23 Things You Must Do In New Orleans!
New Orleans is known for delicious food, jazz music, animated nightlife, famous festivals, and general mayhem.
This unique city, located where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, is a must see! There is no shortage of vibrant places here, so it can be hard to decide what to do!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or your fifth, read on for everything you must do in New Orleans.
The Best Things To Do In New Orleans
Shop The French Market
In the French Quarter, overlooking the Mississippi River, you’ll find a 6 block, open-air marketplace called The French Market.
The market is home to a huge variety of artist stalls, local crafts, and yummy food stands, in addition to a farmers market and flea market.
You could easily spend an entire afternoon roaming through everything you’ll find here!
The historic marketplace is quintessential New Orleans and has been an official mainstay since the 1700’s making it one of the oldest markets in the United States.
Did You Know? The French Market was originally started by Native Americans and was an important trade hub well before the arrival of colonists.
The market is open daily and is free to walk around.
Visit Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street has been described as many things but what I can say for sure is it’s definitely the most talked about attraction in New Orleans.
Bourbon Street extends thirteen blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, and is known especially for its party atmosphere. This is one of the wildest streets in all of New Orleans, a city with a passion for spirits and celebrations.
It’s full of strip clubs, historic dive bars, live music joints, and general debauchery, especially in the wee hours.
Many love it, many hate it, but regardless you must see it for yourself at least once!
Grab a quick beer (or a hurricane!) and walk the streets — yes, it’s legal to drink in public here — or bar hop all night. Whatever you do, just please don’t wear sandals.
Not sure what to wear on Bourbon Street? Check out my What To Wear In New Orleans Guide for tips!
Check Out A Jazz Club
Jazz music can be heard all over New Orleans, in the clubs, in the streets, from someone’s porch… everywhere. This is the birthplace of jazz after all, and New Orleans won’t let you forget it.
Jazz is one of America’s oldest music genres, with lineage from African dance and drumming traditions. Musical influences and adaptations were slowly kneaded in by enslaved and free people of the region and the many different cultures passing through this world trade hub during the 16th and 17th centuries.
While in New Orleans, visiting a jazz club is a must!
Famous Music Venues In New Orleans
There are tons of famous jazz clubs and concert halls in New Orleans, with Frenchmen Street having a huge concentration of them, below are just a few of the most famous:
- Preservation Hall
- Tipitina’s
- The Spotted Cat
- Saenger Theatre
- Fritzl’s European Jazz Club
Spend A Day In City Park
City Park holds the world’s largest collection of mature oak trees, some over 700 years old. This is a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, and people watch.
While most of the park is free to explore, its main attractions such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and Botanical Gardens require purchasing a ticket.
Fun Fact: New Orleans’ City Park is twice the size of New York’s famous Central Park.
Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Located within City Park is Besthoff Sculpture Garden, an 11 acre exhibit owned by the New Orleans Museum of Art. This beautiful, modern park boasts 90 modern sculptures and is free to walk around!
The garden is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Watch Street Performers In Jackson Square
Located in the heart of the French Quarter is Jackson Square! It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Orleans and one of the best places to visit during your trip. Here you’ll find local artists painting and drawing, street artists performing, live music, and plenty of unique shops.
Tip: While you’re in this area be sure to explore Royal Street which is famous for antique shopping, art galleries, and picturesque homes and storefronts.
Jackson Square is sandwiched between St. Louis Cathedral, French Market, and the Mississippi River… impressive company.
Photograph St. Louis Cathedral
As mentioned above the St. Louis Cathedral is a grand church overlooking Jackson Square.
This is the oldest Catholic Cathedral on record in the United States and while the current building was designed in the mid 1850’s, the Cathedral’s history dates well back to the early 1700’s.
Most people snag a picture from the outside — it’s the perfect spot to snap an iconic New Orleans pic — but if you wish to see the interior it’s open daily from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Mass is every Saturday at 5 pm and Sunday at 9 and 11 am, only observe the church from a distance around these hours unless you plan to attend. Visitor hours and mass times can vary so be sure to check their website!
Party On Frenchmen Street
While Bourbon Street gets all the fame, Frenchmen is where you’ll find more of an authentic New Orleans experience. It’s a more sharpened version of Bourbon with all the charms like excellent live music and fun nightlife, just with less… chaos.
The most well-known stretch of Frenchmen is the southern portion roughly between Washington Square and the intersection of Esplanade Avenue. This is where you’ll find a huge array of live performances, both in the street and the bars, ranging from jazz and blues to rock and reggae.
Frenchman Street is located near Bourbon, about a 10 – 20 minute walk depending where on Bourbon you are, so it’s easy to visit both in one go!
See The New Orleans Museum of Art
NOMA’s collection of more than forty thousand works of art specializes in both French and American art, photography, glass, and even Japanese and African works.
The museum is in the heart of New Orleans’ City Park, and weaves the world-renowned Besthoff Sculpture Garden into the surrounding landscape.
The museum is open every day excluding Mondays for $15-20 per adult.
Ride A Streetcar
Operating since 1835, the St. Charles line is the oldest continuously operating street car in the world. The red line ferries tourists and locals alike along St. Charles Avenue from Canal Street to the Central Business District for just $1.25 per trip.
They have stops all throughout New Orleans, even at some of the attractions mentioned here in this post, and provide guided tours. All in all, they have five different lines so be sure to check the maps for which makes the most sense for your itinerary.
Enjoy Beignets At Café Du Monde
Located in the previously mentioned French Market is the famed Café Du Monde. This is one of the market’s most-loved, and tenured, residents. They’ve been serving up famous beignets since 1862.
Did You Know? A beignet is a fried pastry covered in powdered sugar, the delicious and fluffy treat originates from France.
Café Du Monde is open 24/7 and is always open seating. No need to stand in line, just hop in an open table and wait for a server to come by.
Visit The National WWII Museum
Throughout four historical buildings in the Central Business District, this museum focuses on telling the stories of the war through the eyes of the men and women who experienced it.
You’ll find interactive exhibits, oral histories, and experiences from Tokyo, Berlin, and Normandy.
The museum is open daily for $36 / adult with discounts for military members and seniors. All WWII veterans are offered free admission.
Enjoy A Sno-Ball
If visiting New Orleans in the summer a sno-ball is a must! The much-loved sweet is simply ice shaved down to a fine, fluffy consistency topped with sweet syrup. There are tons of flavors to choose from, so knock yourself out!
There’s lots of places serving up this simple treat on a hot day in New Orleans and whether they spell it ‘Snowball’ or ‘Sno-ball’ it really doesn’t matter.
Ride The Algiers Ferry
The Algiers Ferry is a commuter line frequented by both locals and tourists thanks to its great views of downtown New Orleans.
The $2 ferry departs the French Quarter and crosses the Mississippi, landing in Algiers Point after about 30 minutes.
Following the quick ferry ride be sure to enjoy Algiers Point! This is a beautiful, historic neighborhood with cute homes, oak-lined streets, and charming cafes.
Tip: The Steamboat Natchez is another popular way to get out on the water in New Orleans.
Explore Audubon Park
Sitting west of City Center near the campuses of Tulane and Loyola, this gorgeous green space backs up to the Mississippi River.
The park is home to countless beautiful live oaks and has activities ranging from jogging trails surrounding lagoons, tennis courts, and even Audubon Zoo and Aquarium.
Go For A Foodie Tour
New Orleans is famous for their cuisine which pulls from French, Cajun, and Creole influences. It’s some of the most distinct (and tasty!) in the United States.
Going for a food tour is a great way to get to know a city! They showcase the best of a city’s culinary and cocktail heritage and are a fun way to branch out and try new flavors!
This is a popular food tasting tour that also covers New Orleans history.
If you’re more hands on opt for a cooking class instead. This 3-hour class with New Orleans School of Cooking has incredible reviews or there’s a cooking demonstration, if you just want to watch.
Vegan or vegetarian? Unfortunately most tours and classes don’t accommodate these dietary restrictions, so check out I-tal Garden, Sweet Soulfood, Small Mart, and Meals From The Heart Cafe (I loved their vegan crab cake!). These restaurants have delicious recreations of New Orleans classics such as po’ boys, gumbo, and etouffee along with well-known comforts like mac n’ cheese and grits!
Magazine Street
Magazine Street is another famed thoroughfare in New Orleans. It follows the winding Mississippi River for six miles, stretching from the French Quarter through the Garden District, ending at Audubon Park in Uptown.
The street is known for eccentric shops, antiques, art galleries, popular restaurants, and cafes galore.
Following this street even for just a mile or two is a great way to see New Orleans!
See A Show At The Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall has been serving New Orleans as one of the city’s most famous and beloved homes of traditional jazz music since 1961. A French Quarter staple, this place is quintessential New Orleans, with no nonsense decor, just simple, pure jazz.
The hall typically hosts four 45 minute shows each night. General admission starts at $25/ adult for one show. Check out their events calendar and purchase tickets here.
Visit A Cemetery
Visiting a graveyard in New Orleans is not only normal, it’s actually quite popular. Cemeteries here are unique because all tombs are above ground.
In Louisiana the ground becomes soggy and fills with water just a few feet below the surface – certainly not ideal for a tomb.
The above-ground graveyard results in an unusual and eerie, but beautiful site.
Most Popular Cemeteries In New Orleans
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
- Metairie Cemetery
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
- Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 2
Cemetery Tours
Most of New Orleans cemeteries are free but paid tours are definitely popular for those interested in learning about the strange and spooky sides of New Orleans history!
Check out this popular walking tour which covers both Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and the stunning Garden District.
If you’re up for a nighttime bus tour you’ll love this 2 hour tour with New Orleans Ghost Adventures showcasing both cemeteries and other haunted happenings around NOLA.
Attend A Festival
New Orleans is famous for its ability to throw a party. The most famous of which, of course, is Mardi Gras! The Mardi Gras festivities begin annually in early-January ending with a final hoorah on Fat Tuesday which marks the last day before Ash Wednesday (usually around late-February).
Did You Know? Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday.
Mardi Gras kicks off Lent in a rather un-holy, but very fun way — celebrating with a massive party, extravagant parades, costumes, beads, and general over-indulgence.
If you can’t make it for the New Orleans festival of all festivals, don’t worry! There’s lots of additional celebrations throughout the year. Some of the most popular include:
- New Orleans Jazz Festival
- Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival
- French Quarter Festival
- Voodoo Music & Arts
Mardi Gras World
Speaking of Mardi Gras, there’s only one place in the world where you can see how the famous parade floats are made, and that’s at Mardi Gras World just south of the French Quarter!
Kern Studios develops over 500 floats (!!) for each parade and here you’ll be able to learn about the history of the parade in New Orleans and even watch the floats come to life.
This is a really unique experience and a great way to get a feel for Mardi Gras any time of year.
Congo Square
Congo Square is a public park located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, near the French Quarter. It’s historically significant as a gathering place where enslaved Africans and Afro-Creoles were allowed to congregate, open markets, and perform music and dance on Sundays, beginning in the late 18th century.
Today, Congo Square is a National Historic Landmark popular for cultural events and festivals.
Visitors can learn about the rich history of the area at the nearby New Orleans African American Museum. It features exhibits on the history and culture of African Americans in Louisiana.
Explore The Stunning Garden District
If you’re looking for the most beautiful place in New Orleans look no further than the Garden District.
This is one of New Orleans’ most stunning neighborhoods thanks to dreamy mansions with picture-perfect gardens and streets shaded by live oaks. The area feels like a movie set at times and is definitely a must-see while visiting New Orleans!
The neighborhood sits about 3 miles west of the French Quarter, on the eastern edge of Uptown. The easiest way to get here is by utilizing the previously mentioned St. Charles Streetcar.
Join A Swamp Tour
In the swamps and bayous near New Orleans you’ll find abundant wildlife such as alligators, otters, and armadillos, as well as hundreds of birds and unique plant species. The natural beauty surrounding New Orleans is definitely underrated and very much worth exploring!
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, the Pearl River area, and Bayou Segnette State Park are all popular areas near the city!
You can explore the parks on your own or join a boat or kayaking tour.
If you join a tour please do not book companies that feed the animals. Unfortunately, feeding the wildlife is common practice for swamp tours around New Orleans, even those claiming to be “eco friendly.”
Swamps are a natural habitat not a zoo. Not only is human food unnatural for wildlife but it dangerously teaches alligators to rely on and associate humans with food.
Fortunately, there are a handful of companies which do not feed the animals. I highly recommend using one of these tour guides. Check out Last Wilderness Tours, Beyond the Bayou Tours, New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, each offers a variety of different tour options!
A Few Final Tips For Visiting New Orleans
- Avoid Airbnb/ VRBO in New Orleans, short-term home rentals have had a particularly negative impact on the local housing market.
- While most tourist areas are safe, there are parts of New Orleans which should be avoided. Our hotel provided guidance on which streets to avoid. At no point did we ever feel unsafe, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings here.
- Don’t talk about Hurricane Katrina.
- Scams are common in top tourist areas. Don’t engage with people who randomly approach you on the street or try to “gift” you things.
- Use the same common sense you would in any major city and as always, have fun!
As you can see there are tons of great things to do in New Orleans. Many attractions here are unique to the region and something you won’t find anywhere else in the United States!
I hope you found this list of things you must do in New Orleans to be helpful!
Any questions or additional tips? Please leave a comment below!
Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional New Orleans guides below or head on over to Visit New Orleans!
More Ideas For Your New Orleans Vacation:
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Love New Orleans
Me too! Such a fun city