Hey babes! Let me tell you about New Orleans. This city is fabulous and was more than I expected! There is so much culture and richness that it is a must-see destination. If it is your first trip to the city let me help you! I have created a list of some of the top things to do in New Orleans.
Be prepared to be amazed by this city of wonderful jazz, delicious southern cuisine, art, and mesmerizing architecture along the Mississippi River.
I’ll share a bit of everything I experienced and I am sure it will leave you wanting to return for more!
New Orleans: The Big Easy
There is so much to do here, but one thing I will say is that this place is more of a no-kids vacation spot. There is a lot of entertainment at night which is not for children. Now, this culture-packed city sits on the Mississippi River and has so much history attached to it.
Hotel:
When it comes to a place to stay there are a few options depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you want to be situated in the middle of the action and take in all the action then find yourself a place around the French Quarter maybe even with a balcony. If you are feeling brave the French Quarter is filled with historical places to check out that claim they are haunted. What I would recommend is staying in a hotel on the west side of Canal St close enough to the action yet not too close to the rowdiness.
Transportation:
Everything is close to each other so you can skip the rental car if you stay in New Orleans. If you are planning to explore outside of New Orleans you might consider a few tours that actually provide transportation.
Travel Tips:
New Orleans is quite humid so plan for the weather. This makes the most convenient time to travel September through June.
What to see:
The French Quarter:
There is plenty to see in this area which is the oldest neighborhood in the city. There are houses that are hundreds of years old and it’s filled with rich architecture. You’ll spend most of your time here as it’s filled with delicious food, bars, shops, and even museums. I recommend a guided tour. There are even some at night that talk about all the places that are hunted.
Bourbon street:
Most people are familiar with very famous Bourbon Street, and it definitely lives up to its reputation for its night life. It is a bustling place to grab a drink and enjoy live music in the many bars and clubs on this street. Here you’ll see people hanging on the balconies with bead necklaces, but be careful they expect a show in exchange for some beads. There’s a spot for everyone! It is like every night there is a party there but I recommend visiting on Halloween. Also don’t take a large purse as it just gets in the way and there are many pick pockets.
Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral:
This spot is difficult to miss. Explore the beautiful cathedral featured in many movies. Around Jackson Square there are vendors and quaint shops. I recommend enjoying the sunset here.
Café Du Monde:
A must is eating some beignets at Café Du Monde. It is very crowded, but worth it. There are other places around town that also serve delicious beignets so check those places out as well. Fun Fact: the Louis Armstrong airport you fly into has a Café Du Monde as well so you can take some fresh beignets on your flight.
Garden District:
The Garden District is filled with charming homes and majestic mansions. You might recognize author Anne Rice’s house and the house in “American Horror Story: Coven”. This area also has small shops, bars, and cafés. You can also spot other celebrity homes here. I would highly recommend taking a stroll around this area.
French Market:
There is shopping, food, and music at this open market. It is a historical shopping area dating back to 1791 as it originated as a Native American trading post. Tourists mostly come here for the delicious food stands. You can find anything from snacks to full meals.
Oak Alley Planation:
New Orleans has so much history and you can see and feel it all around you. History is filled with good and bad and it is imperative to explore it all. I recommend visiting the Oak Alley plantation. Despite its dark past, it is a beautiful place. Other than the mansion they show you what sugar cane slave life would look like and where they would live. There are tour buses that pick you up in Jackson Square to Oak Plantation and back. I highly recommend the restaurant on site for its delicious creole cuisine.
Other places to visit /do:
- Frenchman St
- St. Louis Cemetery NO 1
- The French Quarter Hunted Tour
- WWII Museum
- Take a Ferry or steamboat down the Mississippi
- Listen to live Jazz
Places to eat:
- Commanders palace
- Café Du Monde
- The Court of Two sisters
- Nola PoBoys
- Ruby Slipper Café
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