Best Things to Do During Your Visit To New Orleans

New Orleans is full of great food, incredible culture, and is a fun time! New Orleans, NOLA, the Big Easy, Crescent City, whatever you want to call it, will not disappoint. NOLA is the perfect place if you are ready to experience jazz music and indulge in cajun flavors. If partying is your thing, it may be best to go during Mardi Gras. If you enjoy touring around such a vibrant city without all the partying, March to May is a great time to visit. 

In this blog post you will find the best places and best way to experience New Orleans, especially if it is your first time visiting.  

The Big Easy

Best things to do in New Orleans

Visit the Garden District

The garden district is known for its beautiful cottages, historic mansions, and lush gardens on St. Charles Avenue. The Garden District is not only a sight to see but also a great place to find upscale restaurants, antique shops, and charming cafes. You will find the historical homes on St Charles Avenue and the independent stores on Magazine Street. In the Garden District, you will also find the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. This cemetery is unique because of the raised tombs and mausoleums. Lafayette Cemetery is highly similar to the cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum is the largest world war 2 museum in the United States. The National WWII Museum showcases the American experiences of why it was fought and how it was won. It is an informational museum that is not only important to experience but incredibly eye-opening. The National WWII Museum is located on Magazine Street in the Central Business District. You can get tickets ahead of time located here.

Experience a Swamp Tour

Going on a swamp tour is honestly one you shouldn’t miss out on. It really shows the true nature of the surrounding New Orleans swamps. For those who love wildlife or being in nature, this is also a great way to get out of the city and immerse yourself. Let’s be honest, you will definitely see alligators. Check here for an incredible tour company. 

Warehouse District

The warehouse district is also known as the art district and is full of art galleries. This district is the trendy part of town where industrial warehouses have been transformed into museums, art galleries, and contemporary restaurants. You will also find swanky coffee shops, boutique shopping, and incredible BBQ joints. If art galleries are your thing, you must head to Julia street where all the galleries are located. Not to mention, Julia street is also home to the Crescent City Farmers Market.

Go Bar Hopping on Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is located in the French Quarter which is such a stunning place to stay. When we went we stayed at Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter and it was perfect. We were able to walk to all the partying but far enough away where we couldn’t hear it all night long. Bourbon street is a street lined with human traffic. It is legal to drink on the streets and bring your drinks to-go to the next spot. You will have to try the hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s, a specialty drink that I would consider a hangover in a cup. Or try a hand grenade for an even more wild experience! You will also find incredible Jazz music being played throughout Bourbon street.  The best spots to check out jazz music includes Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub, Maison Bourbon, and The Jazz Playhouse.

Best things to do in New Orleans

New Orleans Museum of Art

New Orleans Museum of Art or known as NOMA, is the city’s oldest fine art museum. It houses the largest collection of southern art. It is a treat to experience and is located right near the city park. General Museum admission costs $15 for adults. However, there is a special ticket to see Queen Nefertari’s Egypt and it costs $25 per adult. Tickets can be bought online here or when you arrive.

Canal Street

Canal street is the the fifth ave of New Orleans. It is lined with upscale shopping, fine dining, and is great for entertainment. Some of the high end departments include Krauss’, Maison Blanche, and Godchaux’s. Canal Street also houses some of the oldest theatres in the United States. Canal street is about a block away from the french quarter. You can take the street car to many other destinations here. The St Charles line takes you to the Garden District and the Audubon Zoo. 

Audubon Zoo and Park

The Audubon Zoo is New Orleans’ incredible zoo that is located in Audubon Park. Both Audubon Zoo and Audubon Park are part of the Audubon Nature Institute which manages 10 museums and parks dedicated to nature. It is the perfect place to visit if you are traveling with kids.

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is located in the French Quarter and is definitely walking distance from bourbon street and most likely your hotel if that is where you decided to stay. Jackson Square is a historic park and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960. It is located right in front of the St Louis Cathedral. Jackson Square is also known to be the open-air artist colony and you will find local artists’ work on display throughout. 

Café Du Monde

Last but definitely not least and usually my first spot to visit when traveling to New Orleans, Café Du Monde. It is a New Orleans landmark and tourist staple because of its famous beignets and café au lait. It is conveniently located in front of Jackson Square and is a must-visit spot.

Best things to do in New Orleans

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