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New Orleans, United States of America - Things to Do in New Orleans

Things to Do in New Orleans

New Orleans, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

New Orleans is a vibrant cultural melting pot where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences blend seamlessly to create one of America's most unique destinations. Known as the birthplace of jazz, this Louisiana city pulses with live music spilling from every corner, while its historic neighborhoods showcase stunning Creole and Victorian architecture draped in Spanish moss and wrought-iron balconies. The French Quarter, with its cobblestone streets and gas-lit atmosphere, serves as the heart of the city's legendary nightlife and culinary scene. Beyond its famous party reputation, New Orleans offers profound cultural experiences through its rich history, world-renowned cuisine, and deeply rooted traditions. From the mystical allure of voodoo culture to the joyous celebrations of Mardi Gras, the city maintains a spiritual connection to its past while embracing visitors with legendary Southern hospitality. Whether you're savoring beignets at Café du Monde, exploring the Garden District's mansions, or dancing to brass bands in the streets, New Orleans delivers an intoxicating blend of history, culture, and joie de vivre that leaves an indelible mark on every visitor.

Top Things to Do in New Orleans

Explore the French Quarter

Wander through the historic heart of New Orleans with its iconic wrought-iron balconies, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage area buzzes with street performers, art galleries, antique shops, and the famous Bourbon Street nightlife. Every corner reveals hidden courtyards, historic buildings, and the authentic atmosphere that makes New Orleans legendary.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided walking tours cost $20-35 per person and provide valuable historical context. Book evening tours during cooler months, and morning tours in summer to avoid heat and crowds.

Experience Jazz and Live Music

Immerse yourself in the birthplace of jazz by visiting legendary venues like Preservation Hall, The Spotted Cat, or d.b.a. The city's music scene extends far beyond jazz to include blues, funk, and brass band performances that happen nightly throughout the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods. Street musicians and impromptu second-line parades add to the constant soundtrack of the city.

Booking Tip: Preservation Hall tickets cost $20-45 and sell out quickly; book online in advance. Many venues have no cover charge but expect to tip musicians generously. Check local event calendars for free outdoor concerts and festivals.

Take a Culinary Food Tour

Discover New Orleans' legendary cuisine through guided tastings of gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, beignets, and pralines while learning about Creole and Cajun cooking traditions. These tours often include stops at historic restaurants, local markets, and hidden gems known only to locals. You'll gain insight into how the city's multicultural heritage shaped its distinctive flavors.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from $45-85 per person and typically last 3-4 hours with 6-8 tastings. Book morning tours to work up an appetite, and inform operators of dietary restrictions in advance. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) for better interaction.

Visit Historic Plantations

Explore the complex history of Louisiana's antebellum period through visits to preserved plantation homes like Oak Alley or Laura Plantation. These tours provide important historical context about slavery, Creole culture, and the economic foundations of the region. The stunning architecture and oak-lined drives offer glimpses into both the grandeur and the troubling realities of the Old South.

Booking Tip: Plantation tours cost $25-35 per person, with transportation from New Orleans adding $40-60. Book combo tours that visit multiple plantations for better value. Choose tours that address the full historical narrative, including slavery and its impact.

Discover the Garden District

Marvel at some of America's most beautiful Victorian and Greek Revival mansions in this affluent neighborhood known for its stunning architecture and lush gardens. Take the historic streetcar down St. Charles Avenue and explore the tree-lined streets where celebrities and wealthy locals reside in antebellum splendor. The area also features boutique shopping on Magazine Street and the historic Lafayette Cemetery.

Booking Tip: The St. Charles streetcar costs $1.25 per ride and runs every 15-20 minutes. Self-guided mansion viewing is free from public sidewalks, while guided tours cost $20-30 per person. Visit during spring (March-May) when gardens are in full bloom.

Getting There

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the primary gateway, located 15 miles west of downtown with direct flights from major US cities and some international destinations. The airport connects to downtown via taxi ($35-40), rideshare ($25-35), or the E-2 bus route ($2). Amtrak's City of New Orleans train provides scenic service from Chicago, while the Crescent connects to New York and Atlanta. Driving to New Orleans is straightforward via Interstate 10, though parking in the French Quarter can be expensive ($20-30 daily) and limited.

Getting Around

New Orleans is highly walkable, especially in the French Quarter and surrounding historic neighborhoods where most attractions are within a few blocks of each other. The historic streetcar system offers charming transportation along St. Charles Avenue ($1.25 per ride) and connects major neighborhoods. Rideshare services and taxis are readily available, while bike rentals and scooters provide alternative options for exploring. The city's compact layout and flat terrain make walking the preferred method for short distances, though summer heat and humidity may require air-conditioned breaks.

Where to Stay

French Quarter
Garden District
Marigny/Bywater
Warehouse District
Uptown
Central Business District

Food & Dining

New Orleans boasts one of America's most distinctive culinary scenes, blending French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences into legendary Creole and Cajun cuisines. Must-try dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, po'boys, and fresh Gulf seafood prepared with local spices and techniques passed down through generations. The city ranges from world-renowned fine dining establishments like Commander's Palace and GW Fins to beloved local joints serving authentic dishes in casual settings. Don't miss iconic experiences like beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde, or late-night dining after jazz shows in the French Quarter where many restaurants stay open well past midnight.

Top-Rated Restaurants in United States

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Peppermill and Fireside Lounge

4.5 /5
(19043 reviews) 2
bar night_club

Moonshine Grill

4.6 /5
(7161 reviews) 2
bar

The Southern Gentleman

4.8 /5
(4877 reviews) 2

The Guenther House

4.5 /5
(4678 reviews) 2

Canlis

4.6 /5
(2800 reviews) 4
bar

Whiskey Bird

4.8 /5
(2525 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The best time to visit New Orleans is during the cooler months from December through April when temperatures are comfortable (60s-70s°F) and humidity is lower, making walking and outdoor activities more pleasant. Spring (March-May) offers ideal weather with blooming gardens and numerous festivals, though this coincides with higher hotel rates and crowds, especially during Mardi Gras season (January-March). Summer months (June-September) bring intense heat, humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but also lower hotel rates and a more authentic local experience with fewer tourists. Fall (October-November) provides another sweet spot with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the added bonus of festival season including Halloween celebrations.

Insider Tips

Always carry cash as many local establishments, especially bars and street vendors, don't accept cards, and tipping musicians and street performers is expected cultural etiquette
Venture beyond Bourbon Street to discover authentic New Orleans culture in neighborhoods like the Marigny, Bywater, and local music venues where residents actually hang out
Make dinner reservations well in advance for popular restaurants, especially during festival seasons, and don't be surprised by the leisurely pace of service – it's part of the New Orleans dining experience

Explore Activities in New Orleans