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Fun Things to do in New Orleans
Louisiana
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city guide
New Orleans, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere, offers a plethora of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. One must-visit location is the iconic Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, where you can immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of this historic street lined with bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
Another must-do activity is witnessing one of the many parades that take place in New Orleans, with the season starting on January 6th and culminating in celebrations leading up to Easter. These parades showcase the city's festive spirit and unique traditions, such as Mardi Gras and other cultural events.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and its stunning sculpture garden, which house a diverse collection of artworks spanning different periods and styles. The museum offers a glimpse into the city's artistic legacy and is a great place to explore for those interested in visual arts.
For music lovers, attending concerts at Lafayette Square provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the city's vibrant music scene firsthand. The square regularly hosts live music events featuring local and touring artists, adding to New Orleans' reputation as a music hub with a rich musical heritage.
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day at City Park, a sprawling green space that offers a variety of outdoor activities such as picnicking, biking, and exploring the park's botanical gardens and scenic landscapes. City Park is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
To stay updated on the latest events, attractions, and insider tips in New Orleans, consider following these social media accounts:
- Instagram: @VisitNewOrleans
- Twitter: @NewOrleansCVB
- Facebook: @NewOrleansTourism
For in-depth guides and recommendations on things to do in the city, check out publications like "New Orleans Magazine" and "The New Orleans Advocate," which often feature articles and listings highlighting the best activities, events, and attractions in New Orleans. These publications offer valuable insights and suggestions for making the most of your visit to this dynamic city.
Best time to go
Busy season March and July. When most festivals are happening
Get a deal from January - February (low season)
Best time to go mid September - mid November.
Fun city facts and activities
- Walk down Bourbon street in the french quarter
See a parade - there are tons of them starting Jan.6th and ends Easter.
Visit the NOMA (main museum and sculpture garden
Concerts at layette square
Spend the day in city park
Neighborhoods to explore
- French Quarter (happening)
Trem̩
Marigny (cheap close to the action)
Garden district (quiet)
Bywater ( stay with the locals)
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Cajun/Southern/Seafood
Fried praline filled beignets @ Loretta's
Po Boys (cheap eats at Erin Rose)
Mom and pop's are everywhere like Willie Maes yummy fried chicken
Quirky restaurants (jackomos, looks like its straight out of fear an loathing las Vegas)
New Orleans Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a Haunted Tour: Explore some of the most haunted places in New Orleans and hear stories of the city's mysterious past.
2. Visit the Voodoo Museum: Explore the history and culture of voodoo in New Orleans and learn about its practices and rituals.
3. Explore the Cemeteries: Visit the city's famous above-ground cemeteries and see the unique and ornate tombs and mausoleums.
4. Take a Swamp Tour: Explore the wetlands of Louisiana and see alligators, turtles and other wildlife.
5. Take an Airboat Ride: Go for an unforgettable ride through the bayous and swamps of Louisiana.
6. Visit the City Park: Spend the day exploring the park's beautiful gardens and attractions.
7. Visit Mardi Gras World: Get an inside look at the process of making Mardi Gras floats and masks.
8. Tour the
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Explore the French Quarter.
2. Take a carriage ride.
3. Play and learn at the Louisiana Children's Museum.
4. Eat Creole cuisine.
5. Listen to live jazz.
6. Sail the Mississippi River aboard Steamboat Natchez.
7. See butterflies and other bugs at the Audubon Insectarium.
8. Be amused at Carousel Gardens and Storyland Theme Parks.
9. Look for alligators on an airboat swamp tour.
10. Taste beignets, king cake, and other Big Easy sweets.
11. See amazing parade floats up-close at Mardi Gras World.
12. Go under the sea at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
13. Listen to a fortune teller in Jackson Square.
14. Wander through the New Orleans Botanical Garden.
15. Play miniature golf at City Putt.
16. Visit animals at the Audubon Zoo.
17. Gain insight into New Orleans' resilience and celebration at The Presbyt̬re Museum.
18. Learn history at the National WWII Museum.
City data and FAQ
What is New Orleans most known for?
Food, music (Cajun, Zydeco, Funk and Swampbilly), historical sites, the National WWII Museum, the Mississippi River and being this years Murder Capitol of the United States.
Jon Donley Lives in New Orleans (1997- Present)
The architecture, the people's culture, the vibe, the food, the history and the artistic aesthetics in everyday life.
Vann Junkin - Lives in Hartselle, AL
New Orleans is known for, The French Quarter; Jazz; Food; Mardi Gras; The Saints; A Streetcar Named Desire.
Jesse Spangler - Lives in York, PA
Did is it worth visiting New Orleans?
If you visit New Orleans for a few days, enjoy the scenery, eat at great restaurants, hear some jazz music, and tour the historic sites.
Dave Bowman - Lives in Texas
New Orleans is a great place. Visit, its got magic in it. Come. Walk the quarter. Listen to music. Eat. Go to a parade. Enjoy.
Steven Michael Lives in New Orleans
Are two days enough to visit New Orleans?
Two days should be enough to do some sight-seeing, and eat at great restaurants.
Dave Bowman - Lives in Texas
45 to drill down and experience diverse parts of town. Also depends on the season.
Steven Michael Lives in New Orleans
3 or 4_ One day Jackson Sq. Cabildo, French Markets, French Quarter, Cafe du Monde etc. One day WWII Museum, Lake Front, City Park One day St.Charles Ave, Garden District, Magazine St., etc. MANDATORY lunch at Commanders Palace! Optional Day Plantations outside NO, River and/or Bayou Cruise.
Dick Alexander
The food, culture, music, architecture, history (New Orleans has more places on the National Historic Registry than any other city in America), Carnival, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, Essence Festival, and dozens more. And thats just the metropolitan area. The Mississippi River delta and estuary, the phenomenal ongoing project to restore the vanishing coast (the largest ecosystem restoration in the history of mankind), the marshes and swamps and hunting and fishing (the state nickname of Sportsmans Paradise is quite valid), the Cajun and Creole cultures, plantation country, the most exciting high school, college and pro football in the nationand much, much more.
Chuck Perrodin Lives in Louisiana
Landmarks in the city
Here are some of the top landmarks and tourist attractions in New Orleans, Louisiana:
1. French Quarter: Known for its historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and iconic Bourbon Street, the French Quarter is a must-visit area in New Orleans.
2. Jackson Square: This historic park is surrounded by iconic buildings such as St. Louis Cathedral and the Pontalba Buildings, and is a hub for artists, street performers, and local culture.
3. Garden District: Home to beautiful mansions, lush gardens, and tree-lined streets, the Garden District is a picturesque neighborhood perfect for leisurely strolls.
4. National WWII Museum: One of the top-rated museums in the country, the National WWII Museum offers immersive exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of World War II.
5. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable New Orleanians, including Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo Queen.
6. Audubon Zoo: Located in Audubon Park, the Audubon Zoo is a popular family-friendly attraction featuring a wide variety of animals and exhibits.
7. City Park: One of the oldest urban parks in the country, City Park offers beautiful green spaces, a botanical garden, a sculpture garden, and the historic Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
8. Steamboat Natchez: Take a cruise along the Mississippi River on the iconic Steamboat Natchez to enjoy live jazz music, breathtaking views, and a taste of Southern hospitality.
9. Mardi Gras World: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the elaborate floats and costumes used in the annual Mardi Gras celebration at Mardi Gras World, where you can tour the workshops and learn about the traditions of the festival.
10. Preservation Hall: Experience the authentic sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz at Preservation Hall, a historic music venue that has been showcasing live performances for over 50 years.
