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Things to do in New Orleans

Jazz, beignets, and a French Quarter unlike anywhere else.

New Orleans, LA, USA· Airport: MSY
New Orleans — Things to do | CheapoTrav travel guide

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Key facts

  • New Orleans' distinct neighborhoods, like the French Quarter and Garden District, are best explored on foot or via historic streetcar.
  • The city is a year-round destination, but peak season runs from February to May, aligning with Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.
  • Many top attractions, including Jackson Square and the French Market, are free to visit and offer cultural insights.
  • Beyond Bourbon Street, explore Frenchmen Street for live music and local venues, especially in the evening.
  • Consider a swamp tour to experience Louisiana's bayou ecosystem, typically an hour's drive from the city center.
  • The New Orleans Streetcar system provides an affordable and scenic way to navigate between major districts.

New Orleans offers a distinct travel experience, blending rich history, diverse culinary traditions, and a vibrant cultural landscape. Navigating the city's unique offerings requires a bit of planning to fully appreciate its depth, from the architectural charm of the French Quarter to the lively sounds of live music spilling from clubs in Faubourg Marigny. While many visitors focus on Bourbon Street, the city provides a much broader array of activities suitable for various interests, including historic tours, art galleries, and scenic riverfront strolls.

Understanding the layout of New Orleans is key to making the most of your visit. The French Quarter, Central Business District, and Garden District are central hubs for many popular attractions, each with its own character. Beyond these well-trodden paths, neighborhoods like Bywater and Mid-City reveal local favorites, from casual eateries to less-frequented parks and bayou excursions. Consider transportation options like streetcars or rideshares when exploring areas beyond the immediate downtown core.

Dining in New Orleans is an experience in itself, with a spectrum ranging from fine dining to casual po'boy shops. Exploring the food scene goes hand-in-hand with exploring the city's culture; many establishments have decades of history embedded in their menus. Similarly, the live music venues showcase local talent across jazz, blues, and brass band genres, often without a cover charge early in the evening.

For those interested in the city's past, numerous museums cover topics from Mardi Gras history to the World War II experience. Plantation tours outside the city offer a perspective on Louisiana's complex history. Planning your daily itinerary to balance popular spots with some off-the-beaten-path discoveries can enhance your trip. If you find the options overwhelming, a CheapoTrav agent can assist with crafting a personalized itinerary.

In this guide

  • Top sights
  • Free things to do in New Orleans
  • Best with kids
  • Day trips from New Orleans
  • Food experiences

Frequently asked questions

What are some recommended activities for a first-time visitor to New Orleans?
First-time visitors should prioritize a walk through the French Quarter to see historic architecture and hear street performers. Take a ride on a St. Charles Avenue streetcar through the Garden District to admire antebellum homes. Experience the local food scene with a stop for beignets at Cafe Du Monde and try a po'boy or gumbo. In the evening, explore Frenchmen Street for live music. A steamboat ride on the Mississippi River offers a different perspective of the city skyline and port activity.
Are there any family-friendly activities in New Orleans?
Yes, New Orleans offers several family-friendly options. The Audubon Institute operates the Aquarium of the Americas, the Audubon Zoo, and the Insectarium, all popular with children. City Park provides extensive green space for picnics, playgrounds, and even an amusement park, Storyland, with fairy tale-themed exhibits. The Louisiana Children's Museum is another engaging option. Many restaurants are accommodating, and casual walks through Jackson Square or along the riverfront can be enjoyable for all ages.
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What are some unique cultural experiences in New Orleans?
To immerse yourself in New Orleans culture, attend a second line parade, a traditional brass band procession that often occurs on Sundays in various neighborhoods. Visit Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park, historically significant for African American culture. Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) within City Park. Consider a cooking class focusing on Creole or Cajun cuisine, or visit a voodoo shop in the French Quarter to learn about its spiritual traditions. The Backstreet Cultural Museum offers insight into Mardi Gras Indian culture.
How can I experience the live music scene beyond Bourbon Street?
For an authentic live music experience beyond Bourbon Street, head to Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. This area features multiple clubs like The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, and d.b.a., offering a variety of jazz, blues, and brass band performances nightly. Many venues have no cover charge, especially for early sets, allowing you to sample different styles. Additional music venues can be found on Oak Street in the Carrollton area or in clubs scattered throughout the Bywater and Treme neighborhoods.
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What are the best outdoor activities or natural attractions around New Orleans?
New Orleans provides several outdoor activities. City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., featuring ancient oak trees, botanical gardens, and lagoons for boating. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, just a short drive from the city, offers trails through swamps and marshlands, with opportunities for wildlife viewing. Swamp tours are a popular way to explore the bayou ecosystem and often include airboat or pontoon boat rides with local guides pointing out alligators and other wildlife. Kayaking on Bayou St. John is another option within the city.
What historical sites or museums are worth visiting in New Orleans?
New Orleans has a rich history reflected in its many sites and museums. The National WWII Museum offers extensive exhibits on the war effort. The Cabildo and the Presbytère, flanking St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, house comprehensive Louisiana state museum collections. The Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House offer insights into 19th-century domestic life and architecture. For a deeper understanding of Mardi Gras, visit the Mardi Gras World warehouse. Plantation tours like Oak Alley and Laura Plantation, located along River Road outside the city, provide historical context on the region's agricultural past.
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