The New Orleans menu is long and storied. And yes, we mean the food, but also the… everything. As the city that commands access to the Mississippi River, it’s perhaps appropriate that New Orleans rewards immersion. The city’s best experiences require visitors to dive in fully, and while three days will give you a brief overview, you may want to spend a little extra time here.
In New Orleans, the rainbow palette of the houses is a feast for your eyes. The music breathes pure sonic fire into your ears. The roots of the live oaks shred the sidewalk beneath your feet. The flavors of the food delight the tongue. The scent of angel’s trumpet flowers fills residential side streets. Every corner of the city treats visitors to new sensations, introducing them to a world built on Caribbean folkways, the African diaspora, French and Iberian culture, and a specifically Southern American embrace of exuberance and community.
Here are the 15 best experiences in New Orleans.
1. Catch Some Music on Frenchmen Street
New Orleans produces a plethora of art, but none of the creative output has left such a palpable imprint on the world as music. Jazz was born here, and live music is one of the Big Easy’s must-do experiences. The granddaddy of modern pop music was a synthesis of African rhythms kept alive by slaves and free people of color and European harmonies.
Working musicians live by their gigs here, and the most accessible way to see them is on Frenchmen Street, in Faubourg Marigny. There are numerous clubs within a few city blocks of one another, including the renowned Spotted Cat and d.b.a., where shows typically kick off around 6 pm and 9 pm.
However, jazz isn’t the only game in town. On St Claude Avenue, you might catch a DJ spinning bounce music – New Orleans’ native dance genre – or witness an engaging burlesque show.
2. Experience a Mardi Gras Parade
There may be celebrations of Mardi Gras in other cities, but there is no event quite like Mardi Gras in the Big Easy. This vibrant party showcases the city’s penchant for hedonism, unleashed through creative costuming and joyous parades.
The holiday offers many ways of enjoyment, as Fat Tuesday culminates roughly two and a half weeks of intensifying partying known as Carnival season.
Planning tip: To watch parades during Mardi Gras, join the crowds in the French Quarter to catch coveted trinkets thrown from the floats.
3. Savor Local Cuisine at a Restaurant
When thinking of New Orleans, food likely comes to mind first. The city’s cuisine embraces locavore and seasonal practices, combining influences from French, Spanish, and African immigrants, resulting in a unique culinary tradition. So indulge in the local delicacies; calories here are evidence of time well spent.
The experiences in New Orleans’ food scene are as diverse as its cooks, with crawfish boils in spring being a quintessential experience that combines communal dining with cold beer and flavorful food.
4. Stroll Down Royal Street
The French Quarter is undoubtedly New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhood, bustling with activity. While Bourbon Street often steals the spotlight, Royal Street offers its own charm with antique shops, art galleries, cafes, and vibrant street performers. The elegant Caribbean townhouses provide a stunning backdrop.
5. House Hunt on St Charles Avenue
The city’s most beautiful avenue, following the curve of the Mississippi, runs through neighborhoods like Uptown and the Garden District. St Charles Avenue is blessed with shade from enormous live oaks, enhancing the grandeur of some of the city’s largest mansions.
6. Discover Artsy Bywater
The candy-colored homes of Bywater have lured newcomers for decades. This district, close to the French Quarter, features charming architecture, vintage shops, and welcoming restaurants and bars, including unique watering holes with hidden pools. Bywater serves as a hub for tourists seeking a blend of contemporary culture and 19th-century architectural style.
7. Relax Along Bayou St. John
Bayou St. John is one of the lesser-known gems in New Orleans. This tranquil waterway, bordered by greenery, includes pedestrian bridges and offers a peaceful escape for people-watching, sunset views, and serene relaxation away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
8. Unwind in City Park
City Park is a lovely green space that houses the New Orleans Museum of Art, forest trails, waterways, and grand live oak trees. It’s an ideal location to spend a relaxing day with family, featuring ample attractions and activities.
9. Wander in Audubon Park
Located in Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Park is a lush, green space adorned with Spanish moss and grand mansions. Popular among locals and students, it offers ample walking and biking trails, including the renowned Audubon Zoo.
10. Enjoy a Drink at a Neighborhood Bar
New Orleanians cherish their local bars, offering a diverse selection beyond the chaos of Bourbon Street. From dive bars to elegant lounges, there’s something to suit every taste. Make sure to try a sazerac, the native drink made from rye whiskey, bitters, and absinthe.
11. Pay Respects at Historic Cemeteries
New Orleans is alive with history, and its cemeteries, famous for their above-ground tombs and mausoleums, exude Southern gothic charm. Each cemetery provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing cultural practices related to burial traditions.
12. Visit the WWII Museum
Ranked among the best museums in the U.S., the National WWII Museum offers a profound exploration of World War II’s history. Located in the Warehouse District, it features immersive exhibits and important artifacts.
13. Celebrate at Local Festivals
New Orleans is a city that adores celebrations, hosting festivals throughout the year. Events such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the French Quarter Festival, and Essence Festival showcase the city’s rich culture and community spirit.
14. Explore the Historic French Market
The French Market, one of the oldest public markets in the U.S., stretches for six blocks. It offers local produce, handmade crafts, and culinary delights, embodying the vibrant essence of New Orleans’ diverse culture.
15. Take a Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi
Cruising down the Mississippi River on a paddle steamer, immersed in jazz music, provides a magical experience. Riverboat cruises offer stunning views of the city skyline and a glimpse into its historical significance.
This article was first published on July 5, 2021, and updated on September 16, 2024.