Things to Do in New Orleans: A Soulful Journey Through the Crescent City
Introduction: Where Every Street Has a Story
I’ll never forget my first morning in New Orleans. The scent of powdered sugar wafted through the air, mingling with the soulful notes of a saxophone floating from a nearby corner. I was hooked.
This city has a rhythm unlike anywhere else in the U.S. It’s where French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures blend into something rich and unforgettable. Whether you’re here for the music, the food, the history, or the sheer feeling of being transported, New Orleans doesn’t just welcome you. It swallows you whole.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in New Orleans, mixing well-loved highlights with personal tips you won’t find in every guidebook. Let’s wander.
Stroll Through the French Quarter
You can’t come to New Orleans and skip the French Quarter. But don’t just breeze past Bourbon Street, explore beyond the neon.
Highlights:
- Royal Street: Art galleries, street performers, and local musicians.
- Jackson Square: Linger by the cathedral and watch artists at work.
- French Market: Grab souvenirs or spicy gator-on-a-stick (yes, it’s a thing).
I loved starting my day here with a café au lait and watching the Quarter wake up.
Listen to Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
This is where the locals go when they want real music. Skip the overhyped spots, just follow the sound.
My Favorites:
- The Spotted Cat Music Club
- Blue Nile
- Maison
Cover is usually free or low. Order a local beer and let the brass bands move you.
Eat Your Way Through Café Culture
Sure, beignets at Café du Monde are a must, but there’s more to NOLA’s food scene.
Try:
- Beignets at Café Beignet (quieter, shaded courtyard)
- Breakfast at Brennan’s (don’t skip the bananas foster)
- Lunch at Commander’s Palace (for that iconic turquoise façade)
If you love seafood, dive into a po’boy at Domilise’s or a bowl of gumbo from Mother’s.
Take a Ghost Tour (or a Vampire One!)
New Orleans wears its haunted history with pride. I joined a walking tour through the French Quarter at night, and let’s just say I didn’t sleep easy.
Look for:
- French Quarter Phantoms: The storytelling was top-tier.
- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop: One of the oldest bars in the U.S., and yes, allegedly haunted.
Ride the Streetcar Down St. Charles Avenue
It’s not just transit, it’s time travel. The St. Charles streetcar rolls past antebellum mansions, massive oaks, and local colleges.
Hop off at:
- Audubon Park: Perfect for a sunny stroll.
- Garden District: Home to celebrity-owned mansions and historic charm.
Discover the Garden District
This neighborhood feels like a southern fairytale. I joined a self-guided walking tour and spotted houses straight out of movies.
Don’t miss:
- Lafayette Cemetery No.1: Atmospheric and beautiful.
- Magazine Street: Trendy shops, quirky cafés, and vintage stores.
Visit the Backstreets of Treme
If you’re into music history, Treme is essential. It’s the heartbeat of African-American culture and home to incredible jazz roots.
Visit:
- Backstreet Cultural Museum
- Louis Armstrong Park
Pro tip: Sunday second-line parades happen here too, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch one!
Paddle Through the Bayou
Just 30–40 minutes outside of downtown, you can kayak or airboat through Cypress swamps and spot alligators, herons, and moss-draped trees.
Tour Operators I Loved:
- Canoe & Trail Adventures
- Airboat Adventures
It’s a peaceful, wild contrast to the city’s constant buzz.
Explore Voodoo Culture, Respectfully
Skip the touristy shops and head to real places that honor New Orleans’ spiritual traditions.
Go to:
- Voodoo Authentica: Run by practitioners, not gimmicks.
- Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo: Learn about her legacy.
Always approach with curiosity and respect, it’s more culture than costume.
Bonus: Instagram-Worthy Spots
If you’re a photo junkie like me, here’s where to aim your lens:
- Hotel Monteleone Carousel Bar
- The colorful houses on Esplanade Avenue
- Mural at Studio Be (incredible art and storytelling)
Travel Tips for Visiting New Orleans
- Best Time to Visit: October to April (Mardi Gras = February/March)
- What to Pack: Comfy shoes, bug spray, umbrella, it rains often
- Getting Around: Streetcar, Uber, or just walk!
- Stay Safe: Stick to well-lit areas at night and don’t flash valuables
Final Thoughts: Let New Orleans Happen to You
No matter what brings you here, music, food, architecture, or curiosity, New Orleans will leave a mark. For me, it was the way strangers struck up conversations like old friends and how every meal felt like a celebration.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own journey through the Crescent City. If you’re headed that way soon, save this post, pin it, and drop me a message, I’d love to hear what you loved most!
FAQs About Visiting New Orleans
What is New Orleans best known for?
Its jazz music, Creole cuisine, French Quarter, and Mardi Gras celebrations.
Is New Orleans safe for tourists?
Yes, but like any major city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
What should I not miss in New Orleans?
Frenchmen Street jazz, Garden District strolls, and a taste of beignets!
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
Spring and fall are ideal for weather and festivals. Avoid peak summer heat.
Are ghost tours worth it?
Absolutely! They add a fun, eerie layer to the city’s already rich history.