New Orleans is a city I fell in love with almost as soon as I arrived. It’s gorgeous, the people are fantastic and there’s just no other city like it. Whether you’re headed there for vacation or you’re just trying to sneak a few hours of fun in on a business trip, there’s plenty to do.
New Orleans is nearly synonymous with Mardi Gras, but there is so much more to the city than that. With gorgeous old world charm, culture on every corner, world famous food, and the hum of the river and bayou calling, it can be difficult to narrow down what to do on a trip to New Orleans. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but definitely a place to get started especially if it’s your first time in the city.
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Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
New Orleans is home to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Visitors can dive deep into New Orleans’ waterfront with exhibits on on marine life in the Gulf of Mexico and river life in the Mississippi. There are even stingray touch pools! If you have some extra time and a sense of adventure you can take one of the “wild encounters” and go behind the scenes of the aquarium by snorkeling in the Maya Reef exhibit or meeting penguins or otters.
Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
Touristy but iconic, Jackson Square offers one of the most recognizable views of the city dominated by St Louis Cathedral on the horizon. Markets, buskers, restaurants and other entertainment lines the edges of the square, while the center features a serene park-like environment. St. Louis Cathedral is a gorgeous old Catholic Church, with it’s roots in the French culture of New Orleans. You could easily spend a couple of hours just soaking in the ambiance and beauty of the square.
Cemetery Tour
New Orleans has some of the most famous cemeteries in the world. Due to the swampy nature of the ground in the city and the surrounding area, most burials are above ground in mausoleums. That unusual cemetery architecture combined with a long history of legends of hauntings and ghosts (yes, some hotels and rentals in New Orleans list one of their amenities as being “not haunted”) has made cemeteries one of the main attractions of New Orleans. You can choose to explore the cemeteries on your own, or you can take a guided tour for lots of extra historical tidbits.
Decatur Street
Take a stroll down Decatur Street to take in the sights of the French Market. A mix of old vintage favorites, and newer spots that cater to tourists Decatur has a bit of everything. You can pop into an antique shop to browse, catch a set at one of the local jazz clubs, or get a cold drink at one of the bars. Even if you only have time for a short jaunt, Decatur Street is well worth a stroll for the architecture and vibe alone.
Audubon Nature Institute
In addition to the Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon has a collection of parks and interpretive centers in New Orleans. From an Insectarium to a Planetarium, there’s something for everyone in your family.
Take a Steamboat Cruise
Cruise through the waterways of New Orleans in old fashioned style on a steamboat. You’ll get gorgeous views of the city from a different perspective, and get to see peeks of the New Orleans shipping industry from the water. Some cruises even offer delicious food and drinks for your trip.
Beignets & Chicory Coffee
Make a stop at Cafe Du Monde for some of the famous beignets and coffee. Sure, it’s a little touristy but that doesn’t change the fact that the beignets are delicious!
Take a Food Tour
Speaking of beignets, New Orleans has some of the best food in the world. It’s well-known for it’s Cajun and Creole style food and seafood dishes that will leave you dreaming about them long after you’ve left. The city has a number of food tours that will take you to some of the best restaurants in the city and give you a taste of the local flavor – from muffuletta to seafood gumbo to po’boys, and then wash it all down with a delicious cocktail (the kind you can only get in New Orleans).
National World War II Museum
The National WWII Museum is a massive museum complex spread over several blocks in the Warehouse District. The museum covers the entirety of the war, and has an impressive array of planes and vehicles including a restored PT boat. This is a must visit for any history buff, but still has plenty for everyone else – including a canteen with old school Americana food.
Swamp Tours
If you’re interested in escaping the city for something a little more outdoorsy, consider taking a swamp tour. You can head out on one of the air boats for a unique experience out on the water and get to see some wildlife.
Vampire and Ghost Tour
If a cemetery tour isn’t enough for you, consider taking one of the vampire and ghost tours. Anne Rice placed her novels in the city for a reason. Step down one of the old alleyways and paths in the city and you’ll find yourself experiencing an eerie otherworldly vibe, especially at night. A guided tour can give you some of the background behind why the city became so famous for all things paranormal.
Decatur Street
Take a stroll down Decatur Street to take in the sights of the French Market. A mix of old vintage favorites, and newer spots that cater to tourists Decatur has a bit of everything. You can pop into an antique shop to browse, catch a set at one of the local jazz clubs, or get a cold drink at one of the bars. Even if you only have time for a short jaunt, Decatur Street is well worth a stroll for the architecture and vibe alone.
Ride the Streetcars
New Orleans is famous for the streetcars that make their way down Canal Street. Not only can you enjoy the whimsy of riding a streetcar, but they also make an affordable option for getting to some of the most popular sites in the city. Just be prepared to stand, as they’re a popular option for getting around in New Orleans.