25 Best Things to Do in New Orleans, From Streetcar Rides to Bar Crawls

Immerse Yourself in History and Culture

New Orleans boasts a rich and complex history, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Delving into this past is a must for any visitor.

1. Explore the French Quarter: Wander through the historic streets of the French Quarter, marveling at the wrought-iron balconies, vibrant courtyards, and centuries-old buildings. Soak in the atmosphere and imagine the stories these streets could tell.

2. Visit St. Louis Cathedral: A majestic landmark in Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. Take a tour or simply admire its stunning architecture.

3. Take a Swamp Tour: Venture into the Louisiana bayou on a guided swamp tour. Observe alligators, turtles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, learning about the ecology and history of the swamps.

4. National WWII Museum: Ranked as one of the best museums in the world, the National WWII Museum offers a comprehensive and immersive look at the history of World War II.

5. Garden District Stroll: Escape the bustle of the French Quarter and explore the elegant Garden District. Admire the antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and peaceful atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

6. New Orleans City Park: One of the largest urban parks in the United States, City Park offers a range of activities, including botanical gardens, sculpture gardens, an amusement park, and walking trails.

Indulge in the City's Culinary Delights

New Orleans is a foodie paradise, renowned for its unique blend of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds.

7. Beignets and Coffee at Cafe Du Monde: A New Orleans institution, Cafe Du Monde is famous for its delicious beignets (French-style doughnuts) and cafe au lait. Be prepared for a wait, but it's well worth it!

8. Sample Gumbo: No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying gumbo, a hearty stew that's a staple of Louisiana cuisine. Find your favorite version at one of the city's many restaurants.

9. Indulge in Jambalaya: Another must-try dish, jambalaya is a rice-based dish with meat, vegetables, and spices. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal.

10. Po'boys: A classic New Orleans sandwich, the po'boy is typically filled with fried seafood, roast beef, or other savory ingredients. Find one at a local eatery for an authentic experience.

11. Crawfish Boil (Seasonal): If you're visiting during crawfish season (typically spring), don't miss the chance to attend a crawfish boil. It's a social event where you can feast on boiled crawfish with potatoes, corn, and spices.

Experience the Legendary Music Scene

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and music is an integral part of the city's soul. Get ready to tap your feet and dance the night away.

12. Jazz Clubs on Frenchmen Street: Escape the crowds of Bourbon Street and head to Frenchmen Street for a more authentic jazz experience. Explore the numerous clubs and bars, each offering live music ranging from traditional jazz to blues and funk.

13. Preservation Hall: A legendary jazz venue, Preservation Hall offers intimate and authentic performances by some of the city's finest musicians. Reservations are highly recommended.

14. Street Performers: You'll find talented street performers throughout the French Quarter, especially in Jackson Square. Enjoy their music and artistry as you stroll through the city.

15. Fritzel's European Jazz Pub: On Bourbon Street, Fritzel's offers traditional New Orleans jazz in a lively atmosphere.

Embrace the Vibrant Nightlife

From rowdy bars to sophisticated cocktail lounges, New Orleans offers a diverse nightlife scene.

16. Bourbon Street Experience: While it can be crowded and touristy, Bourbon Street is a must-see for its lively atmosphere and open-container policy. Be prepared for a sensory overload!

17. Bar Crawl through the French Quarter: Explore the many bars and pubs in the French Quarter, sampling different cocktails and soaking in the ambiance. Be sure to try a Hurricane or a Sazerac, two iconic New Orleans drinks.

18. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Claimed to be one of the oldest structures used as a bar in the United States, Lafitte's offers a dimly lit and atmospheric experience.

Unique Activities and Attractions

Beyond the typical tourist destinations, New Orleans offers a variety of unique and offbeat experiences.

19. Ride the Streetcar: Hop on a historic streetcar and explore different neighborhoods of New Orleans. It's a relaxing and scenic way to see the city.

20. Voodoo Tour: Delve into the history and practices of voodoo in New Orleans on a guided tour. Learn about the city's connection to this unique spiritual tradition.

21. Ghost Tour: Explore the haunted history of New Orleans on a ghost tour. Hear spooky tales of the city's most haunted locations.

22. Cemetery Tour: Visit one of New Orleans' unique above-ground cemeteries, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and learn about the city's burial traditions.

23. Mardi Gras World: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mardi Gras floats at Mardi Gras World. Learn about the history and traditions of this iconic celebration.

24. Audubon Zoo: Home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world, the Audubon Zoo is a great place for families and animal lovers.

25. Shop on Magazine Street: Explore the eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops on Magazine Street.

Plan Your New Orleans Adventure

To help you visualize and plan your trip, here's a table summarizing some of the key activities and their associated themes:

With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and legendary music scene, New Orleans promises an unforgettable experience. Use this guide to plan your adventure and discover the magic of the "Big Easy."