What to Do and See in New Orleans, Louisiana
I was born and raised in New Orleans. Knowing this city very well and had some memories that cannot be repeated in other cities at all. I will tell you “What To Do and See in New Orleans”. New Orleans is the most unique city in the US. In fact, It is the birthplace of Jazz music. Also the city of Festivals, Mardi Gras, Culture, food, unique atmosphere, etc. However for first time visitors, it is a shock from what they expect and see and experience in New Orleans. This city will not get boring for you even if you visit it several times.
Besides some iconic attractions in New Orleans, there are some other specific events at different times of year, which makes it extra special.
New Orleans, or what’s locals call it as: Crescent City lies below the sea level. You heard it right !!!! In fact, the city is an average of 6 feet (2m) below sea level, with some areas reaches 25 feet (8 m). New Orleans lies between the levees of Lake Pontchartrain and Mississippi River. Actually these levees protect the city from floods and storms.
For other travel inspiration to other american cities, check out these blogs
San Fransisco Top 10 Tourist Attractions
Las Vegas Travel Guide for the First Time Visitors
Kid Friendly Glacier National Park Travel Guide
Best Places to See in Yellowstone in 2 Days
French Quarter
The most important attraction on the “What to Do and See in New Orleans” list. The most iconic place in New Orleans is French Quarter. The area lies on the banks of the Mississippi River and was established by French immigrants at the beginning of the 18th century. French Quarter is about half square mile and has so much to offer. Art, Music, fun, food, culture, history. Every single corner has a story and attractions are endless.
You should walk down the streets and simply enjoy the uniqueness of this area. Also the history of this place is amazing and I highly recommend to learn more about it before visiting this place. Therefore you fully appreciate what you will experience. However if you are visiting with kids in New Orleans, you can enjoy all the areas except Bourbon Street.
I strongly advise not to take kids into Bourbon street. Some specific icons that should be on your list of “What to Do and See in New Orleans, Louisiana” are:
Bourbon Street
The Craziest part of your “What to Do and See in New Orleans” is Bourbon Street. In summary let’s call it: Where party lasts all night long! Why?
Bourbon is the place for bars, restaurants, cabarets. Also every corner beads are flying in the air. Adults can enjoy fun time with friends and will never forget this place. In fact Bourbon is one of the few places that drinking in public is legal and in fact encouraged. Bourbon is all about nightlife. But during the day, it’s like an ordinary street in the French quarter area.
Some locals believe that most of the disasters like hurricanes impacting the city is because of what happens in Bourbon street.
Royal Street
One block away from Bourbon is Royal street. However it’s a whole new world with art, antiques, restaurants and gift shops. You should enjoy the Royal street during the day, becasue some musicians and performers showcase their talents live on the street.
Also some cute and very different hotels and accommodation are also available in Royal street.
Jackson Square,
Jackson Square is a historic and endless attraction in the French Quarter.
In addition, it was built with name of: Place d’Armes. However later it was named as Jackson Square as a honor of battle of New Orleans hero, Andrew Jackson.
The monument is facing Mississippi River with some historic buildings surround this square, from St. Louis Cathedral to museums, restaurants, and Pontalba Apartments. In fact, Pontalba Apartment is the oldest apartment building in US and now is used for shops, gallery and restaurants. Also the famous “Cafe Du Monde” is in the corner of Jackson Square.
Cafe Du Monde
The most delicious part of “What to Do and See in New Orleans” belongs to Cafe Du Monde. The world famous French donuts called Beignet. Powdered sugar is covering the Beignet and with their delicious “Cafe Au Lait”, is an absolute must try. In fact, not even you will love it, but you will crave for it anytime you think about it after leaving New Orleans.
Cafe Du Monde has several locations. But the original one which is the most famous and oldest one is at the corner of Jackson square. This location has been serving fresh hot Beignet for over 120 years.
Jazz music in Frenchmen Street
New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz music. In fact, The Frenchmen street in New Orleans is where it all started. The bars still offer some really good jazz music, combined with the location and atmosphere. This will carve an unforgettable moment in your life.
Here are some examples of idea for where to enjoy and have fun: Igor’s Checkpoint Charlie, Vaso, Rare Form , Louisiana Music Factory, Dragon’s Den, Mona’s, The Maison,
Blue Nile, Three Muses. D.b.a , Snug Harbor, Adolfo, Spotted Cat, Dat Dog, Art Garden, Apple Barrel, Cafe Negril.
Mardi Gras Parades/ Mardi Gras World
The most energetic part of your “What to Do and See in New Orleans” will be Mardi Gras. But if you happen to visit the city around Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). Tens of different parades, each unique in its own way. All colorful floats and dancing people, marching bands and beads and toys flying in the air is just some examples to mention. In fact, this is the most fun and the craziest time of the year to visit New Orleans.
Traveling with kids??? Then stay away from French quarter area in Mardi Gras. Because some scenes and behaviors you will see are not appropriate for kids. However I highly recommend it to the kids about the famous St. Charles street. Here you will see most of the parades and the environment is family friendly. This is the area that even locals enjoy Mardi Gras.
If you are visiting New Orleans, other times of year, then I highly recommend to visit Mardi Gras World. Actually, this is the place, where all the float making, decoration and preparation for Mardi Gras Festival happens.
New Orleans Swamp Tours
Louisiana is famous for its swamps and wetlands, so one attraction definitely worth of try is the Swamp Tour. The take you with boats for a hour long swamp tour, where you see different creatures and beautiful ecosystem. Alligators, turtles, birds, are abundant. You will get a chance to hold a baby alligator as well. Best time to explore the swamps are: spring, summer and early fall. As the weather gets colder, most of the animals hibernate.
Cemetery Tours
Believe it or not, cemetery tours are very popular in New Orleans. The graves are build above the ground to protect them from the high underground water and each grave is decorated with beautiful designs and ornate, inspired by Spanish and French culture and architecture. If you like this type of activity, then visiting one of the famous haunted houses in New Orleans is also a very good idea. St. Louis Cemetery is the most famous one.
New Orleans Food
The easiest thing in New Orleans is finding a good restaurant. Louisiana local cuisine inspired by Cajun and creole spices, and the seafood is unbelievable.
French seafood, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Turtle soup, Louisiana po’boys sandwich, craw-fish, all with inspired French Cajun-Creole flavors. We never tried a restaurant a second time as there are an abundance of options and choices to try. There are a couple very very special foods in New Orleans and need to be tried in these restaurants that I mention:
Open fired grilled oyster with herb, Parmesan butter: Drago or ACME
Turtle Soup: Restaurant R’evolution or Commander Palace
There are other options for your “What to Do and See in New Orleans”, such as : Harrah Casino, Garden District Neighborhood, Cruising with Steamboat Natchez on Mississippi River with Food and Music.
Bottom Line
New Orleans has a lot to offer, it is full of energy, fun and will create some great memories. New Orleans is one of the cities that when people leave, they miss it frequently and always want to come back and enjoy it again.
