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New Orleans, or âThe Big Easy,â is a destination like no other. Nestled alongside the Mississippi River and loved by locals and tourists alike, this vibrant city is filled with live music, delicious Cajun and Creole food, and genuine Southern hospitality.
In this guide, weâve compiled a list of the best 15 things to do in New Orleans. Many of New Orleansâ top attractions are featured, but there are some exciting, lesser-known options to discover, too.
1. Carousel Gardens Amusement Park in City Park
Carousel Gardens Amusements in City Park has been entertaining kids and grown-ups since 1906 and were painstakingly restored after the flooding from Hurricane Katrina. The highlight here is the antique carousel with its wooden âflying horsesâ â the last one remaining in Louisiana â and there are also plenty of other rides to enjoy.
Two onsite cafes serve fresh food, including local Louisiana creole specialties such as beignets and poâboys. Carousel Gardens gets very busy during the summer, so book tickets in advance if you can. Day tickets include unlimited rides and admission to Storyland, offering great value.
2. Take a Cruise on Steamboat Natchez
For a stylish and convenient way to tour New Orleansâ hotspots, take a cruise on the Mississippi River on the traditional Steamboat Natchez. Stepping on board is like stepping back in time, with old-style music, the captain shouting through a megaphone, and historical tour narration in the background.
There is a fantastic variety of tours on offer, including harbor cruises, brunch cruises, and jazz dinner cruises. Each itinerary offers something different from the next, so be sure to check out the options on the website.
3. Join the Party at Mardi Gras
The two-week Mardi Gras celebrations are the event in New Orleans, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to watch daily parades and world-class entertainment. Mardi Gras celebrations begin early on Mardi Gras Day, which can be on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9, depending on when Easter falls.
Expect to find Bourbon Street and the whole French Quarter totally packed during Mardi Gras as locals and visitors line the streets waiting for the next parade.
Tip: bring a bag big enough to store the trinkets thrown from the floats.
4. Listen to Jazz at Preservation Hall
Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is famed for its live jazz performances and is one of the worldâs most respected jazz venues. The building is much smaller than many concert venues, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere.
Concerts take place on over 360 nights a year and feature local master musicians and special guests from around the world. Unlike many other New Orleans jazz venues for adults only, Preservation Hall is family-friendly and a great experience for older children.
5. Admire the Murals at Studio BE
Located in the Bywater neighborhood, just a 15-minute walk from the French Quarter, Studio BE showcases the work of local artists who hold thoughtful exhibitions in this community space.
The Studio BE team offers informative guided tours that explain the studioâs interesting history. They also give insight into local artist Brandon âBMIKEâ Odums, who created many of the giant murals on display here. Tours last between 45 min to an hour and are usually available to book seven days a week between 11 am and 7 pm. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets through their website for a self-guided tour.
6. Explore the Trendy Warehouse District
The Warehouse District is known for being one of NOLAâs trendiest districts, with enough stylish boutiques and art galleries to satisfy even the strongest thirst for culture. There are plenty of local and international events held in this area, including the First Saturday Julia Street art walk and the New Orleans Film Festival.
Blaine Kernâs Mardi Gras World is also in the Warehouse District, where colorful floats and extravagant costumes are made for Mardi Gras parades. Its huge warehouse provides endless opportunities for unique photo ops.
7. Listen to Live Music on Frenchmen Street
In the Marigny neighborhood, Frenchman Street is one of New Orleansâ top spots for live music venues and nightlife. New Orleans jazz, reggae, and blues spill out of the bars and clubs lining the street, and visitors come from all over the world to experience the buzzing atmosphere. Grab a local specialty sazerac cocktail and soak up those musical vibes, particularly in the areas between Esplanade Avenue and Royal Street.
You wonât have to go far to find a great venue, but some of our favorites are The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, and CafĂ© Negril. Outdoor street performers on Frenchmen Street will entertain you while you wait for the clubs to open.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum is a great daytime activity in this area and takes visitors on a musical journey using dynamic interactive exhibits and engaging musical performances. Find the museum at the intersection of the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street.
8. Sample the Local Cuisine
Louisianans take their food seriously, and their Cajun and Creole cuisine can be traced back to early French and Spanish settlers. There are plenty of fantastic places to eat in New Orleans, but these are a few of our favorites:
Commander’s Palace is a world-class restaurant serving up some of the best Haute Creole cuisine in the city. Youââ find it nestled in the heart of the Garden District, just a short walk from the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line.
Restaurant Râevolution serves classic Louisiana dishes alongside modern creations using local ingredients like alligator, crawfish, and sassafras. Try their signature Death by Gumbo, served with a whole, semi-boneless, oyster-stuffed quail.
This contemporary Cajun restaurant is located near City Park and offers fine food and wine, and fantastic specialty cocktails. Chef Isaac Toupsâ menu is heavily influenced by deep-rooted Louisiana family traditions.
9. Take a New Orleans Ghost Tour
The French Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in North America, having been settled by the French in 1718. As such, itâs packed with fascinating history and, according to some, ghosts!
The Lalaurie Mansion in Jackson Square is rumored to be one of the most haunted places in New Orleans. Here, you can learn about the rituals of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and enjoy hearing about the haunted history of the French Quarter. There are several different tour operators, and tours range in duration and price. For a super spooky experience, head on an evening tour that takes place after dark.
St. Louis Cemetery and Lafayette Cemetery are the most famous resting places in New Orleans and might be included in your ghost tour, depending on which itinerary you choose. If not, you can also visit them by taking a separate Cemetery Tour.
10. Explore the Botanical Garden
The ten-acre New Orleans Botanical Garden, located in New Orleans City Park, is a stunning Art Deco-influenced garden and is home to more than 2,000 species of plants from around the world.
Highlights include the Helis Foundation Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden, with 15 sculptures set among stunning greenery and live oak trees, and the Historic New Orleans Train Garden, featuring working streetcar replicas.
11. Join a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
One of the best ways to see New Orleans is to take a double-decker sightseeing bus, which is a convenient way to see many of the cityâs best attractions. The bus stops at 18 locations around the city, including Audubon Park, Magazine Street, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market, and allows you to get on and off where you choose.
The ticket price includes a guided walking tour of the Garden District. Buses depart every 30 minutes, and there are one and three-day passes available. Bus tours operate daily, from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
12. Get Lost in Nature on a Bayou and Swamp Tour
Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing tours are a great way to view some of the local Louisiana wildlife, including alligators, snakes, and birds, and make fantastic day trips from the city. For thrill-seekers, try a New Orleans Airboat Ride, a two-hour fast-paced ride through the swampland not far from Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.
If you prefer a quieter experience, join a kayak or paddleboard tour. There are plenty of different tours available, depending on skill and fitness levels, so this is a great way to see the Crescent City, even if youâve never kayaked before.
13. Head to Café du Monde for Authentic New Orleans Fare
This New Orleans institution started as a coffee stand in 1862 and now has eight separate locations across the city. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, expect to sink your teeth into some local favorites, including beignets, chicory, and top-notch coffee.
Café du Monde is also a fantastic place to pick up a gift or souvenir, including pre-made beignet mix, so you can have the genuine taste of New Orleans long after your vacation is over.
14. Take a Break at Louis Armstrong Park
If you need a break from the hectic NOLA streets, head to the stunning Louis Armstrong Park, which has 32 acres of green space and is just a short walk from the French Quarter. Named after the great jazz musician, this park is rich in local history and natural charm and makes a great spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
Louis Armstrong Park hosted the first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, now known as Jazz Fest, and is home to the French Opera House, Louis Armstrong Sculpture Garden, and a lagoon in the center of the park.
15. Ride the Historic Streetcars
It wonât be long before you spot your first streetcar, rumbling along the streets in New Orleans. But theyâre not just a novelty attraction, they actually take locals and visitors all over the city!
One of the most popular routes is the historic St. Charles Line, which takes you to and from the Garden District. Or take a ride to the New Orleans Museum of Art on the Canal Street Line. The French Quarter, the central business district, and the riverfront are also all accessible by streetcar.
Tickets to ride the streetcar and very reasonable, starting at $1.25 per ride for adults. If you are planning on riding the streetcar multiple times over several days, you might want to consider a âJazzy Passâ which is more cost-effective than buying individual journey tickets and also includes bus travel.
Discover Your Favorite Things to Do in NOLA
As you can see, New Orleans has no shortage of fantastic attractions. Use this list as a starting point and create your own itinerary taking in the things you fancy. Whether you indulge in sumptuous local cuisine, seek out live music, or wander through New Orleansâ historic streets, this vibrant city will provide an experience you will never forget.
