to know about it. You’re taking the time to plan an amazing trip, and I’m going to help you. You’re in the right place.

French Quarter Fest!

For the love of beignets and poboys, the city of New Orleans is absolutely worth visiting. Despite living below sea level and having hurricane anxiety during the summers, we are obsessed with our city. Having the opportunity to be here for any length of time is truly a treat to yourself and your nervous system. So many people come here because it gives them the chance to unwind and enjoy the easier things in life, all while strolling around Frenchmen Street with a little cocktail in hand and listening to some authentic New Orleans jazz. Come with an open mind, and you will make some great memories in this crazy city of ours. We’re so thrilled for you to make it.

I’ve got an entire blog that I wrote about when is the best time to visit New Orleans, but I’ll lay it out here as well. As a person who has grown up here and spent most of my adult life here, I’ve got my opinions. They likely match most other locals' opinions on the topic as well. Generally from October to May are my favorite months. I’m writing this blog in late December, sitting on my screen porch in shorts and a sweatshirt with my pets, enjoying the low 70s weather. It truly couldn’t get any more perfect than this. You do take some chances at anytime during these months with rain, but our rain doesn’t last all day most times. So, if I were to visit New Orleans as a newcomer, I would come between those months. Otherwise, not so ideal, but doable if it’s all you can swing. Just bring your portable fan and reusable water bottle so you don’t keel over from dehydration or heat stroke.

You’re never going to be at a loss for things to do in New Orleans. Even as someone who has lived here much of my life and experienced much of this city, there’s always something more I could do. You don’t need multiple times to visit to know it’s special. It’s a fantastical city, and one that offers something every day and night of the week, 365 days of the year. I’ll get into more specific categories for you below. Some may repeat themselves, but most will not.

1. Best Things to Do in New Orleans

It’s hard to narrow down the best things to do in New Orleans, but I’ll give you a list of things that I think are worth visiting and experiencing. If you come to New Orleans just once, I’d want you to experience these things.

• Walk Around the French Quarter

And not Bourbon Street. (Sure, go see it, but move away from it ASAP.) It’s a small area and easy to walk in a few hours. You can see the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square as you're walking. Royal Street will serve you much better as a walkable and pleasant street and experience.

• Eat a Beignet and a Poboy

My top picks for beignets are Morning Call and The Vintage, with Cafe Beignet coming in third. For a poboy, Domilise’s, Parkway Bakery, and Killer Poboys.

Directions to: Morning Call; The Vintage; Cafe Beignet; Domilise's; Parkway Bakery; Killer Poboys.

• Ride the Streetcar

Not because it’s the fastest mode of transportation, but it’s a beautiful view on St. Charles Avenue. And if you see the Roman Candy Man, get off the streetcar and get a strawberry stick.

2. Tourist Things to Do in New Orleans

You’re a tourist, it’s ok to do touristy things. Locals do them too, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. If it’s your tenth time to New Orleans, skip this section. You’ve likely done them already.

• Go on a Walking Tour

Two I recommend are a ghost tour in the French Quarter in the early evening with Orion Couling or a Garden District tour with DuPont. Both are very satisfactory and you’ll learn a lot about our city.

• Go to Preservation Hall for a Performance

While locals occasionally attend, it’s mostly going to be tourists who enjoy the shows. They’re local musicians, so you’re going to be supporting local artists.

Directions to Preservation Hall.

• Wear some Mardi Gras Beads and Drink a Hurricane, a Hand Grenade, or a Purple Drink

You will rarely catch locals doing these things, but have at it. As a younger New Orleanian, you better believe I did all of this and more. It’s a rite of passage!

JAMNOLA

3. Free Things to Do in New Orleans

You don’t have to pay to have fun in this city. There is free stuff all over the place, and I’ll help you figure out a few things to do while you’re here so you don’t break your wallet.

• Visit the Historic New Orleans Collection

The HNOC a museum in the French Quarter. The HNOC is located on Royal Street and its mission is to inform visitors of the history of New Orleans. I HIGHLY recommend this museum.

Directions to the Historic New Orleans Collection.

• Go to the Sculpture Garden in City Park

It’s free for anyone, and it’s a beautiful stroll through part of our biggest park, complete with sculptures from all over the world scattered throughout.

Directions to the sculpture garden.

• Walk Along Magazine Street

This might turn into emptying your pockets because we have so many amazing shops along the street, but to simply stroll down it is a pleasant experience. My favorite section is (approximately) between Napoleon and Louisiana Avenues.

4. Unique Things to Do in New Orleans

New Orleans itself is unique enough, and I’m excited to point out some extra unique experiences that I’ve done myself. There’s so much to do here, and I can’t fit them all into this one section!

• Get Spooky at Our Cemeteries

You’ll rarely see cemeteries like ours in New Orleans, and would recommend visiting one, either by tour or by yourself. Not all of them require a guide (most don’t) so you can go in and out as you please.

• Two AMAZING Museums

Two unique museum experiences I think are quite cool are JAMNOLA and Vue Orleans. JAMNOLA (Joy Art Music NOLA) focuses on those things and is a total sensory experience, while Vue Orleans focuses on food, history, people, and music. Both are wonderful. Both are absolutely a unique thing to do in New Orleans.

Directions to JAMNOLA and Vue Orleans.

• Attend a Second Line Parade

A second line is simply the people who follow the band. In the streets of New Orleans, you can frequently catch a second line band. Jump right in and become part of the fun.

Carousel Gardens During the Holidays from the Ferris Wheel

5. Family Things to Do in New Orleans

Growing up in New Orleans, there wasn’t a shortage of things to do. Kids grow up doing some really cool things and having a very different experience than many kids in the country. I’m one of them, and I am excited to share some of my favorites.

• Go on Down to the Audubon Zoo (They All AKSED for You 🎶)

Audubon Zoo is one of the finest. The animals are well cared for, it’s clean, pleasant, and informative. Most of all kids love it, and parents find it easy to let them roam around there and play for a day.

Directions to Audubon Zoo.

• Storyland and Carousel Gardens in City Park

This was one of my favorite activities as a child and a child-at-heart. Occasionally they have adult nights, and I have been known to go. Parents will have as much fun as their kids here.

Directions to Storyland/Carousel Gardens.

• Swamp Tours

A great option for families, particularly during warmer months. Our wildlife tend to hibernate in the cold, but if you can get on one of the boats with Cajun Encounters and see alligators in the wild, you’re in for a treat and so are your little ones.

6. Indoor Things to Do in New Orleans

Yes, it does rain here and it does get oppressively hot during the summer. Knowing a few inside activities are key, and I’ll help you with those here. It’s good to get a break from outside, and we do have some fun places to visit.

• Check out a Museum

I mentioned a couple above, but some other noteworthy ones are: WWII Museum located in the Warehouse District; Storyville Museum located in the French Quarter; Sazerac House in the Central Business District (one of my favorites); Backstreet Cultural Museum located in Treme neighborhood. We have plenty more, but this is a good start.

Directions to WWII Museum; Storyville Museum; Sazerac House; Backstreet Cultural Museum.

• Put on that Apron and Get in that Kitchen - We’re Cooking Today

Taking a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking is a fantastic way to learn how to make a few key New Orleans dishes. And please do yourself a favor and buy some pralines. They are the best in the city.

Directions to the New Orleans School of Cooking.

• Aquarium of the Americas

If you love aquariums, our aquarium is wildly popular and a beautiful space. You can take a look at the fishes and all the other aquatic life while getting a reprieve from the outdoors. It’s in the heart of downtown along the Mississippi River, so you can likely walk over to it.

Directions to the Aquarium.

7. Seasonal Things to Do in New Orleans

Y’all might know what I’m going to say here, but you can’t much better than our season in New Orleans. We’re always looking forward to something here because there’s so much to do. Here are my favorites.

• Mardi Gras Season

Without a doubt, this is my favorite holiday because it goes for weeks. Starting January 6th with epiphany, it runs until Mardi Gras Day, and that day is based on the liturgical calendar and changes each year. If you’ve never experienced carnival, make a plan. It’s worth it.

• The Holidays in New Orleans

Christmastime is filled with so much joy and delight. Some of the more special things to experience during the month of December are: Reveillon dinners, Caroling in Jackson Square, and Celebration in the Oaks in City Park. If you’ve visited New Orleans during this time, you know how gorgeous it is.

• Spring Festivals

During our spring, we are loaded with all kinds of festivals. French Quarter Fest is probably my favorite, closely followed by Greek Fest. I’m not into Jazz Fest, don’t come at me. I’ve been going since I was a kid and it’s not the same, and I don’t love it anymore. But hey, if you do, come on!

Parade Krewe in Chewbacchus

We’re so excited to host you in our city. Having people come down, experience our culture, our foods, and our people is what we love the most. This list is truly and insider’s view on things to do in New Orleans that I’m really excited to share. Writing about New Orleans is one of the most delightful and easiest things for me to do for you because you’re going to love it that much more. Think no more about it, and get yourself down to this colorful city. I’ll help you determine where to stay in New Orleans and what to do for first time visitors, if you are one. Whether your first or tenth time, I know you’re going to love it and be back for more. Happy planning, and let the good times roll!

If you liked this blog, you might also like the one I wrote about authentic things to do in New Orleans, the best bars (according to me), and the best coffee shops.

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