Rebecca EngelNew Orleans is a city that gets into your blood. The music spills out of open doors, the food is rich and comforting, and every block has a story to tell. There is history on the street corners, jazz in the night air, and the smell of fresh beignets floating through the French Quarter.
This list rounds up some of the best things to do in New Orleans, from the big must see spots to a few local favorites. Some are famous and some fly under the radar, but each one earns its place in the Big Easy.
1. Wander the French Quarter
The French Quarter is the beating heart of the city and the first stop for most visitors. The streets are lined with colorful buildings, iron balconies, and little shops and cafes on every corner. You can spend hours just walking, listening to street musicians, and peeking down quiet side streets.
It’s one of the most famous things to do in New Orleans, and it is free to roam. Go early in the day if you want the calm version before the crowds show up.
2. Eat beignets at Cafe du Monde
No trip is complete without a plate of warm beignets at Cafe du Monde. These fluffy fried pastries come buried under a mountain of powdered sugar, and they pair perfectly with a cup of chicory coffee. The original spot by the river has been open since 1862 and stays busy almost all day and night.
Grab a table, expect a little sugar on your shirt, and soak up the scene. It’s cash only, so come prepared.
3. Ride the St. Charles Streetcar
The St. Charles Streetcar is the oldest working streetcar line in the world, and riding it feels like stepping back in time. The old green cars rattle down the tracks past grand mansions, oak trees, and the pretty Garden District. Hop on, grab a window seat, and let it carry you along for a slow, scenic tour.
A single fare is cheap, and it is one of the easiest and best things to do in New Orleans. Bring exact change to board.
4. Wander through Jackson Square
Jackson Square sits right in the middle of the French Quarter and buzzes with life all day. Local artists hang their work along the iron fence, fortune tellers set up their tables, and street performers draw a crowd. Behind it all stands the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Find a bench, watch the action, and take it all in. It is a great place to start or end a day of walking.
5. Hear live jazz on Frenchmen Street
For real local music, skip Bourbon Street and head to Frenchmen Street instead. This is where New Orleans locals go to hear live jazz, blues, and funk in small clubs that stay packed most nights. You can bounce from one bar to the next, catching a different band in each one. Cover charges are low or free, though most places pass a tip bucket. Come after dark, when the street really comes alive.
6. Stroll the Garden District
The Garden District is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the country, full of grand old homes and mossy oak trees. A slow walk here takes you past mansions with wide porches, wrought iron gates, and gardens bursting with flowers. Many famous people have lived here over the years, and some homes have starred in movies. Grab a map or join a walking tour to learn the stories. It pairs perfectly with a ride on the streetcar.
7. Take a guided cemetery tour
New Orleans is famous for its above ground cemeteries, where tombs sit like little stone houses. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most famous, and you can only go inside with a licensed guide these days. A good tour walks you past historic graves while sharing the strange and fascinating history behind them. It is one of the more unusual things to do in New Orleans, and it stays cooler in the morning. Wear comfy shoes and bring water.
8. Visit the National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum ranks among the best museums in the whole country, and for good reason. Huge exhibits walk you through the war with real planes, personal stories, and moving film that pulls you in. You could easily spend half a day here without getting bored. Buy tickets ahead of time to skip the line, and give yourself plenty of time. It is a powerful stop that sticks with you long after you leave.
9. Go on a swamp tour
Just outside the city, the bayous and swamps feel like a different world. A swamp tour takes you deep into the wetlands, where you might spot alligators, turtles, and all kinds of birds. You can ride a big pontoon boat for a relaxed trip or a fast airboat for a bigger thrill. Guides share stories about the land and the creatures that call it home. It is a fun half day trip and an easy break from the busy streets.
10. See Bourbon Street at night
Bourbon Street is loud, wild, and unlike anywhere else, especially after dark. Neon signs glow overhead, music pours out of every bar, and the party spills right onto the street. It is touristy for sure, but seeing it once is almost a rite of passage. Walk the strip, listen to the bands, and take in the pure energy of the place. Keep an eye on your things and go with a group to keep it fun.
11. Relax in City Park
City Park is bigger than New York’s Central Park and packed with things to do. You can rent a boat, ride the old wooden carousel, or wander the free Besthoff Sculpture Garden set among the oaks. The Spanish moss hanging from the trees makes the whole place feel magical. Bring a picnic and let the kids run around, or just find a quiet bench by the water. It is a lovely, low cost way to spend an afternoon.
12. Shop along Magazine Street
Magazine Street runs for six miles and is lined with local shops, cafes, and art galleries. This is the place to hunt for one of a kind gifts, vintage clothes, and handmade goods you will not find anywhere else. Stop for lunch, poke around the boutiques, and take your time. The stretch through the Garden District is especially nice for a slow walk. It is a great spot to shop small and support local makers.
13. Cruise the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez
The Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen are real paddlewheel riverboats that cruise the mighty Mississippi River. As you glide along, you get great views of the skyline while a live jazz band plays on board. Some cruises come with a Creole lunch or dinner, and the calliope organ plays before you set sail. It is a relaxing way to see the city from the water. Sunset cruises are the most popular, so book ahead if you can.
14. Eat your way through Creole and Cajun food
The food alone is reason enough to visit New Orleans. This is the home of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and crispy po boys stuffed with fried shrimp. Every restaurant has its own take, so try a few and pick your favorite. Save room for bread pudding or a bowl of seafood etouffee. Eating well is easily one of the tastiest things to do in New Orleans, and it fits any budget.
15. Tour Mardi Gras World
Even if you miss Mardi Gras, you can still see what the fuss is about at Mardi Gras World. This working warehouse is where many of the giant parade floats are built, and you can walk right among them. A guided tour shows how the floats come together and lets you try on costumes for fun photos. It is colorful, a little wacky, and great for families. You even get a slice of king cake at the end.
16. Catch a show at Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall is a small, no frills music room in the French Quarter that has kept traditional jazz alive since 1961. There are no drinks, no fancy seats, and barely any room, but the music is pure magic. Shows are short and sell out fast, so buy tickets ahead or line up early. Squeeze in close and let the horns wash over you. It is one of the most special things to do in New Orleans for any music lover.
17. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art
The New Orleans Museum of Art sits inside City Park and holds a huge collection spanning many centuries. You will see everything from local Southern art to famous works from around the world. The building itself is grand and calm, a nice break on a hot day. After you look around inside, step out into the free sculpture garden next door. It is an easy add on to a day in City Park.
